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Sugar Eases Stress Response–No Wonder We Seem Addicted!

In a controlled trial, sugar-sweetened beverages calmed the stress response to a difficult cognitive task.

Some people think they are addicted to sugar, and a new study shows they just might be right. A randomized controlled trial tested the connection between sugar consumption and stress response.

The Study

Nineteen young women were given beverages sweetened with either aspartame or sugar three times a day for two weeks. Salivary cortisol, a stress hormone, and brain imaging were used to track their responses.

Lower Stress

Compared to aspartame, sugar was associated with lower cortisol during a stressful cognitive task. There were also changes in brain activity suggesting that sugar may calm the stress response.

If sugar can take the edge off stress, no wonder it is so appealing and potentially addicting.

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, online April 16, 2015

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About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
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