Like alcohol, pure sugar, candy, and simple carbohydrates cause extreme energy highs and lows, robs nutrients from the body, and continues to keep brain chemistry imbalanced. Experts have labeled sugar as an addictive drug, pointing out the cravings and withdrawals, as well as destruction of balanced body and brain chemistry.
Sugar is a Drug Just Like Caffeine
In Sugar Blues, William Dufty passionately asserts that sugar is a drug. According to Dufty, "In 1973, a U.S. Senate Committee used the word 'antinutrient' to describe sugar." (p. 126) His entire book is about how sugar is linked to depression, disrupts brain chemistry, and is an addictive substance that must be avoided at all costs.
Addictive Nutrition expert Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons, states, “… sugar evokes a beta-endorphin response like an opiate drug such as morphine or heroin.” She admits that the withdrawal symptoms are not as severe as those of the heroin addict, but asserts that the sugar-sensitive person is also “kicking the habit.” (p.144) In her book Potatoes, Not Prozac, Dr. DesMaisons devotes an entire chapter on brain chemistry, taking the time to explain the science and biochemistry behind mood swings, low self-esteem, depression, cravings, and energy levels.
Sugar Sensitivity and Addiction
Sugar metabolism imbalance is the main culprit for extreme mood swings and energy highs and lows. Dr. DesMaisons explains, “Sugar-sensitive people have a more volatile blood sugar reaction to eating sweet foods than do other people.” (p. 51) She further explains how addiction is instigated by disruption of seratonin and beta-endorphin receptors in alcoholics, addicts, and sugar-sensitive people.
Energy Highs and Lows Caused by Refined Sugar and Simple Carbohydrates
The blood sugar levels, seratonin uptake and beta-endorphin uptake are all imbalanced for recovering alcoholics and addicts, according to Dr. DesMaisons. It is critical for alcoholics with imbalanced sugar metabolism to regulate these three chemicals in the brain.
To even out the extreme energy highs and lows, Dr. DesMaisons suggests diet and nutrition changes instead of drugs. Anti-depressant drugs do not solve the entire problem, as all three chemicals are affecting the brain chemistry of the recovering alcoholic and recovering addict.
How to Increase Energy Levels Without Caffeine
Instead of toxic drinks like alcohol, coffee, and energy drinks, try drinking more plain water throughout the day. Water can improve energy levels much more effectively than refined sugar, energy drinks, or coffee. Drinking water also increases metabolism overall, flushes the body of unhealthy toxins, and contributes to longevity.
Eating healthy foods like greens and complex carbohydrates also helps to level out the extreme energy highs and lows. Diet, nutrition and plain water are the key to keeping the brain chemistry properly balanced for lots of energy throughout the day-- not sugar.
Understanding more about the brain chemistry demystifies the puzzling energy highs and lows, and helps the recovering alcoholic make smart choices about what he eats and drinks.
Sources and Resources
How to Quit Drinking Alcohol Without AA
Potatoes Not Prozac by Kathleen DesMaisons, PhD. Addictive Nutrition, (Fireside/Simon & Schuster, 1998). Radiant Recovery is an "online community ... healing addiction through nutrition."
Beyond Prozac by M.J. Norden, M.D. (Regan Books, 1995)
Sugar Blues by William Dufty (Warner, 1975)
Tips on How to Self Detox from Alcohol Abuse
Food for Recovery by Joseph D. Beasley, M.D. and Susan Knightly (Addictionend.org, 2001)
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