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If you don’t believe that sugar addiction is a realistic and potentially very harmful problem facing society today, you probably don’t even need to conduct additional research or look at other people to find out the truth, as you may be suffering from this most prevalent and most significant challenge yourself. It has been estimated by a variety of experts that most individuals who regularly enjoy a typical Western diet consume an amount of sugar which far exceeds the recommended maximum limit almost every day, and a surprising number of individuals still discount the debilitating effects – and the side effects too, that this particular product usually delivers.

It’s important to keep in mind that simple and refined sugars aren’t actually required for our bodies to operate. Naturally occurring complex sugars are found in many complex carbohydrates and whole foods and a good balanced diet will provide us with the necessary energy to function rather well. Unfortunately for people everywhere, simple sugars are found – in large quantities, in an incredible number of everyday foods and drinks, most often added to improve the flavor, but sometimes simply to assist with increasing the shelf life of the products.

If you find you cannot get through your morning or afternoon without a can of soda, or even many of them, you likely have a sugar dependence and perhaps even a sugar addiction. Many experts disagree as to what a sugar addiction in itself might be, whether it might be a fixation on the actual taste or on the short-term energy rush, often referred to as a sugar high. Other individuals look to the main ingredient of white refined sugar, as it’s nearly identical to alcohol, with an insignificant nutritional value as an empty caloric food, just as with alcohol. Once again, like beer, wine or liquor, it relies on the depletion of your vitamin and mineral resources in order to be metabolized.

To effectively deal with sugar addiction, it’s essential that you develop a sensible approach to holistic nutrition and realize that every part of your diet has to be moderated. Too much sugar creates an overstimulation of the neuro-transmitters within your brain, leading to an over tolerance and the hardwiring of your receptors to expect more and more of the same.

If you find that you have been suffering from depression or mood swings, or that your family, friends or partner accuses you of being irrational and irritable, you should take a cold hard look at your sugar intake. It will be necessary to refer to the nutrition labels on all foods that you consume. You will become an expert in deciphering all those figures and should especially look for references to glucose, fructose, sucrose or lactose within. Most sensible holistic health solutions encourage you not to focus on snack diets or eating “on the fly,” but rather to assume control over your own destiny.

We are constantly being told that we need to cut down on fats within our diet. Saturated fats are a major enemy and we must always check on cholesterol levels and focus on heart health. We also need to pay particular attention to our sugar addiction, as there is a very long list of potential health problems awaiting us if we don’t.