where brain impairment results in abnormal craving behaviour, with an
individual craving and seeking substances known to cause dopamine release.
RDS demonstrates that a genetic commonality exists between a number of
dopamine-activating substances, including alcohol, opiates and sugar.
The similarity in pathways has further been demonstrated in studies in
animals with food bingeing behaviour, where pharmaceutical treatments for
drug addiction – baclofen and naltrexone – have been shown to be effective
in treating overeating. Since caffeine also affects dopamine levels, it’s no
wonder that highly sugared coffees and energy drinks are favourites among
those abstaining from other substances.
While sugar may well be considered as the lesser of many evils as
far as addictive substances go, some residential treatment centres are
already aware of the difficulties sugar can present and this is
influencing the catering they provide.
‘We are increasingly paying attention to the effect sugar has on
mood and the links between sugar and addiction,’ says Sarah Small,
head of service at Clouds House. ‘Our kitchen team are progressively
looking towards lower GI foods.’
At Hope House, similar measures have been introduced as head of
service, Susanne Hakimi, explains: ‘Three years ago we implemented a low
GI diet. Essentially what that means here is that bread, rice, and pasta, for
example, are wholemeal. Chocolate, fizzy drinks and cakes are not allowed in
the project.’
Hope House treats women with substance dependency as well as other
compulsive disorders, including eating disorders. It’s not only food provision,
but also education that’s important, as Susanne goes on to say: ‘Our chef also
runs a workshop on nutrition, and the dangers of high sugar consumption.
‘We run an intense food group that educates the women and also allows
them a space to discuss their issues with food. This has to be an ongoing
development, as the women can eat out, and not necessarily healthily. We
can only but educate and provide what we understand is healthy food.’
Aseem Malhotra, would certainly see these measures as heading in the
right direction. As for recommendations for treatment providers in their
catering provision, Aseem advises, ‘In terms of a healthy diet, it shouldn’t
really have any added sugar at all.’
He thinks that ideally fruit juice and white bread should also be out: ‘The
body doesn’t know the difference between sugar in fruit juice and sugar in
coke. The impact of refined starches is similar to sugar.’
It’s all very well health professionals and scientists proclaiming we should
cut out sugar but how easy is it, especially for those who experience cravings?
John Rudkin describes himself as a sugar ‘addict’ in
Pure, White and
Deadly
, previously consuming close to 400g a day. His advice, based on
personal experience, is to cut down gradually, the result being an increased
appreciation of food.
‘Swamping everything with sugar tends to hide flavours,’ he adds. ‘When
you really have got used to taking a very little sugar in your food and drinks,
you will notice that your all foods have a wide range of interesting flavours
that you had forgotten.’
Helen Sandwell is an independent registered nutritionist,
Hunger and
Cravings
low blood insulin level
stimulates appetite.
dopamine levels drop
leading to craving.
July/August 2015 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| 7
‘While sugar may well be
considered as the lesser of
many evils as far as addictive
substances go, some
residential treatment centres
are already aware of the
difficulties sugar can present
and this is influencing the
catering they provide.’
read the full version online at:
Blood sugar
levels Fall rapidlY
High insulin levels
convert sugar to fat.
insulin level falls.
dopamine
metabolised.
Blood sugar
levels spike
dopamine release –
reward motivation/
addictive behaviour.
insulin secretion.
You eat
sugar
Cycle repeats.
SUGAR
ADDICTION:
A CYCLE
menace
