Sugar Addictive in Rats: Maybe Humans Too?
But a new study claims sugar can be addictive. At least it is in rats, and maybe even humans.
And just like drug-addiction, the problem is in our heads.
"It's been known for a long time that drugs of abuse release or increase the levels of dopamine in that part of the brain. Here sugar is doing something drugs of abuse are famous for doing," said Bart Hoebel of Princeton University.
In an experiment, lab rats were fed a breakfast of sugar water, every day for 3 weeks, following a nighttime fast, then denied sugar for several weeks.
When researchers allowed the rats to eat sugar again, they ate more than before!
The rats appeared to be craving the sugar. Or, as some would say, jonsing for it?
"The implication is that there is a link from traditionally defined substance abuse disorders such as drug addiction and the development of an abnormal desire for a natural substance, in this case, sugar," explains Hoebel.
The hope is that these findings will be used treat people with eating disorders, like bulimia.
If this is true, that means Halloween is like one big Studio 54!
Via Reuters.
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The experiment is flawed because it doesn't specify controlled variables.
Furthermore, what if the sugar water was replaced by something else? I'm sure the results would be quite surprising.
ReplyDid you read this part Gerry, "He said it does not appear to be the sugar per se, but the act of binging on sugar that has the effect."
I haven't looked into the experiment any further than what you posted ,but I would remind you that fat has also been claimed to be addictive as well.
ReplyIsn't that sort of obvious? Heroin isn't addictive per se. Excessive use of heroin leads to addiction.
ReplyMy point was that sugar isn't addictive and he says so. All this points too is a brain reward system and it's activation does no constitute an addiction.You would find similar results in the consumption of any pleasurable food or activity.
Heroin greatly exerts control over normal behavior, and deteriorates the normal reward system; that's what makes it an addiction.
ReplyGiven that carbohydrates are utterly unnecessary for proper functioning of the human body it would stand to reason that they are in fact a drug with the potential for addiction.
Hey I know, maybe the Obama administration can look at banning sugar along with trans fat, not exercising and being mean.
Replyerrrr, being hypoglycemic myself- and the fact that I would fall into a coma if I didn't eat carbohydrates on a regular basis I would argue that they are neccessary for the functioning of the human body and brain.
Replyhowever, I do agree that if sugar was banned the obesity problem would cease- banning being a bit strong but it is my strong belief that it should(along with all fast and junk food) be taxed.
ReplyShould we tax something you do that we decide is unhealthy?
ReplyAddictive, not addictive? One thing is for sure we're eating a whole lot more of it:
The US Department of Agriculture tells us that as of 1993, the average American consumed 150 pounds of sugar and other sweetners (excluding artificial ones) a year. That’s an increase of 20% over 1983 statics when we were eating about 2.5 pounds a week. http://www.naturalnews.com/008164.html In addition, the kinds of sugar we consume has changed. Most ‘sugar’ these days is fructose. Fructose? Sounds like it comes from fruit and as thus is healthy - right? ‘Fraid not! The high fructose corn syrup usually used is 6 times as sweet as cane sugar but that doesn’t mean we eat one sixth as much. (pg 171 Lights Out)
ReplyHFCS isn't fructose Cari.
ReplyOf course sugar is addicting; we are hardwired to WANT it because in the wild if we come across sugar/sweet things, it's to our benefit to eat them to keep our energy up. It's true that carbs aren't really necessary for body functions, but they do provide energy and that's definitely key if you're wandering around looking for food all day. I think this is why when people "cheat" on low-carb diets, they REALLY cheat. In the wild, animals don't get addicted to sugar because the forms of sugar they get are mostly from fruits and vegetables.
ReplyActually there are not only rats addicted to sugar, but most of the animals too. My cat for example like sugar even when he have never tried it before.
ReplySo I think it exists with human as well:)
I was interested in the Hoebel's study, but I've realized that his findings had not been published yet. He just gave the presentation at a meeting.
So, has he planned to publish it in a medical jouunal? Is there any way to get the detailed information on this experiment.
Is this still preliminary data?
Yuji from Japan
ReplyApparently addiction is addictive. This is an absolutely shocking find.....
Reply