Cravings for sugary foods, beverages, alcohol and cigarettes are a common occurrence in our busy Western lifestyle. Partly, this is due to constantly burning energy because of stress from school, work, and family pressures. It also comes from lack of sleep and exercise as well as nutritional deficiencies. There are certain nutrients that can help alleviate temptations for these sometimes harmful products, as a lack of these nutrients may be causing cravings in the first place. Consult your doctor for advice before taking these supplements to treat a condition.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may help alleviate temptations for high carbohydrate or sugary foods. This is because vitamin C helps stabilize blood sugar, according to Jacob Teitelbaum in the book, "Beat Sugar Addiction Now!" Vitamin C is essential for adrenal function, and the adrenals oversee cortisol production, which is responsible for keeping blood sugar stable during stress. Therefore, higher intake of vitamin C decreases symptoms of low blood sugar and associated sugar cravings. The amount of vitamin C necessary per day depends on the person, though levels far above the RDA of 60mg are usually considered safe since it is a water-soluble vitamin.
Vitamin B-Complex
Andrew Saul, Ph.D., in his book, "Fire Your Doctor!" suggests that taking B-complex vitamins are the most important way to alleviate temptations and reduce sugar cravings. He recommends taking a 50mcg B-complex vitamin six times a day. Frequently divided doses and their synergistic value are the key to their effectiveness. B-complex vitamins are also known to increase energy levels, which may keep you from eating sweets and refined foods for a quick pick-me-up.
Chromium
Though a mineral and not a vitamin, chromium is an essential nutrient for alleviating food, caffeine and alcohol temptations. Chromium is necessary to control hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and diabetes. Unfortunately, the more sugar that is eaten, the more the body excretes chromium in the urine, according to Dr. Sherry Rogers in her book, "No More Heartburn: Stop the Pain in 30 Days - Naturally." She recommends taking 200mcg of chromium daily to level out blood sugar.
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is another nutrient that is important for cutting cravings and temptations. In the book, "Natural Highs: Supplements, Nutrition, and Mind-Body Techniques to Help You Feel Good All the Time," Dr. Hyla Cass recommends taking L-glutamine to ward off a variety of cravings for common addictive substances, including sugar, caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol. A 500mg capsule of L-glutamine poured under the tongue is absorbed immediately and should provide energy quickly. Alternatively, a 500mg capsule can be taken three times a day between meals to prevent cravings.
References
- "Beat Sugar Addiction Now!"; Jacob Teitelbaum; 2010
- "Fire Your Doctor!"; Andrew Saul, Ph.D.; 2005
- "No More Heartburn: Stop the Pain in 30 Days - Naturally"; Sherry A. Rogers, M.D.; 2000
- "Natural Highs: Supplements, Nutrition, and Mind-Body Techniques to Help You Feel Good All the Time"; Hyla Cass, M.D.; 2003
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