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Sugar craving can be a result of blood sugar imbalance, but there might also be other reasons which make you to constantly reach out for that sweet box. Here are some of these factors and also ways to lessen your cravings.

Parasite or fungi in intestine

The intestine is a comfortable place where all the bad bacteria, yeast and assorted fungi possibly thrive. These unwelcomed guests feed on sugar and thereby create sudden cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. This is usually seen in people suffering from conditions like constipation, bloating and autoimmune disorders.

Unchecked sugar intake leads to more cravings

Sugar consumption is a vicious cycle. On consuming too much sugar, your brain is tricked into producing dopamine, which is known as the ‘pleasure neurotransmitter’ or the feel good hormone. A decrease in dopamine levels leads to fatigue and lack of motivation thereby resulting in more sugar intake to feel better.

Usage of artificial sweetener

Although artificial sweeteners may have short term benefits, studies show that consumption of artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame increase sugar cravings. Thus, these sweeteners used in diet colas, chewing gums, etc. make your cravings worse than before.

Ways to fight these cravings

• Increase protein intake: Protein is great for managing sugar cravings. Ensure that you get enough proteins from your diet. Include lentils, sprouts, milk, curd and cottage cheese in your meals. The recommended dosage for protein intake is 0.8 gms to 1 gm per kilogram of body weight. That is – if you weigh 65 kgs your requirement of protein is 53-65 gms per day.

• Have a healthy breakfast: A healthy breakfast enhances your energy levels. Include adequate amount of carbohydrates like poha or upma and proteins like milk or cheese in your diet.

• Eat small frequent meals: A long gap between meals can make you feel dull and low on energy, which in turn can lead to increased sugar cravings. Eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours to stay away from sugar.

• Avoid junk food: Processed foods low on nutrients spike blood sugar levels and later bring them crashing down. This results in reaching out for sweets, candies, juice, cakes or pastry.

• Take the help of water: Water really helps to put off those cravings. You would be surprised at how brilliantly this simple trick works.