The Sugar Pandemic
Two years ago, we sat in lockdown unsure of when we would be coming out. At this point, we were collectively experiencing an undeniable shift in the way in which we perceive and understand the world. The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to everything we knew, and forced us inward to face parts of ourselves normally suppressed by to-do lists, activities, and plans. Although, the pause may have been much needed in some aspects, isolation coupled with upsetting worldly events is enough to drive anyone mad. The American Psychological Association reported the first significant increase in general stress levels since they began surveying in 2007.
Unfortunately, many are conditioned to turn to alcohol and food for help. Since the pandemic, U.S adults have increased their added sugar intake by 14% and we have seen a greater prevalence of eating to cope, food addiction, and drinking frequency. Many came out of the pandemic with new habits and ways of living, whether for better or for worse.
The sugar pandemic has been contributing to a rise in obesity, metabolic, syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular risk, and neurological dysfunction for a long time. Sugars naturally occur in many foods such as vegetables, fruits, and starches, however, it’s not the sugar found in real food carbohydrates that pose the problem. Real foods are usually packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals that assist in the breakdown and use of sugar. We see issues when sugar is taken in excess and in nutrient isolation from many packaged products such as snacks, sauces, dried fruits, candies, flavored waters, granola bars, and cereals.
Our brain’s reward system is activated when we eat sugar much in the same way it is activated by drugs. Although sugar does not activate this system to the same degree a drug may, too much sugar and too often overstimulates our reward system leading to more cravings and an increased tolerance to sugar.
If you are feeling sugar addicted, you are not alone! It can be difficult to cut back on added sugar if we are not aware of where it is coming from. It’s important to stick to real, whole foods and be able to read labels on packaged food. Awareness is always the first step to change.
Cummings JR, Ackerman JM, Wolfson JA, Gearhardt AN. COVID-19 stress and eating and drinking behaviors in the United States during the early stages of the pandemic. Appetite. 2021;162. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105163
How Sugar Affects the Brain - Nicole Avena - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEXBxijQREo.