Sugar Cravings, and Why We Get Them

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Our body is always telling us what it needs. 
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​I am NOT saying that when we crave sugar, we should eat more sugar, but I am saying that if you take the time to truly identify what it is your body needs, you can find the solution for that craving lies immediately behind it.
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First, there is plenty of research proving that sugar is addictive to cocaine, so don’t discount the possibility that you are quite simply addicted to it. If this is in fact the problem, then something absolutely has to be done about that.
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Refined sugars, (not the simple sugars that we find in whole foods like fruits and vegetables), are associated with many adverse health consequences.
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​These include issues from reduced micronutrient intake, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, compromised gut microbiome,  increased insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes, poor dental health, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and increased cancer risk; just to name a few. 
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​But there might be more to your cravings than just loving cupcakes.
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Sugar cravings are strongly correlated with blood sugar levels, so it’s important to check in with yourself and pay attention to when these cravings hit you most often or the strongest.
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​​A number of mineral deficiencies are linked to sugar cravings including magnesium, chromium, and zinc.
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​Another dietary culprit is low protein intake. Because protein and fats slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream when you don’t consume enough of them your blood sugar can rise and fall at an abnormal rate. This leads our bodies to crave that quick accessible energy from sugar.

Sugar triggers an increase in serotonin (a chemical in the brain that appears to play a role in mood, emotions, and appetite) which is often decreased in illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Research suggests low serotonin levels can trigger cravings for sugar.
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​Speaking of mood, stress can trigger high cortisol levels, which can also trigger feelings of hunger and food cravings.
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For some tips on how to kick those sugar cravings, follow the blog link in the bio
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