Sugar cravings are the intense desire for sweet foods. Such cravings may evolve from conditions such as hormonal changes, restrictive dieting or psychological illnesses, such as depression. Mild sugar cravings are common, temporary and rarely require treatment. If you experience long-term, frequent or intense sugar cravings, particularly those that lead to damaged moods, poor nutrition or negative behaviors, seek guidance from a qualified medical professional.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to the emotional, behavioral and physical symptoms that precede a woman's menstrual cycle. Increased appetite and sugar cravings commonly affect women with PMS, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Such cravings may be due to hormonal changes in the body or caused by emotional reasons in women who eat as a means of coping with negative emotions. If you experience intense sugar cravings prior to your menstrual cycle, consider lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and improving your diet. Fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates are fiber-rich, nutrient-dense foods that may help fulfill your appetite and keep you satiated longer. Allow yourself modest amounts of "treat" foods to avoid feelings of deprivation. Keep only small amounts of foods that tempt you in your home or purchase single portion of desserts to enjoy elsewhere to eliminate the risk of overeating.
Restrictive Diets
Following a restrictive diet may trigger sugar cravings. According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition (JIN) in March 2003, people who adhere to high-protein diets with little or no carbohydrate content are likely to experience heightened sugar cravings, compared to those who consume high-carbohydrate or appropriately balanced diets. Eating too few overall calories can also trigger sugar cravings. Restricting calories or glucose (energy derived from food), can result in reduced energy. In response, your hunger and cravings for foods that provide rich amounts of energy, such as high-carbohydrate sweets, may increase. If you aspire to lose weight and struggle with sugar cravings, increase your consumption of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Keep in mind that restricting your caloric or nutrient intake excessively can lead to an array of negative complications, including reduced metabolism.
Psychological Disorders
Psychological disorders such as depression may cause increased appetite and food cravings. According to JIN, conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, anxiety disorder, bulimia and binge eating disorder are associated with increased appetite and sugar cravings. Sugar cravings experienced by people with psychological disorders may stem from chemical reactions in the brain, since carbohydrate-based foods such as sugar may boost serotonin, a hormone known to elevate moods and instill calmness, reports JIN. In addition, people with bulimia or binge eating disorder often claim to experience sugar cravings during binge episodes. Once the underlying disorder is treated, sugar cravings often reduce.
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