Let’s talk about sugar cravings – ever feel like sugar has too much control over your thoughts?
Whether it’s the temptation of chocolates, candy bars, or that sweet post-meal treat, refined sugars seem to have a stronghold on cravings. Maybe you’re always looking for the next sugar fix or can’t imagine a day without indulging in refined sugars.
I often hear from clients dealing with similar challenges. They aim for weight loss, improved energy, clearer skin, fewer headaches, and less bloating. However, as we discuss their journey, a common theme arises – persistent sugar cravings, it’s the “I can’t go a day without my chocolate bar” or “I need that sugar fix” situation.
Does this sound familiar to you?
If it is, then continue reading on..
Understanding Rather Than Condemning Sugar Cravings…
My job as a a Naturopath/Biochemist means it is important for me to explore the reasons causing sugar cravings.
Let me ask you – have you made New Years Resolutions about eating healthy and quitting sugar or losing weight only to find yourself craving sweets again?
Relying solely on willpower has its limits.
Consider it like telling a child not to eat chocolate or touch something forbidden.
The more you resist, the more tempting it becomes. The same psychology applies to yourself.
Saying, “No, I won’t eat this,” might work for a short while – perhaps a week, a day, or a couple of weeks. But eventually, willpower weakens, and you find yourself struggling, maybe indulging in chocolate or sweets, and then dealing with feelings of guilt and shame.
As a Naturopath/Biochemist, I focus on figuring out why the body craves sugar.
A well-balanced body doesn’t need sugar for a daily boost or a sweet treat after dinner.
So, let’s dig into the root causes. As a naturopath and biochemist, I explore this because sugar has a BIG impact on the body. It interrupts our natural processes, the chemical reactions, and the balanced environments in our body. That’s why I stress the importance of understanding the situation.
Effects of Sugar Cravings…
Eating too much refined sugar can affect your mood, increase stress and anxiety, and impact your weight.
The impact of sugar goes beyond the physical; it alters brain chemicals and neurotransmitters, creating a cycle. The well-known “sugar high” results from its influence on hormones like serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and adrenaline. Consuming sugar disrupts natural processes, creating a temporary high and a cycle of cravings.
But alternative ways to boost serotonin, dopamine, or endorphins without relying on refined sugar exist.
An example from my experience involves a client with a weakness for a specific ice cream, a McFlurry. By uncovering the root causes and focusing on triggers instead of strict rules, we reduced cravings within about ten days.
The key was not imposing strict rules like “don’t eat that McFlurry” at the beginning. Instead, we focused on understanding the underlying triggers and causes. This approach, based on naturopathy and biochemistry, helps clients understand and address the underlying reasons behind their sugar cravings for a sustainable solution.
Here are some of the underlying reasons or triggers:
- Emotional eating.
Emotions play a significant role; they’re a common reason we might find ourselves reaching for something sugary in the fridge. It’s often about seeking that feel-good endorphin boost, attempting to suppress feelings, filling an internal void, or coping with stress.
Personally, I’ll admit to having a bit of a trigger when I’m studying and feeling stressed. Even now, after 30 years of finishing my university degrees, I find myself instinctively reaching for something sweet. This habit dates back to my university days when long study hours required late nights and early mornings. However, awareness is key, and now I can take different actions to manage it.
- Gut Dysbiosis
Another reason for sugar cravings is an uneven balance of good and bad microbes in the gut, known as gut dysbiosis. The undesirable microbes thrive on sugar and release chemicals that make us crave more sugar. Candida is a common example.
To reduce sugar cravings, addressing gut dysbiosis is key.
By restoring a healthy balance of good gut microbes, our body prefers more nutritious foods like salads, fruits, and veggies with natural fibres.
I had a client who used to indulge in a large bag of potato chips daily. Wanting to change this habit and boost her energy, we worked on balancing her gut flora. The result? She no longer craved chips but found herself wanting chicken and salad for nourishment.
Now, she has more energy and vibrancy. Even if she occasionally has one chip at the end of the week, it satisfies her, and she no longer feels satisfied by one chip and doesn’t need to eat the whole packet.
- Constant Tiredness
Feeling tired and low on energy can create a tough cycle. Busy individuals, especially mums, often experience a dip in energy around 2 p.m., with more tasks ahead like school pick-up, after-school sports, and dinner preparation.
To cope, we might grab something sugary like candy or chocolate for a quick energy boost. However, this boost is short-lived, and soon after, we experience a slump again.
This cycle is a blood sugar rollercoaster, and once you’re on it, it’s hard to get off.
With my clients, I focus on finding ways to support their energy throughout the entire day and explore nourishing alternatives for sustained energy.
- Hormonal Change
Hormones can play a role in your sugar cravings. Many women approach me with increased cravings, particularly in the week before or during their period. It might not just be sugar; it could extend to carbohydrates in general, but refined carbohydrates become the go-to choice during those two weeks of the month.
Do you relate to this?
Working with these women and addressing hormonal balance often results in decreased sugar cravings.
Clients find they no longer rely on sugar to get through that particular time each month.
Additionally, they experience a sense of calmness, and other premenstrual symptoms tend to diminish as well.
- Thirst
Lastly and an often-overlooked reason for turning to refined sugar is thirst.
Many people are dehydrated, especially with the current heat waves across the nation. When our bodies lack proper hydration, we may mistakenly interpret it as a need for food.
Traditionally, we would get our water from foods, Primarily plant-based foods. Tribes eat foods such as fruits filled with water – think of a watermelon.
Our bodies instinctively associate eating with hydration. By addressing dehydration and ensuring adequate hydration, we can boost energy levels and reduce the hunger signals that our bodies may be sending.
Uncovering the Reasons…
Understanding the reasons behind your sugar cravings is vital to achieving balance in your body. Rather than setting strict rules, I focus on helping clients find balance for overall well-being, sustained energy, and reaching their desired weight. It’s about being compassionate and avoiding self-punishment, which often follows breaking resolutions or diets.
Instead of restrictive diets, the goal is to make peace with your relationship with food, honour your body, and find harmony. This approach creates a space for you to live your life to the fullest.
If you’re struggling with sugar cravings, know that you’re not alone.
As a total transformational naturopath and biochemist, I’m here to help you conquer sugar cravings and improve your overall well-being.
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
