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

5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
Do you constantly battle sugar cravings? You’re not alone! Contrary to popular belief, sugar cravings often stem from deeper issues than simply having a sweet tooth. There are various medical reasons for sugar cravings, and understanding these underlying causes is crucial to overcoming them for good. In our previous blog posts, we’ve touched on a few factors contributing to these cravings, but this article delves into a more comprehensive list to help you re-evaluate what causes sugar cravings and take control of your health.

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!
5 Root Causes of Sugar Cravings, and How to Get Rid of Them for Good!

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted