Sugar cravings are common, and many women struggle to resist the temptation. But did you know that your hormone levels could be the reason behind your sweet tooth? I have seen many women who are unable to control their sugar cravings despite trying all the diets and exercise regimes. This is because hormonal imbalances in the body can lead to increased sugar cravings, fatigue, mood swings and much more.
To start off, there are MANY reasons why you would crave sugar. Here are a few. You may crave sugar because of:
- Blood sugar dysregulation
- High cortisol
- PCOS
- Elevated insulin
- PMS
The Link Between Serotonin and Sugar
Nearly 100% of my patients with excess estrogen or estrogen dominance crave sugar! Check out this study which says that increased estrogen decreases our happy hormone known as serotonin. When serotonin is low, we’re moody so we crave sugar. The obvious best course of action would be working directly with a functional medicine doctor who can test-not-guess that this is the root cause of your sugar cravings. Eating sweets sends your mood and energy on a rollercoaster and from a hormonal standpoint, disrupts Insulin, leading to those issues I talked about before – blood sugar dysregulation and imbalances within estrogen and testosterone.
How Magnesium can Help
I’m a reformed sugar-junkie myself (we ate candy all day long in the restaurants I worked in throughout my twenties!) and getting consistent with magnesium was major for me. Magnesium and insulin dance lovely together to help your body use sugar efficiently! Try getting a little extra magnesium from abundant sources like beef, poultry, dark leafy greens and pumpkin seeds. Supplements work well too! I love Reacted Magnesium. It’s available in my dispensary.
It’s all About Balance!
Your hormones play a crucial role in your body’s sugar metabolism, which determines how much sugar is in your bloodstream. A hormonal imbalance can lead to reduced insulin sensitivity in the body, leaving glucose levels high and leading to sugar cravings. Insulin – you’ve heard of it. It’s the hormone that regulates blood sugar. It does this by moving glucose aka sugar from the bloodstream into your cells for energy. When insulin is not functioning well, it results in high sugar levels in the bloodstream, and the body signals for more sugar to balance it out. This leads to sugar cravings, as the body is seeking more glucose to balance out the sugar levels.
Additionally, hormonal imbalances may lead to mood swings, fatigue, and depression, leading to an increased desire for sugary foods as a temporary fix. An imbalance in any hormone in your body, such as cortisol or estrogen or testosterone, can have significant effects on your sugar metabolism, increasing sugar cravings.
What Can You Do About Sugar Cravings?
Making small diet and lifestyle changes can help maintain the balance of your hormone levels, reducing sugar cravings. Start with reducing processed foods and refined sugars. Adequate sleep is also very important. When you don’t get enough sleep, it throws your hormones off which leads you to sugar cravings and fatigue. A balanced diet and regular exercise are great ways to help balance hormones in the body but I know it’s tough. Get exercise in when and where you can and pick an activity you enjoy!
Know When To Seek Help
Medical treatments such as hormone therapy, supplements, and medication may help correct hormonal imbalances to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce sugar cravings. Please know that sugar cravings are a common symptom of hormonal imbalances that can be easily improved through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Understanding the connection between hormones and sugar cravings is the first step in maintaining a balanced hormonal level. Try diet and lifestyle changes and reach out if you need my help. By taking control of your hormones, you can reduce sugar cravings, enjoy better energy levels, better moods, and mental clarity.
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