Strong cravings for sweets may indicate 3 health problems

17.02.2024 02:30
Updated: 12.05.2024 23:40

Real hunger often makes people less picky than they otherwise are. When you're really hungry, you're even willing to eat foods you don't like.

On the other hand, you are probably well aware of the strong desire for certain foods or products that outwardly manifests itself as hunger, but if you think about it a little, you will find that this is not quite true.

You don't just want to eat, you want to eat something specific.

For many, it may be sweet foods. This type of craving, which occurs very often, can also be a sign of health problems or a lack of certain nutrients.

Dehydration

Symptoms that indicate dehydration typically include headaches, dry mouth, and darker colored urine.

food
Photo: © TUT NEWS

Much less commonly mentioned is a sudden and intense craving for sugar, which can also be one of the signs that you are not providing your body with enough fluids. What is actually thirst can be interpreted as hunger, and in such situations, many people want sweets.

The next time you have a strong craving for sweets, try drinking a glass of water or a cup of unsweetened tea with lemon juice first. Wait a bit. Chances are, you'll find that you want the candy much less than you did a few minutes ago.

Foods that contain above-average amounts of water, such as cucumbers or watermelon, can also be good snack choices in these situations.

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is one possible reason why you often crave sweets. It is one of the most important minerals involved in protein synthesis, blood sugar regulation, energy production, and preventing muscle cramps.

One of the consequences of magnesium deficiency can be difficulty supplying cells with energy sources.

So you get much more tired than usual, and when you get tired, your body often craves sugar or sweet foods. This is a quick source of energy because it provides a quick rise in blood glucose levels.

So, you can try to satisfy your sweet tooth with foods that contain more magnesium or with supplements. Foods that are good sources of magnesium include sunflower seeds, cashews, fresh cocoa, and almonds.

These foods make a healthy snack that's rich in "good fats" to help you cut out the processed sweets.

Excessive fluctuations in blood sugar

Last but not least, frequent cravings for sweets can also indicate problems with blood sugar - sometimes, for example, it can be associated with prediabetes.

In most cases, poor eating habits are to blame for the significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

If you eat something that contains a lot of simple carbohydrates, it will cause your blood sugar to rise quickly and then fall very quickly, which will cause an almost uncontrollable desire for food that provides a quick source of energy, and of course we are talking about sweets. This can quickly lead to a vicious cycle.

So if you want to break your sugar addiction and thus reduce your risk of diabetes, it would definitely be wise to pay more attention to the composition of your main meals.

Replace simple carbohydrates with complex ones, while ensuring you get enough fiber and protein to keep you feeling full longer.

A well-balanced or well-planned diet prevents rapid changes in blood glucose levels, so the likelihood of sudden bouts of "hunger" between meals is much lower.

It was previously reported why it is healthy to eat salmon .

Author: Valeria Kisternaya Editor of Internet resources
 
Expert: Elena Gutyro  

Content
  1. Dehydration
  2. Magnesium deficiency
  3. Excessive fluctuations in blood sugar