Sugar on the Brain

Always thinking about sugar?
There is a reason sugar is on our minds. Each time we intake sugar it lights up the reward system in our brain acting like a drug. Food companies know this, which is why almost every processed or package food has some form of added sugar. The World Health Organization recommends no more than ten percent of an individual's diet should come from sugar. Therefore an average healthy adult should intake no more than 25 grams of sugar a day. A single can of Coke contains 39 grams of sugar, which far exceeds the recommended limit.

How it Affects the Brain:
When we eat food dopamine is released into the brain. However, as we eat the same foods day after day, dopamine levels drop. This phenomenon ensures us to seek a variety of foods to establish intake of an array of vitamins and minerals. Sugar has a different affect on the brain. Dopamine levels remain elevated after consuming sugars day after day. Dr. Nicole Avena is a research neuroscientist, author and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction.  According to Dr. Avena "Research has found that when lab rats consume too much sugar, they will actually show changes in the brain that are consistent with what you might see with addiction to a drug of abuse. So changes in neurotransmitter release, changes in gene expression. And this may play a role in the reason why many people have hard time cutting back on their intake."

Take Action:
Eliminate processed and hidden sugars from your diet. It is simple but it can be tough with our brains craving it. To increase your chances of success take these steps:

1. Add Quality Protein: organic grass fed beef, wild chicken or turkey, and free range eggs.
   
2. Get Healthy Fats: nuts and seeds like sprouted chia or flax seeds, almonds, coconut oils, avocado, ghee or clarified butter.
   
3. Intake Adequate Fiber: vegetables, berries and nuts and seeds.