Nutritionist answers why we are drawn to sweets

From time to time, everyone wants to eat sweets. However, if the craving for them becomes unrestrained, it can be a sign of health problems or a way to cope with stress.

This is what storinka.com writes about. If you can't cope with your sugar cravings on your own, consult a nutritionist or psychologist. They will help you determine the cause of the problem and develop a plan to solve it.

Physiological reasons

One of the most common causes of sugar cravings is physiological factors. These include:

• Lack of calories. If the body does not get enough energy from food, it can send signals that it needs more calories. Sugary foods are high in calories, so they can be a source of easily accessible energy.
• Lack of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, cereals, and vegetables, provide the body with energy for a long time. If you don't have enough of them in your diet, you may feel tired and weak, and have cravings for sweets.
• Lack of fats. Fats are essential for the normal functioning of the body, including the production of hormones. A lack of fat can lead to depression and sugar cravings.
• Imbalance of minerals and vitamins. Lack of certain minerals and vitamins, such as magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, can also cause sugar cravings.
• Lack of sleep. During sleep, the body produces hormones that regulate hunger and satiety. Lack of sleep can lead to lower levels of leptin, the hormone responsible for feeling full, and higher levels of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for feeling hungry. This can lead to overeating, particularly sweets.

Psychological causes

In addition to physiological factors, sugar cravings can be caused by psychological reasons. These include:

• Stress. Sweet foods can be a way to cope with stress and anxiety.
• Low self-esteem. People with low self-esteem may use sweets as a way to improve their mood and feel better about themselves.
• Addiction to sweets. Some people may develop a sweet tooth. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, psychological problems, or lifestyle.

How to deal with sugar cravings

If sugar cravings become a problem, it is important to take steps to overcome it. Here are some tips:

• Balance your diet. Make sure you get enough calories, complex carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins.
• Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Find other ways to cope with stress. Exercise, meditation, and yoga are just some of the options.
• If you have problems with self-esteem, seek help from a psychologist.

Attention: This content is for informational purposes only and does not contain any medical advice. For medications, diagnoses, and other medical advice, please consult your doctor.

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