The reasons your body craves sugar.

The average American adult consumes17 teaspoons of added sugarsa day according to the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

“That’s because sugar is rapidly metabolized and is the body’s preferred source of energy.”

Colleen Travers

Research shows2that eating sugar is a physiologically adaptive behavior that provides the energy needed to stay awake.

The problem with this?

Sugar’s initial energy boost is short-lived, making you seek out more.

Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, M.S., RD

Thesewell-balanced meals and snacksare much better for sustained energy.

Summary

You’re stressed.

“We think it’s because these compounds produce thefeel-good hormone serotonin.”

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Humans under stress react the same wayby reaching for something sweet to feel relief (albeit short).

That’s because they take longer to digest and willkeep blood sugar levels stable.

Your gut isn’t getting what it needs.

Gundry says one of the theories around what makes humans hungry is theGut Flora-Centric Theory of Hunger.

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The quick fix is often sugar.

Prebiotic-rich foodsinclude nuts, bananas, oats, and apples.

“MCT oilalso feeds gut bacteria,” Gundry adds.

“It’s a fat that’s absorbed directly from the gut into the blood and liver.

From there it’s converted into ketones that provide fuel for the brain.”

You’re consuming too many artificial sweeteners.

“Artificial sweeteners have messed with our system when it comes to detecting sugar,” says Gundry.

“That’s because we don’t have sugar receptors in our tongue; we have sweet receptors.

The pancreas would then produce insulin in preparation.”

Artificial sweetenersdo not follow the same natural process.

First, insulin must pull sugar out of the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

The healthiest foods to satisfy sugar cravings.

These Targeted Supplements Can Help

When to see a doctor.

“Sugar cravings are for the most part harmless and a natural occurrence,” says Feller.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop sugar cravings?

Spoiler alert: Your body needs sugar!

You just want to ensure you’re getting the right kind of sugar.

Do you crave sugar when your iron is low?

Why do I crave sweets as I get older?

“This makes them becomemetabolically inflexible, increasing blood sugar levels, glucose, and resistance to insulin.”

All of this confuses and depletes the brain, which can result in sugar cravings.

Does hypoglycemia make you crave sugar?

The takeaway.

Craving sugar is what your body was designed to do.

Many of the nutrient-dense foods we should be eating daily have naturally occurring sugars already in them.