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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter.

Everyone looks for a sweet fix now and then, but are you really addicted to sugar? Here’s how to tell if your sweet tooth is a real problem, and how to quit for good.

Is Sugar Really “Addictive?”

Yes. Sugar infuences dopamine, a neruotrasmitter that is part of the reward loop in the brain. When you eat sugar, you feel good, which makes you want more.

Health Risks of Too Much Sugar

Cardiovascular disease

Obesity

Acne

Type 2 diabetes

Cancer

Depression

7 Signs You Might Have a Sugar Problem

  1. You crave sugar every single day.
  2. You “self-medicate” with sugar to handle stress.
  3. You think about sugar all the time.
  4. You get headaches without your typical treat.
  5. You eat less than two cups of vegtables per day.
  6. You are overweight and eat a high-carb diet.
  7. You have thyroid or other hormone problems.

3 Steps to Beat a Sugar Addiction

  1. Eat your nutrients first.

        For a week before you plan to quit sugar, eat lots of gut-healing foods like kimchi, collagen, bone broth, salmon and vegtables.

    2. Incorporate dopamine-boosting activities into your routine.

  • Have protein for breakfast
  • Take a daily probiotic supplement
  • Walk for 10-20 minutes daily
  • Get eight hours of sleep each night
  • Listen to music, playt an instrument, or engage in creative activities
  • Practice meditation
  • Get natural sunlight

    3. Quit cold turkey.

        3-6 weeks is needed to break the daily reliance on sugar.

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Tiffany Joseph

Broward '20

I'm Miss. Congeniality of Broward College North Campus, Events Coordinator of the Psychology Club at Broward College North Campus, new president of Her Campus Broward, I work for Student Services at Broward College North Campus, and I just like to get involved in many great activities that benefit my personal growth.
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Student at Broward College for the past five years, first enrolled on Davie's Central Campus learning Physical Therapy for two years than, transferring to Coconut Creeks North campus for the last three years, now majoring in Early Childhood / Developmental Education. Spent first year with Her campus Broward as Outreach Director, former president of self-entitled campus friendship club, Sammy's Buddy Brigade, member of the Campus Science Club, and a Broward County local student Ambassador with Best Buddies International. Winner of the Sammy's award for most charity work within the community, and now Vice President of Her Campus Broward. I hope to soon be working at Junior Achievement with the elementary and middle school children, in order to have a well rounded experience! The hope is to one day work with and teach children who have special needs such as myself! Biggest belief and philosophy of life is that, no matter what anyone says you can't accomplish in life, I am living proof that anything is possible! Having ADHD, high functioning Autism, and medical conditions such as Scoliosis, helps me to understand special needs children on a level that very few people can! It is this very knowledge that led me to choose Teaching as my chosen profession. Now at age 42, and more than 55% on the way to getting an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, I hope to become an Assistant Teacher within the next year or so. We hope that this true life story will inspire others to never give up either, no matter what anybody says, or tells you, that you can't do, the only one who can truly hold you back is "YOU".