Why Do I Crave Chocolate?

What deficiency causes chocolate cravings?

Deficiency or sweet tooth? – Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency. is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.

So, try eating a good quality dark chocolate bar (preferably organic and above 70 per cent cocoa) which is a rich source of magnesium, or try a magnesium supplement to see if your cravings subside. Despite its prevalence, magnesium deficiency still fails to be top of mind for many. A study by the laboratory Mineral Check found that 70 per cent of 8,000 people tested had a lower than expected magnesium levels.

Deficiency impacts the body’s ability to function properly, causing symptoms including migraine, irritability, anxiety, extreme fatigue, insomnia, irregular heartbeat and lack of concentration. So, if you find yourself suffering with these symptoms and often crave chocolate, it may not just be a sweet tooth you have, you may actually be suffering from magnesium deficiency! Emily Whitehead is a nutritional therapist who is passionate about helping people improve their health. Emily holds a wide number of qualifications including an MSc in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, a BSc in Sports, Health, Exercise and Nutrition, as well as two diplomas in Nutritional therapy and Personal Training.

What should I eat if I crave chocolate?

2. Stay Full with Protein – Hunger masquerading as a chocolate craving means you need a snack that will satisfy and keep you fuller longer. Reach for something, which takes longer than other nutrients to digest: Greek yogurt, beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, tuna, cottage cheese, protein bars.

What hormone makes you crave chocolate?

Why do you crave chocolate on your period? – After ovulation begins, your body adapts and goes through the usual cycle of shedding its uterine lining and related toxins. Levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin drop and insulin levels go up. This dangerous combination leaves you reaching for mood-boosting foods like chocolate – that sweet mix of sugar AND fat – while glucose-levelling insulin leaves you craving a sweet treat to raise your blood sugar.

1. At the same time, a drop in progesterone and oestrogen production makes you more hungry than usual, especially for comfort food containing sugar, carbs and calcium, which would explain why you’re craving chocolate on your period.
2. Drops in oestrogen are linked to changes in insulin resistance, which also trigger cravings and weight gain.

This is more prevalent during the second part of your menstrual cycle. But you are not alone. Many women report feeling an intense need to eat chocolate in the days leading up to their periods. If you already love this treat, it’s not surprising that you would want a chocolate fix when you are feeling bloated or blue.

• Hormonal changes inevitably make you reach for foods that comfort you.
• To help alleviate chocolate cravings, add more complex carbohydrates to your diet.
• Not only are they healthier, they also help you to feel fuller, moderate your blood sugar levels and alleviate cramps.
• Think whole grains and legumes.

For a double dose, pick foods that are also rich in magnesium and calcium, such as leafy greens and porridge made with milk.

Why is chocolate a common craving?

Low Blood Sugar – Another reason you might find yourself craving chocolate is that your blood sugar is low. Most chocolate is high in sugar and provides a quick fix when you are hungry or low on energy. The sugar cycles through your body quickly and helps clear that “brain fog” that occurs when you have gone too long without eating.

Why do I crave chocolate when I’m not hungry?

Food cravings are very familiar to most people. We may see or smell food and want to eat, or sometimes we suddenly feel like eating something delicious. These intense desires occur even when we’re not hungry and can be very difficult to resist. There are many reasons why we may “feel” hungry even if our stomachs aren’t growling.

• Physical hunger in our bodies is controlled by complex physiological signals which stimulate our appetite and then suppress it after we’ve eaten (known as satiety).
• However, eating is much more than just responding to a biological need.
• There’s another system that drives and motivates us to consume foods that are rich in energy (calories): the brain’s “food reward” system,

The rewarding nature of food can easily override our satiety signals and seriously undermine our ability to resist temptation. Eating delicious foods is inherently pleasurable. This anticipated enjoyment is a powerful motivator of our food intake. The sight and smell of food attracts our attention, and we may start to think about how nice it would be to eat.

• This may result in cravings and food consumption.
• Research has even shown that junk foods, such as chocolate, ice cream, chips and cookies, are especially hard to resist,
• These types of food are high in fat and/or sugar, which makes them highly appetising and therefore desired.
• Food reward is underpinned by complex brain biology, including the endogenous opioid system and the endo-cannabinoid system, both of which have roles in the “liking” and “wanting” of food (such as the enjoyment of eating, and the motivation to attain food).

The nucleus accumbens (an area of the brain that controls motivation and reward) contains overlapping opioid and cannabinoid receptor sites which, when stimulated, produce powerful effects on desire, craving, and food enjoyment. In some people, these systems may be more active than others, and so their motivation to eat is incredibly powerful.

For example, brain imaging studies have shown that in people who habitually crave chocolate, there is greater activity in brain-reward regions when presented with the sight and taste of chocolate, compared to people who aren’t chocolate cravers. These individual differences are likely due to a combination of genetic and learned factors which have yet to be fully understood.

The reward system also enables us to form associations between being in certain situations and eating high-calorie foods, such as wanting fish and chips when we’re at the seaside or popcorn at the cinema. An interesting study found that people could easily learn such associations when they were given a milkshake while being shown images on a computer screen.

The participants reported greater desire for a milkshake when they were shown these images compared to when they were shown images that were not associated with the milkshake. The food reward system is highly efficient at directing us towards food sources and encouraging consumption and, because of this, it can easily override satiety signals.

In our evolutionary past, when we were hunter-gatherers, this system would have been highly advantageous as we needed to be able to rapidly detect food sources and consume high quantities of energy-rich foods when available. This opportunistic over-consumption would have protected us against future periods of famine and ensured our survival. Our desire for high-energy foods could be unhealthy for us. All kind of people/ Shutterstock However, in modern society, our natural motivation to seek out high-energy foods puts us at risk of weight gain, Modern dietary environments have been called “obesogenic” due to the abundance of high-calorie foods, which are often low-cost and served in large portions.

Do anemic people crave chocolate?

Chocolate – Do you suddenly have a hankering for something sweet and creamy? While a chocolate bar does contain sugar and fat, there are actually some nutritional benefits to dark chocolate. Some studies show that people who eat a small amount of dark chocolate every day, as part of their total calories, have lower blood pressure.

What tastes like chocolate but is healthy?

4 Alternatives to Dark Chocolate – The basic ingredients to consider when replacing dark chocolate in a recipe are the fat in cocoa butter and the chocolate color and flavor from cocoa solids. Sugar is also important, but varies in ratio. This is especially useful to note when substituting dark chocolate in recipes wherein you don’t need dark chocolate chips’ texture and shape.

1. Cocoa Nibs A less processed and less sweet kind of chocolate product is cocoa nibs.
2. Although they lack sweetness, cocoa nibs have a strong chocolate flavor and a consistency comparable to roasted coffee beans.
3. They have a rich chocolate flavor that could be described as nutty and slightly bitter, making them an excellent alternative to dark chocolate.

Use cocoa nibs in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for dark chocolate. Using cocoa nibs in place of dark chocolate is fantastic since it gives cakes both chocolate flavor and an extra crunch. Cocoa nibs are frequently swapped out for chocolate chips in many cookie recipes as a healthier option and a substitute when out of chips. Homemade Cocoa Powder Chocolate Cocoa powder or cacao powder is made from fermented, roasted cocoa beans that have usually been heated at a high temperature before being pressed to remove some fat. To lessen acidity, cocoa powder is frequently alkalized (or dutch-processed) with chemicals during processing.

1. The result is a powder that, when added to liquids, is less bitter and more soluble.
2. You can often even use cocoa powder as a direct substitute for bittersweet chocolate.
3. When using cocoa powder to substitute for dark chocolate in baking, it needs to be in a recipe where you only need a chocolate flavor, or else you need to turn it into a homemade chocolate before using.

This chocolate alternative is not ideal for chocolate chip cookies, muffins, or anything that needs textured morsels of flavor coming from actual chips. To make 2oz. of it, use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter or oil, and 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar. Carob (Chips) The carob is a flowering evergreen Arabian tree, a sub-family of the legume family, Fabaceae. It is widely cultivated for its edible fruit pods, which are long and brownish-purple in color. The carob tree is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.

• The carob bean is extracted to produce a brown, flour-like powder, frequently used as a chocolate replacement.
• Carob is a tasty and healthful alternative to dark chocolate.
• It has a slightly nutty, roasted, sweet flavor with a close taste to dark chocolate.
• Due to its high fiber content, antioxidants, low fat and sugar content, lack of caffeine and gluten; it tastes similar to chocolate and is a fantastic substitute.

Losing weight and having fewer gastrointestinal difficulties are other health advantages, if chocolate seems to bother you. If you have stomach problems or gluten sensitivity or are looking for a low-cal, and low-fat option, carob is a great substitute for dark chocolate.

You can use carob chips the same way as you would dark chocolate chips in almost all recipes in a 1:1 ratio. Use 1 tablespoon of oil or melted butter and 3 tablespoons of natural, unsweetened carob powder in a recipe that calls for two ounces of dark chocolate. Baking Chocolate When you initially think of baking, chocolate substitutes are often easier to come up with than in other contexts.

Enter: baking chocolate, also known as unsweetened chocolate or chocolate liquor. This bitter paste forms the base for both dark and milk chocolates, and can be purchased on its own to be used as a substitute for dark chocolate. Similar to chocolate chips, pieces of baking chocolate can generally substitute for semisweet chocolate to bittersweet or dark chocolate with the help of a bit of sugar.

Does chocolate help if you’re hungry?

Summary – Eating small amounts of dark chocolate may help to control your appetite by reducing levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Flavonols in cocoa may also improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, helping to prevent the “crashes” that can lead to eating more or choosing less healthy food options.

• But more good quality research involving large groups of people is needed to strengthen these early findings.
• With all the dark chocolate products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are the best for your health.
• ZOE’s Prof.
• Tim Spector recommends choosing products that are at least 70% cocoa and that contain less added sugar and no artificial additives.

Even the best quality dark chocolate contains added sugar, so it’s best to eat it in moderation. Taking the time to savor dark chocolate can make it a great finish to a meal and may satisfy your sweet cravings. At ZOE, we know that understanding your personal responses to food, and eating the right foods for you, is good for your metabolic health and can lead to weight loss without restricting what you eat.

Does eating a small piece of chocolate everyday help with cravings?

How much dark chocolate should you have? – There are no official recommendations about how much dark chocolate to eat for its health benefits. The key is moderation. Spencer Hyman, a chocolate expert and founder of the ethical craft chocolate company Cocoa Runners, recommends a “less is more” approach.

• Try and train yourself to savor rather than to scarf,” he explained in the recent ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast,
• It’s much better to have than scarf some low-fat vanilla yogurt, which has actually got seven times the amount of sugar in it than a dark chocolate bar would have.” And in scientific studies, participants usually consume small or moderate amounts of chocolate.

One review looking at the effects of dark chocolate found that the researchers had given participants between 20 g (0.7 oz) and 100 g (3.5 oz) each day. A more recent review found that most studies had given each participant a maximum of 20 g per day.

Can depression make you crave chocolate?

When depressed, 1465 (54.4%) reported food cravings, with 1210 (44.9%) specifically being chocolate cravers (50.7% of the women and 30.9% of the men; χ 2 =88.3, P

Why do females eat chocolate on their period?

Final Notes On Why You Crave Chocolate On Your Period? – Craving chocolate during your period can be attributed to a combination of hormonal fluctuations, emotional changes, and physiological factors. Chocolate contains compounds like phenylethylamine, tryptophan, and theobromine, which contribute to boosting serotonin and endorphin levels, promoting a sense of happiness and well-being.

1. Furthermore, the magnesium present in chocolate can help alleviate muscle cramps and fatigue that are common during menstruation.
2. To manage these cravings in a healthy way, opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content, as it offers more health benefits and contains less sugar and fat compared to milk or white chocolate.

Remember that moderation is key, and balancing your chocolate intake with a healthy diet and lifestyle can help you better cope with period-related cravings and symptoms.

Does low estrogen cause chocolate cravings?

26 Jan Sure hormones are behind your monthly chocolate cravings? Not so fast. – This weekend, I happened to somehow, accidentally, without reeeallllyyy meaning to, end up at one of my favorite chocolate shops downtown. Not too coincidentally, I’m in my premenstrual Week 4. I left the candy shop with a bundle of dark chocolate-covered pretzels, graham crackers, potato chips and orange peels. Basically, if it was covered in dark chocolate, I was taking it home. Now, I know I’m not the only woman who experiences a sharp rise in cravings for chocolate right before and at the start of my period, Numerous studies (such as this, this and this ) suggest nearly half of women get cravings around this time in our cycle, (Though I suspect there are lots more who simply wouldn’t admit to chocolate cravings during these studies without being promised a reward of chocolate in return for their truthfulness. I know I’d be one of those chocolate-ransoming hold-outs!) Anyway, I got a little curious about this chocolate-craving phenomenon : Are we somehow being pushed by our hormones toward chocolate? Or is something else at work here? So, I went through the research and–surprising as it seems– it’s not hormones pushing us face-first into a bag full of delicious chocolate treats. At least not directly, To find this out, researchers examined a variety of factors affecting chocolate cravings: In a small 1999 study, they looked at what happened when they gave women progesterone in their premenstrual week to make up for plummeting levels of this hormone, which they theorized might trigger chocolate cravings. The extra progesterone didn’t stop their chocolate desires, which nixed that hormone theory. Interestingly, in the same study, they gave women the anti-anxiety drug alprazolam (Xanax) thinking maybe premenstrual tension caused by plunging estrogen was triggering the chocolate cravings. Guess what? The mellowed-out premenstrual ladies still sunk their teeth into their favorite chocolate treats. So, that wasn’t it, either. In a 2003 study and 2004 study, researchers compared premenstrual chocolate cravings across different cultures –the United States, Egypt and Spain. This is when they hit on something: Women who lived in the country where chocolate is more commonly eaten as candy (the U.S.) experienced significantly higher monthly chocolate cravings than those who lived in the other countries where it’s less commonly consumed. And in 2008, a study found that Japanese women had higher cravings for rice and sushi. All this suggests that cultural norms are at least partly behind the rise in cyclical chocolate yearnings. Then, in an intriguing 2009 study, researchers examined what happens to women’s chocolate cravings after they’ve gone through menopause, Their theory was that chocolate cravings would drop significantly since a woman’s post-menopausal hormones wouldn’t be cycling up and down in a monthly pattern. What the researchers discovered, however, was that chocolate cravings were reduced by only a small amount, suggesting more was at work than hormonal fluctuations. So, if hormones aren’t directly the cause of chocolate cravings that hit at the same time every month right before and during your period, than what is? It’s most likely a combination of factors: > Social norms: We touched on this in the studies mentioned above. This is where eating chocolate–especially around our period–is considered normal and commonplace in our culture. Since we see other women doing it, it plants the idea in our heads (and mouths and bellies) that chocolate is a good thing for us to eat perimenstrually, too. > Chocolate’s mood-enhancing effects: Researchers point out that chocolate is rich in compounds that affect feel-good brain chemicals, giving us a euphoric buzz. And what we may really be craving is this quick and easy mood lift to counteract low estrogen dragging down levels of these feel-good brain chemicals, triggering premenstrual sadness or irritability. In a way, it’s like reintroducing a substance to your body that you’re addicted to and have suddenly been cut off from. (For instance, ever try to quick coffee cold turkey? Yikes!) So, chocolate may help replenish those lost addictive substances–those happiness-elevating brain chemicals we love so much. > We consume more calories perimenstrually: Research shows that rising estrogen in the first half of our cycle has a slight appetite-suppressing effect. In fact, we eat less during ovulation–when estrogen is peaking–than during any other time in our cycle. So, it may be that we splurge on chocolate during our premenstrual week and the first few days of our period when estrogen is low simply because that’s when we’re eating more calories overall. > Chocolate is just plain delicious: The creaminess and rich aroma and sweet taste simply appeal to our senses. So, we may crave chocolate at a time in our cycle when we feel like treating ourselves to something delicious as a reward for putting up with low-estrogen moodiness, fatigue, aches and brain fog. I hope this helps explain a little about why you or someone you know gets chocolate cravings around your period. Fun fact: I’ve been sipping dark cocoa the entire time I was writing this Hormonology Tip, (As if I could stop myself!) And, if I haven’t just triggered a chocolate craving in at least a few of you perimenstrual readers, I will be reeeaaalllly surprised. Never miss a single Hormonology tip: Click here to subscribe to the free Hormonology newsletter today!

About Latest Posts

I’m the women’s health journalist who pioneered the cycle-syncing and hormone awareness movement in 2005 with my groundbreaking, award-winning book, 28 Days: What Your Cycle Reveals About Your Moods, Health & Potential. I’m also the creator of the popular Hormone Horoscope Apps and Female Forecaster App. I founded Hormonology as a way to continue sharing hormone cycle education around the globe. Latest posts by Gabrielle Lichterman ( see all )

Will I lose weight if I stop eating chocolate?

If you are a chocolate lover, then you are not alone. According to research, Americans, on average, eat approximately 9.5 pounds of chocolate per year, coming in 9th place for the world’s top 10 chocolate consumers. If you think that’s a lot though, take a look at Switzerland—on average each person there enjoys approximately 19.8 pounds of chocolate annually.

• Talk about a sweet tooth! Even though chocolate is delicious, some variations of it may have negative effects on our health—as it turns out, not all chocolate is created equal.
• For example, dark chocolate may have health benefits when enjoyed in moderation, but other types, such as white and milk chocolate, can be packed with fat and added sugar.

“To get the maximum health benefits from cacao, you want to choose a dark chocolate that is 70% or higher,” explains Danielle McAvoy, MSPH, RD, and Registered Dietitian with Strong Home Gym, “The percentage of cacao also tells you the percentage of sugar,” says McAvoy.

For example, if a chocolate is labeled as “50%” that means it is made of 50% cacao and 50% sugar and dairy. But even healthy dark chocolate can be over-consumed. If you feel like your chocolate habits are negatively impacting your health, cutting it out could help. Cutting out chocolate may feel difficult at first, but it can work wonders for both your mind and body.

From getting a better night’s rest to experiencing fewer mood swings, here are some of the effects of giving up chocolate for 30 days. While you’re making healthier choices, check out Eating Habits to Lose Abdominal Fat As You Age, Say Dietitians, Shutterstock When we cut out chocolate we are also cutting out sugar, which can then have a balancing effect on our moods. “When you eliminate sugar from your diet, you’re getting rid of one of the main causes of mood swings and irritability,” explains Jay Cowin, NNCP, RNT, RNC, CHN, CSNA, Registered Nutritionist and Director of Formulations at ASYSTEM, Sign up for our newsletter! Shutterstock Having trouble reaching your weight loss goals? Eliminating chocolate from your diet, even if it’s just for a month, can help cut back on calories and sugar which can then lead to weight loss. “Because added sugars are often hidden in foods and drinks, and more especially in chocolate, it can be tough to track just how much sugar you’re eating each day,” says Cowin, “cutting back on added sugars can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.” RELATED: The Unhealthiest Foods Making Your Sugar Cravings Worse Shutterstock According to research, almost one-third of Americans may experience acid reflux weekly, When we think of heartburn or acid reflux, images of tomato sauce, alcohol, and fried foods may come to mind, but did you know that chocolate is also a culprit? “Chocolate is an acidic food and can cause or worsen symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux,” shares McAvoy, “The sweeter the chocolate, the more triggering it can be.” Shutterstock If you indulge in chocolate later in the day you may find that going to sleep at night may be a struggle. This is because chocolate contains caffeine and can keep you up. McAvoy points out that caffeine is okay in moderation, but if you are someone who is guzzling down coffee in the morning, having chocolate in the afternoon or evening may disrupt your sleep. Shutterstock By avoiding chocolate for a month you may develop increased emotional awareness which can help improve mindful eating. “I know firsthand that eating chocolate is an easy way to pacify uncomfortable emotions,” says Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie, M.D., dual-board certified obesity & metabolic health physician, bestselling author, personalized lifestyle coach, and CEO of EmbraceYOU Weight & Wellness,

• When I gave up chocolate for a month I was forced to “feel my feelings,” she adds, “This emotional awareness helped improve my mindful eating.” Dr.
• Bollie also said that she felt “a greater connection and clarity” when she wasn’t using food to “soothe” her feelings.
• This is a common pattern I see with other emotional eaters that I work with on their weight and wellness journey,” she points out.

RELATED: 5 Ways to Quit Emotional Eating for Good Shutterstock Just a single Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar contains 24 grams of sugar, Enjoy one of these a couple of times per week and that’s nearly 200 grams of added sugar, just from chocolate, each month. According to a 2018 research study, it was found that diets that are high in sugar can put you at a greater risk of developing non-fatty liver disease. Shutterstock In a 2014 study by JAMA Internal Medicine, it was found that there was a direct correlation between higher added sugar intake and increased risk for CVD (cardiovascular disease) mortality. By switching out your chocolate habit for healthier alternatives, such as fruits and nuts, the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease may be lessened. Shutterstock While chocolate has long been considered a potential migraine trigger, a study in the journal Nutrients did a deep dive into 25 studies that investigated the role of chocolate in the formation of migraines. They failed to find sufficient evidence that chocolate alone is a migraine trigger. A previous version of this article was originally published on February 18, 2022.

Does stress cause chocolate cravings?

Stress and sugar cravings – Stress can not only increase one’s intake of food overall, but also affect the kind of foods that are eaten. In general, stress triggers greater consumption of appetizing, calorie-dense foods—like chocolate, ice cream, potato chips, and fatty junk food, for example.

Why do I eat chocolate everyday?

Ever since childhood, we have been told that chocolate is bad for health. It has been linked with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, tooth decay and diabetes, which often makes us think twice before having a piece of it. Despite its bad reputation, several health benefits may be associated with this delicious treat.

Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds and is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Varied studies carried out till date vouched for the health benefits of cocoa seeds, which contains biologically active phenolic compounds. We will tell you 8 health benefits of eating chocolate, so next time you can enjoy your treat guilt free.

It is nutritious Chocolate is highly nutritious, especially the dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. It is loaded with minerals and contains a fair amount of soluble fiber. Dark chocolate is, in fact, one of the best sources of zinc, a nutrient responsible for activating about 300 enzymes in the body and boosting metabolism.

Besides, chocolate is also rich in iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and selenium. But it should be consumed in moderation due to the presence of saturated and monounsaturated fat. It may lower blood pressure The flavanols content in chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries.

This, in turn, leads to the production of nitric oxide, a compound responsible to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and decreases the blood pressure. It may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke Not only blood pressure cocoa also has properties to cut down the risk of heart attack and stroke.

It can help to reduce the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood, which is one of the factors responsible for stroke and heart diseases. Two Swedish studies confirmed that consuming 19 to 30 grams of chocolate per day can lower the rate of heart failure. However, the benefits do not increase when people consumed a high amount of chocolate It may provide relief from inflammation Chronic and prolonged inflammation in the body can be responsible for several chronic diseases,

An easy way to reduce inflammation is by consuming chocolate. Cocoa has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to ward off chronic diseases and keep you healthy. A study also suggests that cocoa can regulate the bacterial composition of the intestine, which can trigger this anti-inflammatory response.

It may protect skin from the sun damage Not only for your health, but chocolate is also good for your skin. The bioactive compound found in chocolate can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and keep your skin hydrated. In fact, the common notion that chocolate causes acne is also incorrect.

It may improve brain function If you are looking for ways to improve your cognitive function then just make chocolate your best friend. The flavanol content in chocolate has been linked to improving brain function. As per a study carried out on healthy individuals, consuming chocolate for five days in a row can help to improve blood flow to the brain.

It might be more beneficial for elderly people dealing with mental impairment. The studies show that cocoa can be beneficial in case of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It may improve mood We all crave for chocolate when having a bad day and there is a scientific reason behind that.

Chocolate regulates the feel-good hormone serotonin and dopamine. These hormones can lift the mood and make you feel energetic. According to a review of eight chocolate studies published in the Journal Nutrition Reviews, eating chocolate can help boost your mood and enhance your cognition, thanks to powerful flavonols in it.

1. It may be also helpful for people suffering from depression.
2. It may improve symptoms of Type 2 diabetes Sugar and diabetes do not go well together, but chocolate is different.
3. Studies suggest that having dark chocolate in moderation can help to reduce symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.
4. Some studies have shown that a higher intake of flavonoids can cut down the risk of developing this disease in the first place.

Besides, flavanol-rich cocoa can reduce insulin sensitivity, improve blood sugar level and reduce inflammation in diabetic and nondiabetic people. The healthiest options There are 3 different types of chocolate – milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate.

• Milk Chocolate- It is the most widely distributed type of chocolate.
• It contains milk, cocoa and sugar.
• The percentage of cocoa and milk differs from region to region.
• Dark chocolate- Dark chocolate is the closest form to pure cocoa, which tastes slightly bitter.
• This kind of chocolate is also used for preparing desserts and cakes.

White Chocolate- This kind of chocolate contains a significant amount of milk and added sugar. It only contains cocoa butter, which gives the chocolate bar its white colour. Cocoa is the main ingredient in chocolate responsible for all of its potential health benefits.

So, out of all dark chocolate is the healthiest type of chocolate because it does not contain sugar and has the highest amount of cocoa. How much chocolate one can eat in a day Excessive consumption of anything is harmful to health, whether it is veggies or chocolate. One must not eat more than 30 to 60 grams of chocolate in a day.

Consuming too much chocolate will increase your daily calorie count leading to weight gain and other issues. A bar of dark chocolate weighing 40 grams contains 190 calories.

What vitamin deficiency causes sugar cravings?

Nutrient Deficiencies Deficiencies in certain minerals such as zinc, chromium, iron, calcium, and magnesium may lead to sugar cravings as well, Elia says.

Does chocolate increase anxiety?

Can I Eat My Way Calm? As much as you may want to, you can’t make yourself feel better with a bowl of your favorite ice cream. It won’t help – the problem is all that sugar. Spikes in your blood sugar can bring on changes in your hormone levels. They can start with “jitteriness” and eventually lead to crashes. But other foods may help boost your mood. These have lots of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from stress and may help ease feelings of depression. You can get them from nuts, beans, walnuts, or green vegetables, too. If this one leaves a bad taste in your mouth, almost any leafy green will do – kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard. The key is the magnesium, which may help you feel calmer. Make sure you get enough of that mineral to help keep things in check. This is a complex carb – it gets into your system slowly and gives you a steady flow of energy that can help keep you on an even keel. It also can give you a boost of a brain chemical called serotonin that can lift your mood. The flavonoids in the cocoa help protect your cells. They’re a type of antioxidant that may also help lower your blood pressure, boost the blood flow to your brain and heart, and make you less anxious. The dark stuff – at least 70% cocoa – is best, but don’t overdo it. The caffeine in chocolate can make anxiety worse if you have too much, and no one needs a lot of extra fat and calories. Zinc is a mineral that helps our bodies deal with stress. Some diets may not include enough of this mineral. Zinc can be found in oysters, a salt water mollusk. If oysters aren’t your thing, you can get it from cashews, liver, beef, poultry, or eggs, too. You may think of vitamin C when you think of these citrus fruits, and that’s a big reason it might help your anxiety. Some studies have shown that a diet rich in it may help calm you and put you in a better frame of mind. These little fish aren’t for everyone, but they have lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help with depression and anxiety. The reason for that may be related to the way they can ease inflammation. If sardines are too fishy for you, try salmon or albacore tuna, which are lighter but also have plenty of omega-3s. This one can be a blessing or a curse – the issue is the caffeine. A couple of cups of black coffee a day may boost your mood and energy, and up to four cups seems to be OK for most people. But more than that can make you jittery and anxious, and some people are more sensitive to it. For some, the ritual of a cup of tea has a calming effect. Certain herbs – lavender and chamomile, for example – may help, too, along with the antioxidants in the tea leaves themselves. Just make sure you don’t get too much caffeine. Many teas have that, too.

• Cabbage has folic acid, vitamin C, and some B vitamins that may help ease anxiety.
• If it’s left to ferment – stew in its own juices – bacteria break down sugar and other things and make it taste sour.
• These “good” bacteria help keep your gut healthy.
• They also play a part in making serotonin, a calming brain chemical.

Calf is best, but chicken liver works, too. Both are loaded with B vitamins and folic acid that help make brain chemicals that affect the way you feel. You can get B vitamins from avocados and almonds, but they don’t have B12, which affects your mood and energy level.

If you’d rather pass on the liver, you can get B12 in eggs, fish, or chicken. This can be good or bad, depending on how much you have. A drink or two can relax some people, but too much can rewire your brain and make you more anxious. And heavy drinking can cause problems at work, home, and with your health that lead to more anxiety.

No more than one drink a day for women, two for men, is a healthy rule of thumb. IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

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• Anxiety and Depression Association of America: “Depression.”
• British Journal of Pharmacology: “High-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders impairs 5-HT function and anxiety-like behavior in mice.”
• Harvard Health Publications: “Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food,” “Nutritional strategies to ease anxiety.”
• Journal of Psychopharmacology: “Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression in secondary school children.”

Mayo Clinic: “What’s the relationship between vitamin B-12 and depression?” “Caffeine: How much is too much?”

1. Medical News Today: “Does A Cup Of Tea Reduce Stress?”
2. National Institutes of Health: “Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Hypoglycemia Symptoms Improved with Diet Modification,” “Novel Therapeutic Targets in Depression and Anxiety: Antioxidants as a Candidate Treatment,” “Magnesium deficiency induces anxiety and HPA axis dysregulation: Modulation by therapeutic drug treatment,” “Lavender and the Nervous System,” “Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future.”
3. Psychology Today: “Anxiety and Omega-3 Fatty Acids,” “Zinc: an Antidepressant.”
4. UCLA Explore Integrative Medicine: “Eat Right, Drink Well, Stress Less: Stress-Reducing Foods, Herbal Supplements, and Teas.”
5. University Health News: “Foods That Fight Depression and Anxiety: Try Fermented Foods,” “Chocolate Benefits for Your Brain: Improves Memory and Mood.”

: Can I Eat My Way Calm?

What do you crave if your iron is low?

Low iron levels, or iron deficiency, occur when your body doesn’t have enough iron. This leads to a condition called anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, pallor, and breathlessness. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen through your blood vessels.

If your body doesn’t have enough hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles won’t get enough oxygen to be able to work effectively. Here are 14 signs and symptoms of iron deficiency, starting with the most common. Also, find out how to recognize anemia in children and older adults, and when to see a doctor.

Feeling tired is a common sign of iron deficiency anemia. It can also affect people who don’t have enough iron, even if they haven’t received a diagnosis of deficiency. This fatigue happens because your body lacks the iron it needs to make a protein called hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen around your body.

Without enough hemoglobin, less oxygen reaches your tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy. Your heart also has to work harder to move more oxygen-rich blood around your body, which can make you tired. Since tiredness is often considered a part of a busy, modern life, it’s difficult to diagnose an iron deficiency based on this symptom alone.

However, tiredness that occurs with pallor, shortness of breath, and other symptoms may be a sign of anemia. What are some other reasons for fatigue? Summary Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. This is due to less oxygen reaching your tissues, depriving them of energy.

• Skin that’s paler than usual, as well as pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids, can also indicate iron deficiency.
• The hemoglobin in red blood cells gives blood its red color, so low levels caused by iron deficiency make the blood less red.
• That’s why skin can lose some of its color or warmth in people with iron deficiency.

A 2016 study notes that pallor in the skin or inside the eyelids is a reliable indicator of anemia. A person with severe anemia may also have pallor in the creases of the palms of the hands. If you pull your lower eyelid down while looking in a mirror, the inside layer should be a vibrant red color.

• If it’s a very pale pink or yellow, you may have iron deficiency.
• In people with darker skin tones, the eyelid may be the only area where this condition is noticeable.
• However, pallor can happen for many reasons.
• Only a blood test can confirm if a person has anemia.
• Does your skin look pale, gray, or blue? Find out why.

Summary Skin that’s paler than usual in areas like the face, lower inner eyelids, or nails may be a sign of iron deficiency. This paleness is due to low levels of hemoglobin, which gives blood its redness. Hemoglobin enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body.

• When hemoglobin levels are low with iron deficiency, oxygen levels are also low.
• This means that your muscles won’t receive enough oxygen to do everyday activities, such as walking,
• As a result, your breathing rate will increase as your body tries to get more oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath,

If you find yourself out of breath when doing daily tasks that you used to find easy, such as walking, climbing stairs, or working out, it may be due to iron deficiency. What are some home treatments for shortness of breath? Summary Shortness of breath is a symptom of iron deficiency, since low hemoglobin levels stop your body from effectively transporting oxygen to your muscles and tissues.

Iron deficiency can occur during menstruation, and headaches can also occur with both. The link between iron deficiency and headaches is unclear. Several factors may contribute, including the relationship between altered dopamine function and estrogen levels. Although there are many causes of headaches, frequent, recurrent headaches may be a sign of iron deficiency.

What are 14 types of headache? Summary Headaches may be a symptom of iron deficiency, although more research is needed on the connection between dopamine dysfunction, estrogen levels, and iron deficiency. Noticeable heartbeats, or heart palpitations, are another sign of iron deficiency anemia.

Experts are still studying the link between iron deficiency, anemia, and heart problems, but they believe oxygen supply may play a role Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen around your body. In iron deficiency, low hemoglobin levels mean the heart has to work extra hard to carry oxygen.

This may lead to irregular heartbeats or the feeling that your heart is beating abnormally fast. Consequently, iron deficiency may worsen conditions that affect your heart, such as heart failure and coronary heart disease. Why do I have palpitations at night? Summary In cases of iron deficiency, your heart has to work especially hard to transport oxygen.

1. This can worsen conditions that affect heart health.
2. Dry or damaged skin and hair may be signs of iron deficiency.
3. Iron deficiency lowers the level of hemoglobin in your blood, which may reduce the amount of oxygen available to cells that cause hair growth.
4. Skin and hair that lack oxygen may become dry and weak.

Iron deficiency is also associated with hair loss, and some research suggests it may be a cause. Hair often falls out during everyday washing and brushing. But, significant hair loss may be a sign of iron deficiency. Get some tips on preventing hair loss.

Summary Skin and hair may receive less oxygen if you have iron deficiency, leading to dryness or damage. In more severe cases, this may lead to hair loss. Sometimes, changes inside or outside of your mouth can indicate iron deficiency anemia. Signs include a swollen, inflamed, pale, or strangely smooth tongue,

Other possible symptoms around your mouth include:

• dry mouth
• a burning feeling in your mouth
• sore, red cracks at the corners of your mouth
• mouth ulcers

What else can cause tongue swelling and soreness? Summary A sore, swollen, or strangely smooth tongue may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia, as are cracks on the corners of your mouth. There may be a link between iron deficiency and restless leg syndrome,

• This condition involves a strong urge to move your legs while they’re at rest.
• It may also cause unpleasant crawling or itching sensations in your feet and legs.
• It’s usually worse at night and can make it difficult to sleep,
• The causes of primary restless leg syndrome are not fully understood.
• However, it can stem from various medical conditions, including iron deficiency anemia.

Indeed, people with iron deficiency anemia are six times more likely to have restless leg syndrome than the general population. What are the best treatments for restless leg syndrome? Summary People with iron deficiency anemia may have restless legs syndrome, which is a strong urge to move your legs while at rest.

1. Strange cravings. A hankering for strange foods or non-food items is called pica, A person may crave ice, clay, dirt, chalk, or paper. It can occur during pregnancy and may be a sign of iron deficiency.
2. Feelings of depression. There may be a link between iron deficiency anemia and depression in adults, including during pregnancy.
3. Cold hands and feet. Iron deficiency means less oxygen delivery to your hands and feet. Some people may feel the cold more easily in general or experience cold hands and feet.
4. More frequent infections. Iron is needed for a healthy immune system, and a lack of iron may increase your risk of infections.
5. Poor appetite. Iron deficiency is linked to low appetite due to changes in the hunger hormone ghrelin,

Children with iron deficiency anemia may :

• have pale skin
• appear irritable or fussy
• lack energy
• tire quickly
• have a rapid heart rate
• have a sore or swollen tongue
• have an enlarged spleen, just below the ribs
• show signs of pica, such as wanting to eat ice

How does anemia affect children? Anemia is common in older adults, but it can be hard to identify, as some of the symptoms are common as people get older. Symptoms include:

• fatigue
• difficulty thinking and focusing
• depression
• muscle weakness
• frailty

Compared with younger people, older adults are more likely to have conditions associated with iron deficiency anemia, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies. Older adults are also more likely to use certain medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, and proton pump inhibitors over a long period, which may cause blood loss in the stomach or reduce iron absorption.

Learn more about how anemia affects older adults. Summary Other signs of iron deficiency include strange cravings, depression, frequent infections, and cold hands and feet. Children and older adults share symptoms, but neurological symptoms, like ADHD, are more common in children. Talk with a doctor if you have symptoms of iron deficiency.

Without treatment, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. This can increase the risk of complications, such as:

• heart problems
• depression
• a higher chance of infections
• pregnancy issues

People who are pregnant or have heavy menstrual periods have the highest risk and should talk with a doctor about being tested for iron deficiency anemia. If your doctor confirms that you have iron deficiency — typically via a blood test — they will develop a treatment plan that best meets your healthcare needs.

They may recommend increasing your intake of iron via your diet or taking supplements, However, if the doctor suspects anemia stems from gastrointestinal problems, they may recommend further tests and procedures, including upper and lower endoscopies. If you think you have iron deficiency anemia, speak with a doctor before changing your diet or deciding on any supplements.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. Summary Long-term complications of iron deficiency anemia include depression, pregnancy issues, and heart problems. So talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

Does B12 deficiency cause sugar cravings?

Highlights –

Keep yourself well-hydrated Do not overdo on drinking tea and coffee Add dahi or chass to your to diet to reduce sugar cravings

Sugar cravings: Over the years, have you found a way to take a control over your cravings? Sugar cravings are the worst, and probably the most difficult to overcome. These cravings are a result of micronutrient deficiency. A drop in essential fatty acids may be the culprit behind increased sugar cravings, says nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in one of her recent IGTVs.

What vitamin helps with chocolate cravings?

OMg! The Sneaky Reason Behind Your Chocolate Cravings It is estimated that over 36 Million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold in preparation for Valentine’s day. With the U.S. consuming an average of 2.8 billion pounds, chocolate is one of the most popular treats. But, did you know that chocolate is actually linked to a nutrient that over 80 percent of Americans are deficient in? Magnesium.

1. A deficiency in magnesium may play a role in some intense cravings.
2. Our magnesium intake in this country has dropped dramatically below the recommended 500 mg daily amount.
3. Today, the average American only consumes 175–225 mg of magnesium per day.
4. With chocolate being high in magnesium, it’s no wonder that the popular treat is also a common craving.

Perhaps, being deficient in magnesium is the culprit to our insane chocolate consumption? So, why does this decadent treat have us by the tooth? Magnesium activates over 300 enzyme reactions in the body that are crucial to your nerve and muscle function, energy levels, blood coagulation, and both bone and cell formation.

If you find yourself craving chocolate on more than just a few occasions, and you have ruled out cravings for sugar specifically, then you may want to include more of these magnesium-rich foods into your diet: · Dark leafy greens · Seeds · Nuts · Beans · Avocados · Rice · Oats · Bananas · Pumpkin

You may find that a diet abundant in magnesium-rich foods will help keep your chocolate cravings at bay. Of course, you can get magnesium in a form, too. OMg Magnesium! Increasing magnesium intake doesn’t just help reduce chocolate cravings. There are many benefits to adding more of this mineral into our daily wellness routine.

Taking the correct form of magnesium may relieve symptoms of: · Muscle Fatigue? Try Magnesium Malate. Decreased oxygen levels of muscles (hypoxia) can cause the tissue to breakdown, also known as mitochondrial damage. It is suggested that magnesium malate eases pain caused by muscle tissue hypoxia by allowing the body to make more It has also been shown to help fibromyalgia pain.

· Digestive Issues? Try Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium activates enzymes that assist the body in absorbing and using fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This is a great source of relief for constipation and keeping your digestion regular. · Sleep, Mood, or Memory Trouble? Try Magnesium Glycinate or Threonate,

1. These forms of magnesium can improve mood, aid in sleep, and are critical for memory.
2. Well-known for its calming effect, this type of magnesium can have a positive impact on mood and behavior.
3. This combination is also a key component in activating nerve channels that are crucial for learning and memory.

· Heart Health? Try Magnesium Taurine, Both the magnesium and the amino acid taurine can reduce blood pressure and improve contractions of the heart muscle. Ask Dr. Kat about dosages and what other need to be taken in tandem for maximum absorption. Sources: https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/magnesium-sulfate.html https://books.google.com/books?id=w5LNq9JIiScC http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4244 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1855626/ : OMg! The Sneaky Reason Behind Your Chocolate Cravings

Does magnesium reduce chocolate cravings?

If you experience sugar cravings, anxiety, insomnia and muscle cramps, you might be deficient in magnesium. Masterfile Got cravings? Perhaps it’s that time of the day again, or maybe that time of the month, when all you can think about is having chocolate and nothing else will do. If you attribute this to the rise and fall of hormone levels, you may be surprised to learn that reaching for some cocoa could be a sign that your body is low in magnesium.

• In fact, in my clinical experience I have found that chocolate cravings and PMS symptoms both improve with daily magnesium supplements.
• But that’s not all this mineral can help you with.
• Here are some of the other ways magnesium is important in for bodies.1.
• It balances blood sugar levels Magnesium is involved in more than 300 physiological processes in the body, from the action of the heart muscle and the formation of bones and teeth, to the relaxation of blood vessels and the promotion of proper bowel function.

Magnesium also plays an important role in how your body handles and processes carbohydrates. This powerful nutrient can influence the release and activity of insulin, which in turn helps control blood glucose levels, the number on the scale, and the inches that may accumulate around your waistline.

• It’s a catch-22 because refined sugar (and stress) causes the body to excrete magnesium through the kidneys, which in turn can boost your cravings, continuing the cycle.
• Several clinical studies have examined the positive impact that magnesium supplementation can have on type-2 diabetes and blood-sugar levels.

In one such study published in Diabetes Care, 63 subjects with below-normal serum magnesium levels received 300 mg elemental magnesium per day, or a placebo. At the end of the 16-week study period, those who received the magnesium supplements had improved control of their diabetes,

• Take 200 to 400 mg of magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate a day.
• To treat and prevent constipation, increase to 600 to 800 mg per day, up to what your bowels can tolerate.2.
• It eases anxiety and stabilizes mood Individuals with anxiety have been found to have lower levels of magnesium, which may be linked to the fact that a magnesium deficiency causes the release of adrenalin.

Magnesium supplements reduce the release and effect of stress hormones on the heart, which is an indirect measure of the mineral’s effect on the brain. A study published in Psychiatry Research found that patients who received magnesium were able to reduce their anti-anxiety medications, and symptoms of anxiety such as bradycardia (heart arrhythmia) disappeared.

A bedtime dose of magnesium may also ensure that you sleep like a baby. In a study of more than 200 patients over a period of 12 months, Dr.W.H Davis of the University of Pretoria tested magnesium as a possible means of combating insomnia, He discovered that patients on magnesium supplementation reported that they fell asleep quickly, and had more luck staying asleep throughout the night.

Waking tiredness disappeared, and anxiety and tension diminished during the day. Taking magnesium at bedtime is my favourite starting place for most cases of sleep disruption, in all ages.3. It reduces muscle cramping Do you ever get those irritating little twitches in your eyelid? How about painful muscle cramping that wakes you up at night or ruins your workout? These are both possible signs of magnesium deficiency — the mineral is closely involved in proper muscle relaxation and contraction.

Start taking your magnesium dose at bedtime instead of in the morning, and you may be surprised at how quickly these symptoms go away. Leg cramps during pregnancy are also quite common, and respond very well to a healthy dose of magnesium. Researchers from two hospitals in Sweden conducted a double-blind, randomized trial in which 73 women with pregnancy-related leg cramps were randomly assigned to receive oral magnesium (15 mmol) or a placebo daily for three weeks.

Serum magnesium levels were measured, and patients recorded the frequency and severity of their leg cramp symptoms before and after treatment. As it turns out, the group receiving the magnesium supplements experienced a dramatic reduction in the severity of the leg cramps.

Athletes can be especially prone to magnesium loss from sweating. I once treated an adventure racer with this exact condition. He used to develop cramps so severe that his teammates would have to carry him during competitions. I fixed his digestive issues and supplemented with minerals, and he was back in action in no time.

I recommend a mineral supplement containing magnesium and foods high in the mineral — like seeds, nuts and green leafy veggies — to all of my athlete patients to maintain their performance.4. It improves blood pressure Evidence suggests that magnesium may play an important role in regulating blood pressure, due to its natural muscle-relaxing ability.

When blood vessels are relaxed, there is less resistance to the flow of blood and as a result, lower blood pressure. Diets that provide high sources of potassium and magnesium — such as those that are high in fruits and vegetables — are consistently associated with lower blood pressure. The DASH study (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) suggested that high blood pressure could be significantly lowered by consuming a diet high in magnesium, potassium and calcium, and low in sodium and fat.

In another study, the effect of various nutritional factors on high blood pressure was examined in over 30,000 U.S. male health professionals. After four years of follow-up, researchers found that a greater magnesium intake was significantly associated with lower risk of hypertension.

1. The evidence is strong enough that the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommends maintaining an adequate magnesium intake as a positive lifestyle modification for preventing and managing high blood pressure.
2. For all the above reasons and many more, magnesium is one of the first — and perhaps most important — minerals to get into your supplement arsenal.

Natasha Turner, N.D. is a naturopathic doctor and author of the bestselling books The Hormone Diet and her newest release, The Supercharged Hormone Diet, now available across Canada. She is also the founder of the Toronto-based Clear Medicine Wellness Boutique,

Does B12 deficiency cause sugar cravings?

Highlights –

Keep yourself well-hydrated Do not overdo on drinking tea and coffee Add dahi or chass to your to diet to reduce sugar cravings

Sugar cravings: Over the years, have you found a way to take a control over your cravings? Sugar cravings are the worst, and probably the most difficult to overcome. These cravings are a result of micronutrient deficiency. A drop in essential fatty acids may be the culprit behind increased sugar cravings, says nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in one of her recent IGTVs.

Does magnesium stop sugar cravings?

Magnesium and GTF Chromium Combat Sugar Cravings – Help is at hand if you find it hard to stop eating Easter eggs or other sweet foods. Magnesium and GTF Chromium may be just what you need to get rid of those desires for sugary foods destructive to your health.

• When your body has difficulty in controlling your blood sugar you can develop sugar cravings.
• When you eat sugary In addition sugar or sweet foods are considered likely to trigger and exacerbate food addiction.
• Sugary foods stimulate your body to release larger amounts of insulin as very high blood sugar levels damage your body.

The problem is these large insulin releases can bring your blood sugar levels down too low at this point you are likely to crave sugar. Although sugary foods do give some temporary relief from sugar cravings and other low blood sugar symptoms such as feeling faint, headaches, irritability, and fatigue; sugar will once again cause your body to produce a lot of insulin, so the cycle begins again.

1. Over long periods of time this can result in an inability Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) Chromium has been shown to help stabilise blood sugar levels so helps reduce sugar cravings.
2. Avoid sweet tasting foods that cause overproduction of insulin; sugar, refined grains and soft drinks (both the sugary ones and the diet version).

Also check ingredients; avoid any that list sugar, syrups, and fructose. A lack of magnesium can trigger sugar cravings, especially chocolate cravings. However the sugar does not give your body magnesium in fact every time you have sugar you use up magnesium as it is used by the body to help metabolise sugar.

water – have some in case thirstyFood – have a high quality meal /snackAir emotionsTired – rest and relaxNeed physical out-let ? Go for fast walk / run

AFTER CHECK LIST if still craving sweet – HAVE SWEET ITEM – have another Entire Katoa Food State Magnesium80 capsule and repeat from 1. (You can have up to 3 EXTRA Entire Katoa Food State Magnesium80 capsule a day – so 5 in total) IMPORTANT- Food State supplements are low dose high absorption supplements so may be taken in the way described on the above “check list” however other types of Magnesium may possibly be harmful if taken in this way, as it might result in too much Magnesium.

If unsure seek professional advice from you supplier or contact us. Research is emerging which demonstrates the importance of another nutrient Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) Chromium in stabilising blood sugar levels, If supplements are used I recommend the Entire Katoa Food State supplements for the best absorption.

To best help your body you need to avoid sweet foods that cause overproduction of insulin, or in the case of Type 2 Diabetes sweet food that your body can no longer cope with. This means you need to avoid sugar, refined grains and soft drinks(both the sugary ones and the diet version).

• Also check ingredients of the labels; avoid any that list sugar, corn syrup, and fructose.
• Herbs such as Gymnema, Turmeric and Dandelion can help decrease your sugar cravings and stabilise your blood sugar levels.
• Read more in Blood Sugar Imbalances and Herbal Medicine.
• Original article April 2014 Copyright Jaine Kirtley References 1.

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