Is Sugar a Drug?

Is sugar the devil it's made out to be? I regularly find myself having to bust the myths and set the record straight on this one. Contrary to the prevailing notion, sugar is not a malevolent force but rather a vital nutrient for our bodies. Let's delve into the facts and science to understand why sugar should not be vilified as a drug but appreciated for its essential role in our health.

Sugar - It's Essential

While it's true that excessive consumption of refined sugar can lead to inflammation and other health issues, we must not overlook the fact that sugar is a fundamental nutrient. Our bodies thrive on glucose, which is a primary component of sugar and serves as the chief source of energy for our cells. It's fuel for our bodies, powering us through our daily activities, both mentally and physically.

Research shows that maintaining the right balance of glucose in our cells is crucial for optimal health. Avoiding sugar entirely can lead to insufficient intracellular glucose levels, which may result in various health problems, not limited to exhaustion, depression and food cravings. Our bodies need sugar, in fact, our brains run exclusively on glucose.

Is Sugar a Drug in Professional Cycling?

An interesting example comes from the world of professional cycling, particularly in the Tour de France. Over the years, riders have shifted their perspective on sugar. They now consume much more sugar during stages compared to a few years ago. Why? Because they have recognized the importance of glucose in sustaining their performance and endurance levels during such grueling races. Sugar, in sufficient quantities, can be a performance-enhancing ally. I have personally helped a number of experienced cyclists make it home after hitting exhaustion points during a ride, simply with a few swigs of sugar water.

In the past, vintage marketing campaigns like that of Lucozade, highlight how glucose was considered highly valuable in cases of exhaustion, nausea, mental fatigue, nervous upsets, and weak digestion. It goes to show that sugar has been appreciated for its benefits throughout history and used to support well-being in various contexts.

Artificial Sweeteners are NOT a Valid Alternative

The rise in artificial sweeteners as a replacement for sugar is a deeply concerning trend. While they may seem like a healthier alternative to sugar, their long-term effects on health are still being studied. Natural sugar sources like fruits, honey, maple syrup and even raw brown sugar bring other valuable nutrients to the table too, whereas artificial sweeteners lack these benefits.

Sugar is not the devil, nor is it a drug. It's a nutrient that our bodies rely on for energy and proper functioning. Like many things in life, consumption scenarios are key. If you were to consume sugar like Jonas Vingegaard did in his pivotal Tour de France stages, whilst sitting at your desk, the results might not be great. But getting sugar and carbohydrates in at a level relative to your daily output is essential for feeling on top of your game.

Sugar is the Most Common Deficiency I see

Don’t underestimate the physical and mental energy required to be a parent, run errands or to do a desk job. Many have experienced burnout, fatigue, confusion and embarrassment from simply not having enough instant-access glucose on hand to complete their daily tasks.

Many cases in which I’ve heard of sugar being blamed for health problems have proven to be fat-sugar combinations in the diet. This is a recipe for metabolic issues, but we don’t have time to get into that in this post. If you’re still afraid of sugar, why not track your sugar levels using a blood glucometer? It’s very cheap to do, and you’ll take the guesswork out of the equation.

Should you have any questions or need more information on this topic, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach me directly at hello@thevitalityproject.co.uk. We're here to support your journey toward a better understanding of sub-clinical conditions, nutrition and wellness.