Sugar and spice (and everything not-so-nice)

If you have a sweet tooth like me, then you know how hard it is to resist ice creams, cakes, chocolates, and candies. The reason behind this is that these sugary products trigger the release of opioids in the brain’s pleasure center. In turn, these opioids induce more sugar cravings; hence, the sugar addiction. The bad thing is, we usually have sugar cravings especially when we are depressed. The body’s serotonin and endorphins level is low, hence the body asks for more sugar to trigger the release of these feel good neurotransmitters. It sure does feel good to eat sweet stuff, but too much of it can lead to a number of problems that will surely wipe that sweet smile off your face. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, and even heart disease. But there’s still good news–sugar addiction can be stopped. One good way to do it is to replace your sugar with foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You can also take vitamin and mineral supplements since they help stabilize blood sugar levels.