5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

Candida

If in addition to your persistent sugar cravings, you are experiencing excess fatigue, bloating, GI irregularities, moodiness, and brain fog, you could be experiencing candida overgrowth(1). We all have some level of candida in our bodies, but under certain conditions, this yeast can thrive and grow out of control, causing these symptoms, especially GI issues. Since yeast thrives off of sugar, it will be telling your body to eat more to help it thrive and stay alive. If you suspect or want to rule out candida overgrowth, make sure to find a trusted healthcare practitioner to do testing and help with treatment.

High Stress

as mentioned in our “Why Stress Could Be the Source of Your Sugar Cravings” blog, we explored how prolonged stress increases your cortisol levels, releasing higher levels of glucose into the bloodstream, and causing insulin sensitivity. This blocks your body’s ability to properly use glucose for energy, causing you to crave energy spikes by eating a quick source of fuel- sugar. 

Poor Gut Health

The bacteria in your gut can significantly influence your cravings for sweetness, similar to how candida overgrowth can trigger sugar cravings. An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can stem from a diet lacking in variety or heavy in processed foods. These foods fuel certain bacteria while starving others, leading to a less diverse microbiome.

Excessive consumption of sugar further exacerbates this issue. It feeds harmful bacteria, leading to an overgrowth that can manifest as various symptoms of sugar consumption. This imbalance can wreak havoc on your digestive system, perpetuating cravings for sugary, carby, and fatty foods. To counteract this, focus on nourishing your gut with a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, which can help crack a sugar craving and restore gut balance.

Not Enough Fuel

If your body is not getting as many nutrients as it needs throughout the day, it will likely be craving an energy source to keep everything up and running! That’s why it is important to make sure your meals are nutrient-dense and balanced, to ensure proper breakdown and utilization of nutrients to keep your energy levels up as you go about your day. A good start is to look at your meals and assess if you are getting all the proper food groups to sustain you for the next few hours. Ask yourself- do I have a protein, carbohydrate, non-starchy vegetables, and fat source? If so, you’re good to go! If not, make sure to add whatever is missing from your plate to fill you and fuel you to be productive during your day.  

Poor Sleep

One place you may not have assessed in a while is your sleep hygiene. Do you notice on the days when you get less sleep, you crave fast food, or more processed carbs throughout the day? Similar to how stress affects the hormone cortisol, studies show that sleep deprivation directly correlates with hormone regulation- specifically with leptin, our hunger and satiety hormone (3). Therefore, when we get lower-quality sleep, it can be harder for our bodies to recognize hunger cues, leading to overeating of high caloric foods throughout the day. Over time, this can lead to insulin sensitivity, weight gain, and the development of chronic illnesses.

Beyond the Sugar Detox: Addressing Deeper Roots

If those pesky cravings linger after a sugar detox, consider exploring the underlying causes to truly get rid of your sweet tooth. Not sure where to begin? Functional healthcare practitioners can help you uncover hidden triggers through biochemical testing and personalized guidance. They often have experience with similar cases and can offer valuable insights tailored to your specific needs.

Empowering Your Wellness Journey

To learn more about sugar detox FAQs, potential root causes, and how to connect with experienced providers, explore Five Journeys’ comprehensive resources. If you’re seeking a more gradual approach, their 4-week “Eat Your Way to Health” program can serve as a valuable starting point. This program empowers you to better understand your body’s response to diet and lifestyle choices, paving the way for lasting well-being.

Sources:

1. Anita Wang MD 
2. NCBI
3. Wiley Online Library