Abstract
Sugar consumption activates the mesocorticolimbic system in a very similar way to substance abuse. But if all addictions initially start with a feeling of pleasure, as in the case of highly palatable foods and sugar rich diets, then why should I abandon something that makes me feel good? And then why does one continue to abuse food despite the negative consequences. There are various ways to deal with the different addictions. However, the problem with sugar addiction, or even more generally with food addiction, is that there is no awareness that the relationship with food can represent an addiction in some cases, and the tools are lacking to identify the most suitable professional figures to help manage the situation when needed. Therefore, the approach to the problem must be multidisciplinary. A methodology based on three fundamental elements is proposed: 1. Training the patient with regard to her/his addiction, providing objective and scientific information, 2. Providing the patient with the right tools, i.e. ‘know-how’, 3. Preventing relapses. Our patients’ stories report how they have learned to manage their emotional needs without escaping, to observe their thoughts by recognising their distortions, to identify what triggers their spasmodic desire for food and understand their behaviour in depth, and to connect better with themselves and others, also sharing the painful emotions along the way! KEY WORDS sugar addiction; food addiction; awareness; addiction treatment; multidisciplinary team.
Highlights
Il consumo di zucchero attiva il sistema mesocorticolimbico in modo molto simile all’abuso di sostanze
The problem with sugar addiction, or even more generally with food addiction, is that there is no awareness that the relationship with food can represent an addiction in some cases, and the tools are lacking to identify the most suitable professional figures to help manage the situation when needed
Our patients’ stories report how they have learned to manage their emotional needs without escaping, to observe their thoughts by recognising their distortions, to identify what triggers their spasmodic desire for food and understand their behaviour in depth, and to connect better with themselves and others, sharing the painful emotions along the way! KEY WORDS sugar addiction; food addiction; awareness; addiction treatment; multidisciplinary team
Summary
Inizialmente tutte le dipendenze partono da una sensazione di piacere, come nel caso del cibo e del sesso che sono delle esperienze gratificanti essenziali per la nostra sopravvivenza. Questo porta inizialmente a sperimentare meno piacere con la stessa dose di sostanza e/o comportamento precedentemente assunto, seguito poi dalla crescita del desiderio: ‘craving’ (come ad esempio nel caso del cibo, scegliendo alimenti dolci, salati, con tanti grassi e calorie). In una recente review hanno preso in esame oltre 300 studi sui cambiamenti neurochimici e l’adattamento neuronale, includendo i cambiamenti nel sistema dopaminergico, che influenzano le emozioni e i comportamenti dopo l’assunzione di zucchero. Se le emozioni negative sono così prevalenti nei nostri bambini e l’assunzione di zucchero così comune, il suo consumo può essere considerato una minaccia alla stabilità emotiva della razza umana (Wehry et al, 2015; Beesdo et al, 2009; Pine et al, 2002). La riduzione del consumo eccessivo di zucchero può essere in grado di ridurre significativamente la prevalenza di emozioni negative in un vasto numero di individui
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