Sugar Addiction Recovery: Why It's Harder Than Quitting Alcohol - Mike Collins
Sugar addiction is a legitimate biochemical addiction that affects about one-third of the population, is often rooted in childhood emotional self-soothing behaviors, and can be more challenging to overcome than alcohol or drug addiction because it's socially acceptable and starts at a very young age.
KISMET
When individuals successfully overcome sugar addiction, their most valued improvement isn't weight loss but rather enhanced cognitive function - including better focus, improved memory, and reduced anxiety - as their "brain comes back online" after healing from the neurological impacts of chronic sugar consumption.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode, Dr. Philip Ovadia interviews Mike Collins, known as "The Sugar Free Man," about the reality of sugar addiction and its impacts on metabolic and mental health. Collins explains how sugar addiction often begins in childhood as a form of emotional self-soothing that becomes wired into the brain's reward system. He reveals that about one-third of people are biochemically addicted to sugar, setting up cravings they cannot control through willpower alone. Collins shares that many recovering alcoholics and drug addicts report quitting sugar is actually harder than overcoming their primary addiction. The podcast explores the physical and psychological aspects of sugar addiction, including how abstinence for 90 days can allow the brain to heal and create new neural pathways. Collins also discusses how artificial sweeteners keep sugar cravings alive by maintaining the sweet taste sensation. The conversation highlights how sugar addiction recovery involves addressing emotional triggers and finding healthier self-soothing mechanisms beyond just changing eating habits.
NOTABLE QUOTE
"Sugar gets no respect as an addictive substance. And, you know, it's not, I'm not doing heroin. I'm not drinking. I'm like, I know, I get it. But they just don't understand the biochemi
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