Sugar is Addictive
Like drugs, sugar is addictive. High amounts of sugar in our diet triggers the release of dopamine. Dopamine activates the pleasure feeling in brain reward center. Prolong exposure to sugar overload lessens receptors in the brain to sensitivity of dopamine overload - a condition known as tolerance. As a result, craving develops because the brain now needs more sugar to get the same “high” - hence addiction.
Exercise is a great way to improve dopamine and serotonin levels. Serotonin regulates mood (calmness, happiness, emotional stability), blood flow, bowel movement, bone health, sex drive.
In this video by Prof Rob Lustig, he simplifies the mechanism of addiction. He discusses the difference between serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine is a pleasure seeking chemical while serotonin is a happiness and contentment chemical in our bodies - https://youtu.be/EKkUtrL6B18.
