Combat Sugar Cravings -OL - Bay Health Clinic Bay Naturopath (2024)

Magnesium and GTF Chromium Combat Sugar Cravings

Help is at hand if you find it hard to stop eating Easter eggs or other sweet foods.

Magnesium and GTF Chromium may be just what you need to get rid of those desires for sugary foods destructive to your health.

When your body has difficulty in controlling your blood sugar you can develop sugar cravings. When you eat sugary In addition sugar or sweet foods are considered likely to trigger and exacerbate food addiction.

Sugary foods stimulate your body to release larger amounts of insulin as very high blood sugar levels damage your body. The problem is these large insulin releases can bring your blood sugar levels down too low at this point you are likely to crave sugar. Although sugary foods do give some temporary relief from sugar cravings and other low blood sugar symptoms such as feeling faint, headaches, irritability, and fatigue; sugar will once again cause your body to produce a lot of insulin, so the cycle begins again. Over long periods of time this can result in an inability Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) Chromium has been shown to help stabilise blood sugar levels so helps reduce sugar cravings.

Avoid sweet tasting foods that cause overproduction of insulin; sugar, refined grains and soft drinks (both the sugary ones and the diet version). Also check ingredients; avoid any that list sugar, syrups, and fructose.

A lack of magnesium can trigger sugar cravings, especially chocolate cravings. However the sugar does not give your body magnesium in fact every time you have sugar you use up magnesium as it is used by the body to help metabolise sugar. Supplements of magnesium can reduce sugar craving and help stabilise blood sugar levels[1]. If you have Type 2 diabetes or Pre-diabetes you are more likely to have low magnesium levels[2, 3].

Check list if craving anything sweet – Have an extra Entire Katoa Food State Magnesium80 capsule

  1. water - have some in case thirsty
  2. Food – have a high quality meal /snack
  3. Air emotions
  4. Tired – rest and relax
  5. Need physical out-let ? Go for fast walk / run

AFTER CHECK LIST if still craving sweet – HAVE SWEET ITEM – have another Entire Katoa Food State Magnesium80 capsule and repeat from 1. (You can have up to 3 EXTRA Entire Katoa Food State Magnesium80 capsule a day – so 5 in total)

IMPORTANT- Food State supplements are low dose high absorption supplements so may be taken in the way described on the above “check list” however other types of Magnesium may possibly be harmful if taken in this way, as it might result in too much Magnesium. If unsure seek professional advice from you supplier or contact us.

Research is emerging which demonstrates the importance of another nutrient Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) Chromium in stabilising blood sugar levels [4-6]. If supplements are used I recommend the Entire Katoa Food State supplements for the best absorption.

To best help your body you need to avoid sweet foods that cause overproduction of insulin, or in the case of Type 2 Diabetes sweet food that your body can no longer cope with. This means you need to avoid sugar[7], refined grains[8-10] and soft drinks(both the sugary ones and the diet version). Also check ingredients of the labels; avoid any that list sugar[7], corn syrup[10], and fructose[7].

Herbs such as Gymnema, Turmeric and Dandelion can help decrease your sugar cravings and stabilise your blood sugar levels. Read more in Blood Sugar Imbalances and Herbal Medicine.

Original article April 2014 Copyright Jaine Kirtley

References

1. Song Y, He K, Levitan EB, Manson JE, Liu S: Effects of oral magnesium supplementation on glycaemic control in Type2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind controlled trials. Diabetic Medicine 2006, 23:1050-1056.

2. Nielsen FH, Milne DB, Klevay LM, Gallagher S, Johnson L: Dietary Magnesium Deficiency Induces Heart Rhythm Changes, Impairs Glucose Tolerance, and Decreases Serum Cholesterol in Post Menopausal Women. J Am Coll Nutr 2007, 26:121-132.

3. Chambers EC, Heshka S, Gallagher D, Wang J, Pi-Sunyer FX, Pierson RN, Jr.: Serum Magnesium and Type-2 Diabetes in African Americans and Hispanics: A New York Cohort. J Am Coll Nutr 2006, 25:509-513.

4. Cefalu WT, Hu FB: Role of Chromium in Human Health and in Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004, 27:2741-2751.

5. Sharma S, Agrawal RP, Choudhary M, Jain S, Goyal S, Agarwal V: Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA1C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetes. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 2011, 25:149-153.

6. Hua Y, Clark S, Ren J, Sreejayan N: Molecular mechanisms of chromium in alleviating insulin resistance. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 2012, 23:313-319.

7. Johnson RJ, Segal MS, Sautin Y, Nakagawa T, Feig DI, Kang D-H, Gersch MS, Benner S, Sanchez-Lozada LG: Potential role of sugar (fructose) in the epidemic of hypertension, obesity and the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr 2007, 86:899-906.

8. Schulze MB, Hoffmann K, Manson JE, Willett WC, Meigs JB, Weikert C, Heidemann C, Colditz GA, Hu FB: Dietary pattern, inflammation, and incidence of type 2 diabetes in women. Am J Clin Nutr 2005, 82:675-684.

9. Fung TT, Hu FB, Pereira MA, Liu S, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA, Willett WC: Whole-grain intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a prospective study in men. Am J Clin Nutr 2002, 76:535-540.

10. Gross LS, Li L, Ford ES, Liu S: Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and the epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States: an ecologic assessment. Am J Clin Nutr 2004, 79:774-779.

11. Daisy P, Eliza J, Mohamed Farook KAM: A novel dihydroxy gymnemic triacetate isolated from Gymnema sylvestre possessing normoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity on STZ-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2009, 126:339-344.

12. Yeh GY, Eisenberg DM, Kaptchuk TJ, Phillips RS: Systematic Review of Herbs and Dietary Supplements for Glycemic Control in Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003, 26:1277-1294.

13. Shanmugasundaram ERB, Rajeswari G, Baskaran K, Kumar BRR, Shanmugasundaram KR, Ahmath BK: Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1990, 30:281-294.

14. Baskaran K, Ahamath BK, Shanmugasundaram KR, Shanmugasundaram ERB: Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1990, 30:295-305.

15. Persaud S, Al-Majed H, Raman A, Jones P: Gymnema sylvestre stimulates insulin release in vitro by increased membrane permeability. Journal of Endocrinology 1999, 163:207-212.

16. Nakamura Y, Tsumura Y, Tonogai Y, Shibata T: Fecal Steroid Excretion Is Increased in Rats by Oral Administration of Gymnemic Acids Contained in Gymnema sylvestre Leaves. The Journal of Nutrition 1999, 129:1214-1222.

17. Sigoillot M, Brockhoff A, Meyerhof W, Briand L: Sweet-taste-suppressing compounds: current knowledge and perspectives of application. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 2012, 96:619-630.

18. Imoto T, Miyasaka A, Ishima R, Akasaka K: A novel peptide isolated from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre—I. Characterization and its suppressive effect on the neural responses to sweet taste stimuli in the rat. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology 1991, 100:309-314.

19. Chuengsamarn S, Rattanamongkolgul S, Luechapudip*rn R, Phisalaphong C, Jirawatnotai S: Curcumin Extract for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2012, 35:2121-2127.

20. González-Castejón M, Visioli F, Rodriguez-Casado A: Diverse biological activities of dandelion. Nutrition Reviews 2012, 70:534-547.

21. Ahmad M, Qureshi R, Arshad M, Khan M, Zafar M: Traditional herbal remedies used for the treatment of diabetes from district Attock (Pakistan). Pak J Bot 2009, 41:2777-2782.

22. Bartram T: Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. London: Robinson Publishing; 1998.

23. Choi U-K, Lee O-H, Yim JH, Cho C-W, Rhee YK, Lim S-I, Kim Y-C: Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2010, 11:67-78.

24. Colle D, Arantes LP, Rauber R, de Mattos SEC, Rocha JBTd, Nogueira CW, Soares FAA: Antioxidant properties of Taraxacum officinale fruit extract are involved in the protective effect against cellular death induced by sodium nitroprusside in brain of rats. Pharmaceutical Biology 2012, 50:883-891.

Combat Sugar Cravings -OL - Bay Health Clinic  Bay Naturopath (2024)

FAQs

Can a naturopath help with sugar cravings? ›

PMS with sugar cravings is common but not healthy, and a naturopath can help you to establish a cycle free of PMS symptoms using diet changes and short term herbal medicine. Peri-menopause and menopause can be a time when blood sugar levels can vary and worsen the symptoms experienced at this time.

What can I take naturally to stop sugar cravings? ›

Cinnamon also naturally helps to stop sugar cravings. Numerous studies have shown that the potent polyphenols in cinnamon help to reduce sugar cravings by controlling blood glucose levels. This helps to minimize insulin spikes that result after an unbalanced meal which typically lead to more hunger and more sugar.

What vitamin deficiency causes sugar cravings? ›

Vitamin B6

A deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to depression, mood swings, and low energy levels, which can trigger sugar cravings as a quick energy boost. Foods that are high in sugar are often consumed to feel better quickly, leading to a vicious cycle of cravings and sugar intake.

How much magnesium should I take to stop sugar cravings? ›

Some little-known jobs of magnesium include regulating blood sugar, insulin production, and releasing dopamine. Many doctors believe sugar cravings could actually be a magnesium deficiency, especially if the person craves chocolate. Men should get between 400-420mg per day, with women up to 320mg of magnesium.

What does magnesium do for sugar cravings? ›

It's tied to sugar cravings because magnesium helps regulate glucose (blood sugar) and insulin (helps the body use and store glucose). If you don't have enough magnesium, you're bound to see a difference in your sweet tooth.

What vitamin helps with sugar withdrawal? ›

He advised that people take some supplements to help with sugar withdrawal and carb cravings. Chromium picolinate -- 1,000 mg daily -- can help with sugar withdrawal, he said. Vitamin B complex, 100 percent daily allowance, helps with carbohydrate cravings, he added.

Does B12 deficiency cause sugar cravings? ›

A drop in essential fatty acids may be the culprit behind increased sugar cravings, says nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in one of her recent IGTVs. To get sufficient essential fatty acids, eating ghee is important. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 is also a reason for increased sugar cravings.

Does CoQ10 help sugar cravings? ›

CoQ10 works by helping the mitochondria in our cells produce energy. When we have more energy, we're less likely to reach for sugar-laden snacks. Studies have found that supplementing with CoQ10 may help the body metabolise carbohydrates and glucose more effectively. As a result, this may help prevent sugar crashes.

What mineral do I need if I crave sugar? ›

Deficiencies in certain minerals such as zinc, chromium, iron, calcium, and magnesium may lead to sugar cravings as well, Elia says. Magnesium deficiency is specifically worth paying attention to.

What is the medical reason for sugar cravings? ›

Sugar cravings are often caused by imbalances in blood glucose levels. Low blood sugar levels might cause you to crave something sweet in order to bring up these levels. Other factors that can play a role include psychological stress, medications, hormone imbalances, and health conditions.

Is there acupuncture for sugar cravings? ›

Research has shown that acupuncture and moxibustion (herbal heat therapy) may reduce your sugar cravings to improve your blood sugar levels. Moxibustion at certain acupuncture points can influence blood insulin levels1, 2 and help to regulate them for up to 3-4 days post application.

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