Sugary treats like cupcakes, candies, and drinks are easily accessible at every gas station, grocery shop, and drugstore. Sugar is becoming more addictive, with one study published in the journal Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care in 2013 stating that sugar is even more addictive than cocaine due to the way it affects the brain. According to Susan Moores, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant, sugar's sweetness releases endorphins, which provide sensations of tranquilly and so seem to provide a natural "high."
While there are a variety of reasons why individuals claim to have sugar cravings, ranging from a self-proclaimed sweet tooth to PMS symptoms, a sugar desire may frequently have a simpler, or perhaps more frightening, cause. Sugar cravings may be physiological, according to dietitian Anna Taylor, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, who told the Cleveland Clinic that "if you go too long without eating, your body will seek the quickest fuel it can conceive of - refined carbohydrates and simple sugars." Even athletes, according to Runner's World, utilise sugar as a quick source of energy during a marathon or tough training in the form of sports drinks or gels.
Sugar cravings may indicate a nutritional shortage
If you find yourself looking for chocolate to satisfy your sweet appetite, you may be suffering from a magnesium deficit, according to Byrdie. Magnesium deficiency is more frequent than ever, according to certified holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman, and if chocolate is your sweet snack of choice, your body may be needing the mineral. Dark chocolate, which is strong in antioxidants and rich in magnesium, is recommended by Goodman as having greater health advantages than the alternatives.
If you find yourself yearning for the juicy sweetness of fruit all of the time, Goodman says it's not always a negative thing since "your body can be signalling you it needs more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants." When it comes to fruit cravings for sweetness, though, it's important to recognise how much is too much. Those with diabetes or high blood sugar levels, should contact their doctor to ensure they're consuming the right quantity.
Sugar cravings may indicate a blood sugar problem
Dacia Lyn Breeden, RD, a registered dietitian at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, tells Everyday Health that rapid changes in blood sugar levels might produce abrupt hunger sensations or an instant desire to eat. According to research, when blood sugar levels decrease, your body seeks sweet meals to increase them (via The Journal of Clinical Investigation). Hypoglycemia may be the cause if you feel lightheaded, nervous, or cranky after going too long without eating.
Sugar cravings are prevalent in persons with blood sugar imbalances, according to the Washington Post. Farah Fahad, MS, MA, RD, told Byrdie that adding protein to meals and snacks may help keep blood sugar levels steady. "The body is a well-built mechanism, and if you aren't feeding it the correct nutrients, it will say, 'Give me sugar!'" she said.
While it is typical for blood sugar levels to vary throughout the day, you should see your doctor if you develop new, acute cravings for sugary foods, carbohydrates, or caffeine.
Dehydration may be caused by sugar cravings
It's also possible that your cookie cravings are due to a lack of water. Dehydration causes electrolytes, such as salt and potassium, to be lost, which are necessary for your main organs to function properly, according to MedlinePlus. "When you're dehydrated, it might be challenging for organs like the liver, which needs water to release glycogen and other components of your energy storage," John Higgins, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of Texas in Houston.
While there may be physiological causes for your sugar cravings, studies show that you may just have a sweet tooth, or a love for sweet foods. If this is the case, keep in mind that too much of a good thing may rapidly become a negative thing.
