Do you know the feeling when you can’t stop thinking about sweets and the chocolate you just opened disappears after a few minutes? An unbridled desire to eat something sweet is a common occurrence and, despite appearances, concerns not only children. Most often, an appetite for sweets appears in the afternoon and evening. Why is this happening? When does sugar become addiction, and when sugar cravings become a symptom of an illness? Find out what symptoms you might be concerned about and how to cope with persistent sugar cravings.
Why do we so often get sugar cravings?
The sweet tooth is biologically determined: eating sugar is the easiest way to provide the body with energy. When we eat something sweet, the brain receives a signal that the necessary substances have entered our body, and we deserve a reward. It is an improvement in mood and a feeling of bliss. Unfortunately, this state does not last long – the blood sugar level drops sharply, and we feel disappointed – the body begins to demand even more sweetness. This is why sweets are so addictive (and sweets in stores are extra addictive because they contain glucose, fructose syrup).
A poorly balanced diet and a lack of vitamins and minerals are also common reasons for unbridled sugar cravings. In particular, the lack of zinc, chromium, vitamins C and B stimulates hunger for sweets. They are responsible for the metabolism of sugars and blood glucose levels. An important component of the diet is also healthy (vegetable) fats, which should be an alternative source of energy – when they are not enough, the body requires sugar. Lack of sleep and severe stress are also important factors. They cause an increase in the concentration of cortisol, a hormone that is also responsible for the correct glucose levels. The appetite for sweets is very strongly associated with the correct hormonal balance – any disturbance leads to problems with sugar metabolism.
A constant craving for sweets is a symptom of illness
It happens that an irresistible craving for sweets is a symptom of a serious illness. Very often it is insulin resistance, that is, too little sensitivity of the cells of our body to insulin. As a result, the level of glucose is low, but the concentration of insulin is high – then our body receives the information that it needs more sugar. Other symptoms include persistent hunger, irritability, and nervousness. Insulin resistance is common in overweight and obese people, as well as in women with hormonal problems and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, it happens that it affects thin people who eat irregularly.
Sugar addiction can also be caused by thrush. It occurs when Candida albicans multiplies in the intestines as a result of antibiotic therapy or weakened immunity. They produce a toxic substance that damages the nervous system, causing weakness, nervousness and apathy, as well as unbridled sugar cravings. You can fight yeast by eliminating simple sugars from your diet (they are its medium).
It is worth knowing that sugar cravings can be associated with various hormonal disorders (for example, thyroid diseases) and even depression. Therefore, detailed diagnostics should become the basis for combating addiction.
How to deal with sugar addiction?
The fight against sugar addiction should be based on the diagnosis and exclusion of diseases and hormonal problems. The next step is to implement the principles of a healthy lifestyle – get enough sleep, avoid stress and exercise regularly. Thanks to this, we will quickly improve our well-being (exercise causes the release of endorphins, that is, the hormones of happiness, into our body).
A balanced diet based on complex carbohydrates (whole grain breads, cereals, oatmeal) is also critical, as they are much slower for the body to absorb and prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. In addition, each meal should be composed of a solid portion of vegetables and lean protein to help you stay fuller longer after eating. Healthy fats will also give us energy: olive oil in salad or fatty sea fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
A regular lifestyle is a huge support in the fight against sugar addiction: eating every 3–4 hours (no snacks!) And going to bed at the same time. In this way, we will quickly improve metabolism and give the body a clear signal that we are taking care of it. Within 2–3 weeks, hunger for sweets will cease to bother us, and we will notice the loss of extra pounds and improve skin condition.
