Is That Cupcake Poisoning You? A Look at America's Favorite Drug
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Is That Cupcake Poisoning You? A Look at America's Favorite Drug

Sugar is delicious—and also possibly chronically toxic.

7
Is That Cupcake Poisoning You? A Look at America's Favorite Drug
Sarah-Rose via Flickr

There is an addiction in the nation, and I’m not talking about drugs or alcohol in the traditional sense. I’m referring to sugar in its many forms, which is present in much of our food here in the United States—even in foods that seem otherwise healthy. If you’ve ever been determined to make better food choices only to find that around 5pm each day, you’re craving a king size Snickers bar, you’re certainly not alone.

The average American consumes 19.5 teaspoons daily—10.5 to 13.5 teaspoons more than what is recommended by the American Heart Association. Dr. Alan Greene told "Healthline," “In medicine we use "addiction" to describe a tragic situation where someone’s brain chemistry has been altered to compel them to repeat a substance or activity despite harmful consequences…So I’m serious when I say that evidence is mounting that too much added sugar could lead to true addiction.” Why is this happening, and why is this so alarming?

Like other drugs, high-sugar foods cause dopamine, the “reward hormone,” to be released in the brain, which is why we feel happy when we eat junk food and probably why Professor Lupin always gave Harry Potter chocolate after Dementor attacks. Not only does our brain get high off of sugar, but the dopamine receptors dull over time, which means our brains require more and more of the stuff to get the same effect. Those who detox from sugar experience a number of withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, depression, headaches even nausea.

Additionally, when we are stressed out our bodies produce cortisol. Pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Robert Lustig explains, “When cortisol floods the bloodstream, it raises blood pressure; increases the blood glucose level, which can precipitate diabetes. Human research shows that cortisol specifically increases caloric intake of ‘comfort foods.’” No wonder I crave a candy bar when I’m having a stressful moment at work: it’s an endless cycle of sugar cravings and my brain literally encouraging bad habits.

In moderation, sugar is just fine. But in excess—like those 10.5 extra teaspoons per day—sugar could possibly be toxic for our health. Dr. Lustig clarified to the "New York Times" that sugar is not an “acute toxin,” or a substance that can kill after one meal, but possibly a “chronic toxin” that could prove dangerous after 1,000 meals. Besides diabetes and weight gain, sugar has been linked to heart disease, cancer production, liver toxicity, and resistance to leptin, the hormone that signals you’ve had enough to eat.

In response to the backlash of the sugar industry, companies have put high fructose corn syrup into foods to make them appear less threatening and because it is a cheaper alternative than sugar in its traditional form. These companies argue that fructose is the sugar found in nature, so it’s good sugar. But the fructose content in most fruit is considerably less than the fructose content in corn syrup. The bottom line? Fructose is still sugar, and sugar in any form in excess is not good.

Should we stop consuming sugar altogether? I’m the first to argue against that. I’m sure Dr. Lustig would agree that the key to avoiding becoming addicted to and poisoned by sugar is to avoid consuming it in excess—which means carefully looking at labels to avoid dangerous additives. While I’ve read up on sugar detoxes and am in no way denying their health benefits, I prefer to do my best to eat right most of the time and allow myself to try out the new Disney Springs Sprinkles cupcake ATM sometimes as well.

For further information on the possible toxicity of sugar, check out the documentary "Sugar Coated" on Netflix, which features Dr. Lustig himself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70898
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132479
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments