Sugar and salt addictions and mental illness, please help!

Question

For as long as I can remember, I've always been addicted to sugar. I acted out as a child, "stealing" candy from my mom, eating sugar to no end. For some reason I would even eat straight powdered sugar. I would go through packs and packs of candy each day. I don't know why I did this. A similar salt addiction began a little later in life, at about age 14. My body would want nothing but salt and sugar and couldn't get enough and it would feel so good to get these things.

Also since childhood, that same time, I've had serious anxiety problems and depression. They put me on antidepressants starting age 12 because of this, but no one would listen to me talking about my addictions, which I've always known were not normal. Meds didn't do anything, I'm now off them and starting a heavy course of vitamins (b-vitamins and others) which seem to be helping a bit, but my mind has become SO perminantly anxious, I don't know what to do!!

First impressions??? This is a huge part of my life I'm still trying to sort out, and I'd appreciate any advice you may have. Please...

Answer 1

You should go talk to a therapist. I read research that stated sugar is more addictive than cocaine when the test was done with lab rats. Just try till you find somebody that takes you seriously

Answer 2

I feel you, comrade. ;-)  There's a bag of jellybeans that I can't seem to leave alone.

Many argue that excessive intake of sugar & salt (more exactly, sugar) can contribute to mental problems.  It's also been proven to be addictive - due to its effects on the blood sugar, & consequently, the brain.

Also, be aware that anti-depressants may actually increase carbohydrate (i.e., sugar) cravings.  But now that you're off of them, take a look at the vitamins you're taking.  A common side effect of over-dosing on the B vitamins is jitters or anxiousness.  Interestingly, the reason they seem to help a bit is because they MAY have a positive effect on moods & stress tolerance.  Of course, they're not a magical cure.

If you've seeked advice about this before, you've probably heard that you should eat small, multiple balanced meals daily ad nauseum.  But only because it's true.  

Give it a try, but in the meantime, do yourself a favor & get checked out by the doctor to rule out the possibilities of any deficiencies/underlying disorders.