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How Do I Stop Sweet Cravings With Vitamins?

Mar 28, 2011 | By Leah Webber
How Do I Stop Sweet Cravings With Vitamins?
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Sugar cravings are a feeling of urgency to consume sugar or refined foods, which will quickly break down into sugar in the body. When sugar is consumed, it triggers a release of two neurotransmitters in the brain called serotonin and beta-endorphins. These transmitters elevate mood, increase energy and create a feeling of happiness, contributing to an emotional connection or link between being happy and consuming sugar. Some vitamins, minerals and dietary nutrients can be helpful in reducing cravings. Complex carbohydrates can eventually replace sugars in the diet because they break down slower, providing a less evasive source of energy without the ''sugar rush'' consequences of refined foods and candy.

Step 1

Take vitamins C and B-complex to control sugar cravings. Both of these water-soluble vitamins are shown to reduce sugar craving, according to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN at WomentoWomen.com. As an added bonus, chewable vitamin C supplements are sweet tasting and provide a boost for the immune system. B-complex supplements help support mood and cognitive function and provide a boost of energy without disrupting the brain or blood sugar levels. Vitamins C and B-complex can be taken daily.

Step 2

Use minerals that help curb sugar cravings. Zinc, magnesium and chromium are all trace minerals that are associated with blood sugar and the body's cravings for sugar. Those who are low in zinc have a lowered smell and taste sensitivity and consequently crave sugars more since they are a distinct and strong flavor. Restored levels of zinc have been shown to reduce sugar cravings in those cases. Alternatively, sugar cravings in some can be a sign of magnesium deficiency, and restoring its amount to normal can cease the urges for those people. Chromium is a mineral that is involved in normalizing blood sugar levels and also plays a role in metabolism of sugar. A chromium supplement can help reduce and eliminate the body's heavy cravings for sweet flavors and refined foods.

Step 3

Include other nutrients as a supplement or in the diet to help reduce sugar cravings. An amino acid or protein called tryptophan, which is found most abundantly in turkey meat, is involved in the process of producing serotonin; without it, serotonin production would not be possible. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods such as fish and flax oil are beneficial to nerve function and elevate mood, increasing natural presence of serotonin in the brain and lessening the need for sugar to help stimulate serotonin production. These nutrients can be taken like vitamins, as a daily supplement.

Tips and Warnings

  • Avoiding alcohol can also be effective in reducing sugar cravings since alcohol inhibits the transport of an amino acid called tryptophan into the brain, where it is converted into serotonin.
  • Do not begin taking supplements without first consulting a physician.

References

Article reviewed by Sharon Last updated on: Mar 28, 2011

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