Food & Sugar Addiction

Food and sugar addiction is discussed in this interview with addiction expert David Avram Wolfe, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC, FAC.  We bring to light the complexities of the addicted brain.

Although no one is addicted to broccoli, sugar and foods that turn into sugar can light up the reward center of the brain complicating its use for some.

Defining sugar addiction

Although a hard question to answer, there are criteria from substance abuse that ICD10 & DSM use.  This can help diagnose substance abuse disorder such as:

• Use despite consequences.  You continue to use even though it complicates your life.
• Withdraw or tolerance.  Do you need more than you needed before to get the same effect?
• What happens to you emotionally, physically or psychologically when you stop using?

Physical symptoms of withdraw

• Have you given up social aspects of your life so you can use food instead?
• Have you eaten more than you intended to?
• Have you eaten longer than you intended to?
• Have you continued to use sugar even though a medical professional has encouraged you otherwise.

Unfortunately, the symptoms as they accrue don’t go away.  They are either dormant or active.

When you return to active use, the symptoms return.  Usually all at once.

Addiction has many outlets

Addiction is one disease with many outlets.  It can be sugar, alcohol, exercise, sex, shopping, work, screens etc.  Most individuals with addiction have more than one outlet.

Most importantly, this is why some individuals can’t follow “everything in moderation”.  For example, some individuals will return to active use by consuming even a small amount of certain foods.

These are things like:

• sugar
• refined grains
• artificial sweeteners
• ultra-processed foods
• alcohol

Abstinence may be the only thing that works, as the addicted brain cannot just have ONE.

In other words, WLS is a tool. It doesn’t change your brain.  If you’ve had WLS and this resonates with you, check out Sugarxglobal.com to learn more.

Dave runs an addiction community that provides support, guidance, connection and healing.

If you’re struggling with cravings…

Are you struggling with cravings and feeling out of control?  I would consider working with a functional nutrition professional to get to the root cause and leave no stone unturned.

I’d love to work with you too!  Check out my packages and schedule a time to chat.

Your future health awaits…