{"id":1113,"date":"2021-07-18T06:25:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-18T06:25:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2021-07-27T09:32:31","modified_gmt":"2021-07-27T09:32:31","slug":"signs-you-have-a-sugar-addiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/signs-you-have-a-sugar-addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 11 Signs You Have a Sugar Addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you feel as though you might have a sugar addiction, this article is a must-read. We\u2019ll discuss what sugar addiction is, its signs and symptoms, and how it affects your health.<\/p>\n

The purpose of this article is to spread awareness and deliver information about sugar addiction. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any physical or mental health condition.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s best to discuss subjects like addiction and mental health with a qualified, licensed professional. We\u2019re just here to help you figure out if you might have a sugar addiction.<\/p>\n

What is Sugar Addiction?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Sweet, sugary foods are delicious. Hence, it\u2019s very common for people to complain about their insatiable sweet tooth.<\/a> Some of us, however, feel like we find high-sugar foods a little bit too delicious.<\/p>\n

No matter what we try, many of us can\u2019t seem to stop eating sweets, and it\u2019s taking a toll on our health.<\/p>\n

We feel like we\u2019re addicted to sugar.<\/p>\n

The idea of sugar being addictive, however, is actually somewhat controversial. Some think sugar addiction is a valid concern<\/a>, due to similarities seen with other abused substances, including neurochemical changes.<\/p>\n

Others, on the other hand, don\u2019t think there\u2019s sufficient evidence<\/a> for the term \u201csugar addiction\u201d to be used in scientific literature and public policy.<\/p>\n

Many recognize broader food addiction<\/a> but point out that processed foods with added sweeteners and fats appear to be the most potentially problematic.<\/p>\n

For example, most of us aren\u2019t spooning sugar straight out of the Domino bag.<\/p>\n

The foods we struggle with most are those like chocolate, ice cream, cookies, and cake, which are highly processed, hyper-palatable, and high in both sugar and fat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That said, you might not find the debate over \u201csugar addiction\u201d very helpful.<\/p>\n

You see your sugar cravings playing a negative role in your life. Yet, you can\u2019t seem to stop eating it. You may or may not feel like that\u2019s an addiction.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are resources available to help you figure that out.<\/p>\n

Signs and Symptoms of Sugar Addiction<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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First and foremost, if you feel you\u2019re addicted to food or battling disordered eating, consider working with a therapist or other qualified professional.<\/p>\n

One tool you might use to determine the role of sugar in your life is the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While not specific to sugar, it can be a useful tool for any food with which you might be struggling.<\/p>\n

The scale includes a list of 11 symptoms indicating the presence and severity of food addiction.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Addiction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Eating to the point where you feel physically ill.<\/li>\n
  2. Trying and failing to cut down or stop eating certain foods.<\/li>\n
  3. Spending more time feeling sluggish or tired from eating certain foods.<\/li>\n
  4. Avoiding work, school, or social activities because you are afraid you would overeat there.<\/li>\n
  5. Continuing to eat the same way, even though your eating causes emotional problems.<\/li>\n
  6. Eating the same amount of food not giving you as much enjoyment as it used to.<\/li>\n
  7. Having emotional problems because you haven\u2019t eaten certain foods, and then eating those foods to feel better.<\/li>\n
  8. Friends and family worrying about how much you overeat.<\/li>\n
  9. Overeating getting in the way of taking care of your family or doing household chores.<\/li>\n
  10. Being so distracted by eating that you could be hurt (e.g., driving a car, crossing the street, operating machinery).<\/li>\n
  11. Having such strong urges to eat certain foods that you can\u2019t think of anything else.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In addition to these 11 symptoms, two impairment or distress related signs are also considered.<\/p>\n

    Signs of Impairment or Distress<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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      \n
    1. Having significant problems in your life (daily routine, work, school, friends, family, or health) because of food and eating.<\/li>\n
    2. Your eating behavior causes you much distress.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      By using these signs and symptoms, the existence and\/or severity of addiction might be determined:<\/p>\n