Why is it sometimes hard for us to resist eating a piece of cake or chocolate, despite promises to give up sweets? Microbiologist Dmitry Alekseev explains how sugar addiction forms and what risks it poses to health.
Sugar Addiction: What It Is and How It Manifests
In our gastrointestinal tract, there are both "beneficial" and "harmful" bacteria. The former contribute to the normal functioning of the body, and their nutrition consists of complex dietary fibers. Meanwhile, the "harmful" microbes are unable to digest complex compounds and require simple "fuel" — sugar. The microbiologist asserts that the more sugar we consume, the more food pathogenic microbes receive. This can lead to their proliferation and various diseases.
What drives us to consume more sweets? Firstly, it is a psychological dependence: sweets calm us, provide energy, and a sense of security. Secondly, the pathogenic microbes themselves "push" us to eat an extra candy. If we stop eating sugar, we may soon feel unwell. This is because harmful microbes begin to release toxic substances into the blood when they lack nutrients.
How can we combat sugar addiction? Experts recommend seeking healthy alternatives to this product. For example, one can eat a little honey when the desire for sweets arises. Dried fruits can also be good substitutes — they are sweet and rich in vitamins and minerals. It should be noted that a lot of sugar is found in convenience foods, carbonated drinks, and some sauces, so it is better to limit their consumption.
Some believe that brown sugar is healthier than white, but this is a myth. The human body breaks down and utilizes both types of sugar equally. It is not necessary to completely give up sweets if you are healthy — in moderation, sugar can be beneficial; the key is not to abuse it.
