June 26, 2021
Author: Angela Trotter, M.S., CNS, AFMCP, Clinical Functional Nutritionist
Sugar sugar sugar everywhere! Sugar and its tricky mind games, always playing tricks on us. It’s no secret that it’s delicious, but it may also have serious consequences on our body, and therefore, our overall health and wellbeing.
Consumption of high amounts of sugar triggers the mesolimbic dopamine system. This causes Dopamine, a brain chemical, to be released by neurons signaling that an event was positive. So each time we head for the sugar, the brain releases dopamine, further reinforcing the grab for sugar – time and time again.
If cutting sugar has been challenging, the first thing is to not be so hard on yourself and to remember that there are several biochemical processes at play–this is not solely from lack of willpower. Not only is sugar inflammatory to the body, but it can negatively impact our brains and nervous system, leading to cognitive impairment that further intensifies cravings for more and more sugar.
Like a vicious cycle, this pattern of sugar intake can hinder our health in great ways, especially for the
nervous system. For those of you who know someone dealing with Diabetes, you know how high blood sugar damages the nerves and leads to functional impairment (Neuropathy). Similarly, any damage to the nerves from excess sugar intake can also lead to disruption in the vagus nerve function (the nerve that connects the gut-brain axis) and GI tract abnormalities like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), or gastroparesis.
The vicious cycle of sugar intake can hinder our health in great ways, especially for the nervous system. My goals in working with those struggling to remove sugar from their diet? addressing and working with dietary changes to ease the sugar cravings while also addressing underlying imbalances that may be contributing, such as gut disruptions, neurotransmitter imbalances, and lastly, bringing all factors together to provide a dietary plan that works towards decreasing sugar cravings to support our nervous systems and brains and keep us happy and balanced.
Have specific questions about your sugar consumption and it’s impact? Contact Angela Today
Author: Angela Trotter, M.S., CNS, AFMCP, Clinical Functional Nutritionist
*Please Note: The information provided on or through this website or blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. Engaging with this material does not constitute a client/therapist relationship*
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