by Dana M Robinson - Published 6 months ago

Sugar Cravings: What Do They Mean?

The battle against sugar cravings can be intense for many people. These cravings can appear at any time, from the middle of the night to the middle of a workout. In a world filled with sugary treats, it's easy to give in to quick fixes. Understanding the root cause of your cravings is crucial.

Cravings often arise when you feel depleted. By identifying the source of this depletion, you can make healthier choices instead of reaching for sugary options.

Here are some potential triggers for your sweet cravings.

You might crave chocolate if you're low on magnesium.

According to researcher Susan Yanovski from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a chocolate craving could indicate a magnesium deficiency, a common issue.

Yanovski estimates that roughly 80% of Americans may be deficient in magnesium, which can lead to irritability, insomnia, and high blood pressure. While chocolate might seem like the solution when you're stressed, your body might actually be craving magnesium.

While chocolate is rich in magnesium, its sugar content can be problematic with frequent consumption. It causes insulin spikes and other issues. Instead of chocolate, consider consuming non-sugar magnesium sources like nuts, seeds, beans, and leafy greens.

Craving sugar could mean an imbalance of gut bacteria.

"Understanding which microbes contribute to beneficial health effects is crucial when prescribing a diet for improved health", says Jeffrey Gordon, biologist and professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

Sugar cravings might be linked to an imbalance in gut health. This means the good bacteria in your digestive system aren't functioning optimally. Eating sugary junk food exacerbates this problem.

Gordon's research revealed that sugary food consumption can make gut bacteria dependent on sugar, leading to rejection of healthier food options. Your gut might actively hinder your efforts to eat better. However, according to Gordon, it can be retrained.

Introducing foods promoting healthier bacteria, especially those rich in probiotics like low-sugar yogurt and fermented foods, can replace the harmful bacteria.

Not getting enough sleep could lead to cravings.

While sleep is a form of rest, prioritize non-sleeping activities to relieve stress.

According to Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author of “Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less,” inadequate rest can lead to nutrient depletion and increased cravings for sugary foods, which provide a temporary energy boost but can become addictive.

He recommends short rest periods throughout the day, particularly when sugar cravings are intense. Instead of sugary snacks, consider a 15-minute walk, a conscious form of rest that offers a break from daily stressors.

Sugar cravings can be exacerbated by factors like work stress, which can lead to poor food choices and subsequent depletion and fatigue.

Such a chain reaction can lead to cravings. But you can easily develop healthier habits by pausing when you crave sugar and considering what you truly want instead.