Why We Should All Fight Sugar Cravings

Many people frequently crave sugar. Healthcare professionals consider sugar cravings a fundamental cause of unhealthy and unbalanced diets.

Why do we crave sugar?

There are numerous reasons why people crave sugar. Some of them include the following:

Stress

Research has shown that long-term stress has a substantial impact on sugar cravings. Eating sugar can give the body a boost of dopamine, giving the impression of a happy feeling. But consuming too much sugar can cause blood sugar levels to become out of balance, which in turn raises stress.

Nutritional deficiencies

The deficiency of nutrients like magnesium, zinc, chromium, calcium, and iron can cause sugar cravings. Eat a balanced diet containing fruits, nuts, vegetables, and lentils to avoid this.

Hormones

Hormones like estradiol, estrogen, and progesterone secretion can cause sugar cravings in women.

Dehydration

Thirst can sometimes be masked as sugar cravings.

Poor diet

Consuming too much processed food and less protein can lead to sugar cravings. Sugar is an addictive substance; therefore, the more you consume, the more likely you are to search for sweet snacks. Sugary items release dopamine and opioids, creating the link between sugar and addiction.

The impact of sugar on our oral health

Sugar is a significant cause of tooth decay along with bacteria in pediatric dentistry. Excess sugar affects the oral health of both kids and adults. The impact of sugar on our oral health includes:

• Sugar attracts two types of bacteria, Streptococcus sorbrinus, and Streptococcus mutans, that feed on it. These bacteria’s create plaque, a colorless, sticky substance on the tooth surface that changes the acidity in the oral cavity. The plaque cannot be rinsed away by brushing or with saliva. It requires professional dental cleaning.
• Processed sugars cause plaque that can dissolve the enamel when the acidity in the oral cavity drops below 5.5. This leads to cavities and tooth decay.
• Sugar can cause gum disease, which can worsen when left untreated and become periodontitis. Periodontitis-causing bacteria have the ability to spread throughout your body, attacking organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Periodontitis-causing bacteria can also build up and lead to blood clots blocking arteries, leading to coronary artery disease.

How to beat sugar cravings

Sugar cravings can be curbed with a little effort and some simple tips, including:

• Have a filling breakfast. Breakfasts with a lot of protein can curb sugar cravings.
• Drink a lot of water because dehydration can cause cravings. To enhance your water’s flavor, add berries, lemon, or something similar.
• Plan all your meals beforehand to avoid blood sugar drops.
• Forgo artificial sweeteners that have been known to boost sugar cravings, like sucralose, saccharin, and aspartame.
• When you have a sugar craving, try to eat something sour. The acidic taste might pique your taste buds and take your mind off sugar.
• Eat turmeric and ginger regularly to avoid insulin resistance.

If you have eaten or drunk something with too much sugar, you can protect your teeth with some simple tips:

• Rinse your mouth properly after eating or drinking something sugary.
• Drink some water after consuming sweets.
• Brush your teeth about 30 to 60 minutes after consuming sweets.
• Chew sugar-free gum.
• Visit a dentist for dental cleanings regularly.

Excessive sugar is a dangerous thing that can affect oral and physical health. Visit your dentist regularly, and speak to your physician. When it comes to kicking sugar to the curb, don’t be afraid to ask for help.