Tame & Eventually Eliminate Sugar Cravings Naturally

If you’ve ever felt like your brain is just programmed to crave sugar, you’re not wrong.

There’s nothing wrong with a little sweet indulgence when done strategically, but the consumption of sugar if left unchecked, can lead to a variety of chronic illnesses and a decrease in overall health.

While sugar doesn't cause an actual physiological addiction, the more sugar and processed carbs you consume, the more emotionally and psychologically dependent you can become. But there are a number of ways you can start to tame sugar cravings naturally.

Cravings for sugar arises as a result of high consumption which leads to an increase in the production of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical and a high hit convinces your brain that a quick fix of sugar is what you need to feel good. So, the more you eat, the more you crave. And the more you crave, the more you eat — it’s a vicious cycle.

But it’s not hopeless! You can curb sugar cravings naturally and gain control of your health.

Here are 5 ways you can start to tame and eventually eliminate your sugar cravings NATURALLY.

TIP #1: GET ENOUGH MAGNESIUM

Are you deficient in magnesium? It’s estimated that 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium. And most people don’t even know they're deficient.

One of the first warning signs of magnesium deficiency includes fatigue. Without magnesium, your body can’t convert food into energy. And low energy often means your brain is more likely to crave a quick fix of sugar to get a boost.

Magnesium also regulates blood sugar, insulin levels, and dopamine. So, a deficiency may result in intense sugar cravings — especially if you notice you're often craving chocolate.

Upping your intake of foods that are high in magnesium is a great place to start taming sugar cravings naturally. Some of the best food sources include seeds, nuts, dark leafy greens, avocados, and raw cacao — one of the highest plant-based sources for magnesium.

TIP #2: STAY HYDRATED

There are a number of well-known benefits to staying hydrated. But there’s another good reason to make sure you’re getting enough water you may not have known: sugar cravings.

Few people realize that sugar cravings can be linked to dehydration. Lack of fluid makes it difficult to break down stored glucose for energy. As a result, your body craves sugar to give you that quick boost of energy. But what you really need is a little hydration.

Consider this your friendly reminder to refill your water bottle

TIP #3: MANAGE STRESS

What’s the first thing you do when you need a temporary escape from a stressful situation? For many people, it’s reaching for a little comfort food. Why? Like I said before, sugar increases your dopamine levels, making you feel better. But a sugary fix is only going to make you feel better for a short time and will likely be followed by the inevitable crash, leading you to crave even more sugar!

Managing your stress can go a long way to curbing your cravings. A good place to start is by practicing mindfulness, which could include meditation, breathing techniques, and other practices to calm the mind and body.

Moving your body with purpose - cardio, strength workouts, yoga and walking are all incredible ways to help relieve stress.

TIP #4: BALANCE GUT MICROBIOTA

If your diet includes too many processed foods and sugar, then you could be experiencing a “catch-22” scenario in your gut.

As you may know, your gut is a fine-tuned machine that houses trillions of bacteria. Its job is to break down the foods you eat and absorb the nutrients needed to keep your body functioning properly. Functions like energy production, waste elimination, skin health, hormone balance, blood sugar, and even mental health all rely on the gut. In fact, 70 percent of the immune system lives in your gut.

Problems arise when you consume too much sugar. Eating too much sugar blocks the production of a protein needed to colonize certain bacteria in the gut. The imbalance creates a cascade of problems, including an increased craving for sugar, which further damages the gut.

Incorporating both probiotics and prebiotics into your diet can go a long way to helping rebalance your gut and keep it happy.

TIP #5: REDUCE CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION

The ups and downs of caffeine, including dehydration and blood sugar swings, can cause sugar cravings to be more frequent. A better option is tea, especially Green Tea. Matcha has become my topmost favourite, and that’s because Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body. Studies have linked green tea to a variety of health benefits, like helping to prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and even encouraging weight loss.

Incorporating these 5 tips and developing healthier habits around sugar consumption will help you tame and even eliminate sugar cravings so you can work to heal your body and elevate your health. Remember to become a scientist when grocery shopping and search for sugar on labels. Also remember to take it one day at a time.

You got this, my friend.

XX