
A 2008 study published by
Princeton University scientist presented evidence demonstrating that sugar can
be a very addictive substance, wielding its power over the brains of lab
animals in a manner similar to many drugs of abuse.
The team has been studying signs of sugar addiction in
rats for years and finding signs of increased intake and withdrawal, two of the
components of addiction.

The researchers conducted the studies by restricting rats
of their food while the rats slept and for four hours after waking. "It's
a little bit like missing breakfast," the author said. "As a result,
they quickly eat some chow and drink a lot of sugar water." (Bingeing) “In this case they are bingeing on a 10
percent sucrose solution, which is like a soft drink."
Hungry rats that binge on sugar provoke a surge of
dopamine(normal neurotransmitters) in their brains. After a month, the
structure of the brains of these rats adapts to increased dopamine levels,
showing fewer of a certain type of dopamine receptor than they used to have and
more opioid receptors. Sugar bingeing literally changed the
structure of the brain and its chemical receptors of the rats. These dopamine and opioid systems are
involved in motivation and reward systems that control wanting and liking
something. Similar changes also are seen
in the brains of rats on cocaine and heroin.
The researchers were able to produce signs of withdrawal
in the lab animals by taking away their sugar supply. The rats exhibited anxiety as a sign of
withdrawal. The rats' teeth chattered, and the creatures were unwilling to
venture forth into the open arm of their maze, during sugar withdrawal the rats
were too anxious to explore.

For your better health,
Dr. Heller
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