Effects of Sugar Intake to Physical and Mental Health

Dependency Paper
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Name and Number
Lecturer’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Dependency Paper
Substance
           The reason for choosing sugar is that it has some effects related to chemical substances like alcohol and other drugs. Sugar, although a pure substance, is associated with depression when overly consumed. Multiple studies have found a connection between diets high in sugar and depression. According to Knüppel et al. (2017), overconsumption of sugar triggers imbalances in certain brain chemicals. These imbalances can cause depression and increase the long-term risk of developing psychological disorders in some people (Hu et al., 2019). 
Personal Self-Awareness
           During my two weeks of being sugarless, I experienced biological, psychological, and social effects. Studies have shown that when someone stops taking sugar, they may have effects similar to those experienced during drug withdrawal (Westwater et al., 2016). Common effects include exhaustion, headaches, irritability, and brain fog. 
Biological
           No biological effects existed on my first day of withdrawal. However, the following symptoms occurred between days two and eleven: exhaustion, headache, body aches, head, and sinus pressure, body aches, stiff joints, stomach cramps, dizziness, thirst, light-headedness, and weight loss. No new effects occurred between day 12 and day 14. 
Psychological
           Psychological effects included brain fog, irritability, and anxiety. However, as I continued to take no sugar, my mood stabilized and increased, and I started gaining more energy. In addition, I had cravings for sugar and other starches. I also felt lighter, brighter, and happier. As noted, studies have linked too much sugar to depression. According to Knüppel et al. (2017), the underlying chronic inflammation that emerges when one consumes a high-sugar diet negatively impacts brain function. 
Social 
           On the third day of going without sugar, I experienced short-temper followed by anti-social behavior, lack of motivation, and irritation. However, as days went by, I felt more motivated and less irritated by people (Day 7 and 8). No new social effects occurred in the rest of the days. The fluctuating signs such as lack of motivation or irritation to less irritation mean that the body is adjusting to the low levels of glucose, serotonin, and dopamine (Westwater et al., 2016). After some days, the energy starts to increase, and one feels motivated and less irritated. 
Spiritual
           No spiritual effect occurred throughout the fourteen days of not taking sugar. It shows that there is no relationship between sugar intake and religion. 
How my Experience is like Someone Addicted to Alcohol
As noted earlier, someone who stops eating sugar exhibits symptoms similar to those experienced during alcohol and drug withdrawal. Exhaustion, headaches, irritability, cravings, and mood changes are common symptoms that...