Many of us recognize the cravings for chocolate or cookies between meals. Those intense cravings for sugar say more about our health than you might think and can lead to serious health problems.
Research has shown that sugar is hugely addictive; it is as addictive as some types of drugs and even has similar effects on our brain. Moreover, eating too much sugar can lead to a host of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease. So it’s high time to see what you can do about this unhealthy addiction.
An insatiable craving for sugar may be caused by deficiencies of important minerals. For example, you might have a magnesium deficiency when you really can’t stop thinking about a bar of chocolate. If you crave sweet fruit, then it could be that your body is trying to tell you it needs extra vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, too little research has been done to determine whether cravings for fruit always mean a deficiency.
Stress and lack of sleep can increase cravings for sweets. When you are stressed, cortisol levels in your body rise, causing you to look for a quick energy boost to keep both your mind and body on track. Sleep deprivation also has a similar effect: you then crave something sweet to give your tired body a boost.
“Before you give in to your cravings, it’s a good idea to drink a big glass of water,” holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman advises Byrdie. “We often confuse our body’s signals for thirst with hunger. By drinking water first, you may be giving your body exactly what it needs and relieving the craving.”
If your sugar cravings are accompanied by dizziness, it may indicate a deeper problem. It is then wise to consult a doctor to have any other problems or nutrient deficiencies examined.