If you’re not a believer that sugar addiction is a real and possibly quite harmful issue facing society these days, you likely don’t even need to take a look at other individuals around you to discover the truth, as you might have experience “first hand” with this wide-spread and difficult addiction yourself. It is estimated that the majority of people who partake in a typical Western diet eat far in excess of a sensible amount of sugar in any one day and many people still discount the negative primary effects and side effects that this product can deliver.

It is important to note that simple and refined sugars are really not necessary for our bodies to function. 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 notice that you can’t seem get through the first half of your day without a can of soda or something sweet, you probably have a sugar dependence to some degree, and possibly 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. Just like liquor, wine and beer, sugar relies on the depletion of your mineral and vitamin resources in order to be processed by your body.

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.