© Photo by Jade GordonCut me some lines of that white stuff I crave.
Chocoholism may no longer be a joke. A Princeton University psychologist is today presenting
new evidence that sugar can be physically addictive.
Bart Hoebel, whose research focuses on behavior patterns, addiction and the functioning of the nervous system, has been studying the addictive power of sugar in rats for several years. His previous studies have demonstrated in the rodents one of commonly understood component of addiction: a pattern of increased intake followed by signs of withdrawal.
In his most recent experiments, lab rats were allowed to binge on sugar, then denied the sweet substance for a prolonged period. When it was reintroduced into their diet, they ate more sugar than they had before - behavior that will sound familiar to many dieters.
Ominously, the rats increased their consumption of alcohol after their sugar fix was cut off. They also showed extreme sensitivity to a tiny dose of amphetamine. Both findings suggest their bingeing changed the way their brains function - and not in a good way.
Comment: Have you listened to the latest SOTT Podcast Toxic World, Toxic Bodies?