How much do you know about sugar? Do you know how much you should be consuming on a daily basis? Well, according to the World Health Organization, it’s about the amount in an eight-ounce bottle of sweetened ice tea (or roughly six teaspoons). And, if you’re like the majority of Americans, you’re likely consuming nearly four times the recommended amount.

Monitoring your sugar intake is simply a smart health move – especially while in recovery. Addiction takes a harsh toll on your body and healthy eating is a crucial part of the healing process. Eating too much processed, sugary foods can cause erratic energy levels and mood swings and inflammation in the body. Plus, sugar induces rewards and cravings similar to those induced by addictive drugs – a slippery slope for a cross-sugar addiction.

Which Foods Are Full of Sugar?
Sure, you likely know that soda and cookies are loaded with the white stuff, but some other foods (even so-called healthy foods) are major sources of sugar, too. Here are a few of the biggest (and, perhaps, most surprising) culprits:

• Flavored yogurt
• Granola bars
• Dried fruit
• Cereal
• Barbecue sauce
• Ketchup
• Tomato sauce and soup
• Fruit juice
• Lemonade
• Sweet tea

How to Be Label Savvy
Sugar comes in many guises on food labels – here are a few to watch out for:

• Corn sugar
• Dextrose
• Fructose
• Glucose
• High-fructose glucose syrup
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Agave syrup
• Invert sugar
• Isoglucose
• Levulose
• Maltose
• Molasses
• Sucrose

Signs of Too Much Sugar
Believe it or not, your body will let you know when it gets too much sugar. The following symptoms have all been linked to a high-sugar diet:

• Acne
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression

Beyond Traditional Addiction Treatment
In addition to our standard addiction treatment services, we offer complimentary therapies, wellness programs, and recreational activities. To learn more, call today: (888) 223-0298.