If you’re not a believer that sugar addiction is a real and possibly quite harmful issue facing society these days, you likely don’t even need to take a look at other individuals around you to discover the truth, as you might have experience “first hand” with this wide-spread and difficult addiction yourself. It has been estimated by a variety of experts that most individuals who regularly enjoy a typical Western diet consume an amount of sugar which far exceeds the recommended maximum limit almost every day, and a surprising number of individuals still discount the debilitating effects – and the side effects too, that this particular product usually delivers.

It is important to note that simple and refined sugars are really not necessary for our bodies to function. Naturally occurring complex sugars are found in many complex carbohydrates and whole foods and a good balanced diet will provide us with the necessary energy to function rather well. Unfortunately, simple sugars are found in a large cross-section of everyday food and drink, often added for taste value or to help with preservation.

If you find you cannot get through your morning or afternoon without a can of soda, or even many of them, you likely have a sugar dependence and perhaps even a sugar addiction. Many experts disagree as to what a sugar addiction in itself might be, whether it might be a fixation on the actual taste or on the short-term energy rush, often referred to as a sugar high. Others point to the main ingredient of white refined sugar as being almost identical to alcohol, with very little if any nutritional value and an empty caloric food, just like alcohol. Just like liquor, wine and beer, sugar relies on the depletion of your mineral and vitamin resources in order to be processed by your body.

To be quite clear about sugar addiction, you need to develop an approach to holistic nutrition and understand that every element of your diet must be moderated. An excessive amount sugar creates a rapid overstimulation of the neuro-transmitters within the human brain, which over time, quickly leads to an increased tolerance and your body expecting more of the same on a regular basis.

If you notice that you’ve been experiencing depression or mood swings for some time now, or that your friends, family or partner tells you that you’re being irrational and irritable, you should consider your sugar intake very carefully. It will be necessary to refer to the nutrition labels on all foods that you consume. You will become an expert in deciphering all those figures and should especially look for references to glucose, fructose, sucrose or lactose within. Most sensible holistic health solutions encourage you not to focus on snack diets or eating “on the fly,” but rather to assume control over your own destiny.

We are constantly being told that we need to cut down on fats within our diet. Saturated fats are a major enemy and we must always check on cholesterol levels and focus on heart health. We also need to pay particular attention to our sugar addiction, as there is a very long list of potential health problems awaiting us if we don’t.