Aimee
[closed] Are there any scientifically proven disorders associated with those who stop eating unhealthy foods for a change?
Hello,
My name is Aimee and I am a business senior with a major in administration and a concentration of management. I like learning about fitness and health topics such as yoga, healthy skin, hair, and body systems. I believe that health is something money can never fully buy. For example, someone can go and get a bariatric bypass surgery but then regain old unhealthy behaviors. As part of my quest to understand the body more and influence others to feel better, I believe that I need to obtain some tricks and health tips. It is often said among common folks that someone can get addicted to the effects that caffeine, sugar, and salt can have. Is this simply an urban myth that people imagine, or is there scientific proof from studies that I can see that show people have withdrawal symptoms? I think sugar is like a drug because without will power and personal stregnth someone can easily go back to eating more and more of it.
Thank you,
Aimee #business-administration #business-management #leadership #nutrition
1 answer
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Aimee,
I got a great scientific article that may clarify your doubt. Here it is:
Caffeine is a drug. As a psychoactive compound, this stimulant blocks the action of adenosine and adenosine receptors. Essentially, caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in nerve cells, but it doesn’t slow down the cell’s activity; instead, it speeds it up. Also, while adenosine opens blood vessels, caffeine causes them to constrict.
On the “positive” side, the immediate effects in humans range from enhanced cognitive performance (Smit and Rogers, 2000) to auditory vigilance (Lieberman et al., 1987) to improved reaction time (Durlach, 1998; Lieberman et al., 1987).[i]
But on the “negative” end of the spectrum, it causes high blood pressure, increases heart rate, disrupts sleep cycles, and negatively impacts attention spans.
As the body becomes habituated to the drug, it compensates for these effects, and begins to require more caffeine to function at normal levels. One study showed that children aged 9-10 who regularly drank two or fewer cans of cola a day were less alert than their non-indulging counterparts.[ii]In short, the more caffeine we take in, the less of its effects we experience, and the less we are able to function at normal levels of alertness.
Aside from the stimulant nature of caffeine, we cannot ignore how it is delivered: children and adolescents primarily get caffeine doses through drinking soda and energy drinks. During their most formative years, they are repeatedly exposed to and conditioned to the paring of sugar and caffeine.
So along with decreased brain function, these habits can potentially contribute to life-long afflictions like diabetes and obesity.
Lastly, let’s add to this the fact that childhood and adolescence is the fastest stage of brain development. At this time, proper sleep and nutrition are critical elements in laying the foundation for future brain health and fitness. The consumption of caffeine and sugar undermines both.
We know the habits that contribute to a healthy life. Maintaining good nutrition, getting the right amount of sleep and staying away from drugs are all key lessons that we want our younger generations to internalize.
So, what did you think?
You can read more in: http://www.scilearn.com/blog/caffeine-effect-on-the-brain
Good studies, and good luck!
Upon reading the article, i learned some shocking details about drinks that I did not fully realize. Thank you for your help and support! I enjoy reading about these life-changing pieces of information.
Aimee