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Sally-Ann Creed, nutritional therapist and author of numerous books, including the provocative, bestselling, co-authored Real Meal Revolution, is the perfect person to answer #Trending’s questions.
Does sugar addiction exist?
I do not believe this kind of addiction is akin to cocaine addiction, but it is a very strong psychological desire for sweet and sugary foods. You will not experience the shakes or need to be tied down if you stop using sugar; you will simply feel a little off colour for a day or so, then start feeling wonderful.
What are some of the misconceptions about sugar addiction?
The main one I think is that it’s a proper drug addiction. I do not believe this. But many people believe sugar is harmless. It’s not; it is a white poison.
Incidentally, sugar is sugar is sugar, whether it’s rapadura sugar, brown sugar, organic sugar, fructose, agave, or any other kind of sugar. It’s all the same thing.
So we should not use sugar at all?
Nobody needs sugar, but most people love the taste. It gives you a sugar spike, which tells the brain “this feels good”.
What causes sugar ‘addiction’?
Again, speaking of this as a psychological condition and learned eating behaviour, I think children are raised to enjoy eating sweet things. They are rewarded with sweet things rather than affection or other means of reward. Food is often used to reward children when they exhibit good behaviour. Think of birthdays and other occasions.
How do you treat this ‘addiction’?
The best way is to make up your mind and stop it right now. You prolong the agony otherwise and never really get to giving it up. It has to be an all-or-nothing effort. I do not believe in “weaning” off a damaging food. Remove all forms from the home and, from that moment on, refuse to have any in any form. It only takes a few days, or even a few weeks for some people, but it’s worth it.
What are the consequences of not addressing your sugar intake?
If you are having too much, you can expect possible diseases in the future. Having too much sugar leads to obesity, heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation of every kind – and even cancer.
What other issues can one expect to deal with?
A lack of energy and needing a “fix” every now and then, but I hasten to assure you this is not a physical addiction that will harm you by stopping suddenly.
Stopping can only be beneficial to a person. It will prevent a number of diseases, most of which stem from inflammation.
Visit Sally-Ann Creed’s website at sallyanncreed.co.za
