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Supplements for Sugar Cravings: Do They Work?

Published by Isabella on September 21, 2021

What causes extreme sugar cravings?

Like most types of cravings, sugar cravings are usually caused by an imbalance (such as low blood sugar) or psychological factors like the urge to stress eat. Many of these factors are linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, so it’s important to understand how your sugar cravings may be caused by:

Dehydration

Your body can crave all kinds of things – like sugar – when it doesn’t get enough water, so remember to stay hydrated!

A lack of protein

If your body doesn’t get enough protein, it will crave quick sources of energy like sugar, so prioritise meat, beans or nuts over supplements for sugar cravings.

Hormone imbalances

Fluctuations in hormones (from stress, menstruation or any number of things) can trigger cravings.

A lack of sleep

If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body may crave quick boosts of energy from sugar, so make sure to get plenty of sleep to stay alert and healthy.

Emotions

A lack of stimulation or low moods can cause sugar cravings through boredom or a need for comfort and a quick pick me up. Emotional factors are difficult to treat with supplements for sugar cravings, so try to figure out what in your life is driving you to consume candy.

Is there a pill to stop sugar cravings?

Sugar cravings can come out of nowhere and derail the diet plans of even the most healthy-minded people, so many scientists and manufacturers have searched long and hard for a way to suppress these cravings. However, we still haven’t found the holy grail of a supplement that can effectively curb these cravings, as they are caused by a wide variety of physical and psychological factors.

Fortunately, a combination of lifestyle changes (such as swapping fresh fruit for sugary candy), psychological tricks (like drinking water to help you feel full), and certain supplements can help you beat these cravings, even if there’s no magic cure. If you’re sceptical about supplements for sugar cravings or still struggling to avoid unhealthy snacks, try the following tips to reduce your sugar cravings:

How to Beat Sugar Cravings

Eat more protein: Protein supplies a slow-release, steady source of energy that will keep you satisfied and help maintain blood sugar for longer, preventing cravings from low blood sugar.
Use less artificial sweeteners: Although they seem like a healthy alternative to sugar, artificial sweeteners won’t stop your sugar cravings or hunger, as they contain no calories.
Ditch the processed food: Heavily processed junk food is loaded with sugars and simple carbs that spike your blood sugar and leave you wanting more, so try to eat more natural foods.

Do probiotics help with sugar cravings?

Although they may seem far removed from supplements for sugar cravings, probiotic foods and supplements could help you beat your sugar cravings by supporting a healthy digestive system. A major cause of sugar cravings is biological imbalances in your gut caused by your gut flora – the bacteria that live in your gut – which can be worsened by eating sugar and processed foods.

By eating probiotic foods or taking probiotic supplements, you can promote healthy bacteria in your gut, which help to regulate digestion and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. Probiotic products are increasingly common and delicious, whether you prefer yoghurt drinks like kefir or savoury dishes such as kimchi, so eating more healthy, probiotic foods could be the edge you need to beat your sugar cravings.

Best Supplements that Curb Sugar Cravings

As mentioned before, there are many supplements for sugar cravings designed to tackle the root causes of cravings – such as nutrient deficiencies – and some of the most popular types include one or more of these essential nutrients:

B Vitamins:

Biotin (vitamin B7) can boost feelings of fullness from carbs and reduce your desire to eat, making you less likely to crave unhealthy foods.

Magnesium:

As magnesium is an essential nutrient regulating blood glucose levels, a deficiency can leave you craving a quick energy boost.

Gymnema Sylvestre:

This woody herb – native to the tropical forests of Africa and India – has a unique effect on your tastebuds, reducing the sweetness of foods and your cravings.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):

A naturally occurring antioxidant, CoQ10 helps improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, which may work in supplements for sugar cravings.

Foods that fight sugar cravings

Although sugar cravings can seem unavoidable without some kind of supplement to ‘cure’ them, there are many things you can do to curb your cravings, including eating healthier alternatives. From stocking up on protein to avoid getting hungry between meals to finding alternative sources of sweetness, here are ten foods that can help you fight your sugar cravings:

Fruit & Berries

While high-sugar, high-fat indulgences like candy and donuts might be the obvious fix for sugar cravings, fruit and berries can satisfy your sweet tooth and are much better for you.

Dark Chocolate

If you find yourself craving chocolate, try switching to healthier dark chocolate (with more than 70% cocoa solids) rather than going cold turkey on supplements for sugar cravings.

Snack Bars

Organic snack bars (made with whole grains and sweetened with fruit, not sugar) are great alternatives to candy bars, helping to satisfy your sweet tooth without tons of sugar.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a great source of nutrients like omega-3s and soluble fiber, as well as being highly versatile, so whether you add them to your granola or sprinkle them on salads, they could keep the cravings away.

Legumes

Legumes like beans, chickpeas and lentils are excellent vegetarian sources of protein and fiber, which increases feelings of fullness; who needs supplements for sugar cravings when you’re too full of beans to snack?

Yogurt

Yogurt is high in protein, rich in calcium and can help regulate your appetite, making it a healthy snack to tackle your cravings, especially if you find a brand with live cultures and no added sugar.

Dates

The dried fruit of the date palm tree – dates – are a great source of fiber, potassium and iron with the benefit of being very sweet, making them a good substitute for unhealthy candy.

Sweet Potatoes

Distantly related to their white namesakes, sweet potatoes are sweet (duh), filling and nutritious, so adding sweet potato to your meal planning might work as well as supplements for sugar cravings.

Protein

Protein is vital for a balanced diet, as it manages food intake and cravings, so make sure you include a source of protein (such as meat, fish, eggs or plant-based protein) in your meals to help curb those sugar cravings.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir and kimchi are sources of beneficial bacteria that help to maintain your natural gut bacteria balance and hopefully a balanced diet free of cravings.

Conclusion

In short, while there aren’t any catch-all supplements for sugar cravings, there are a wide variety of supplements and foods that can help you reduce or resist your sugar cravings. As with any other health issue, it’s best to take a holistic approach that considers all the possible causes, so your best bet might be to take multiple supplements or change your diet and lifestyle, so keep trying to beat those cravings!

If you’d like to learn more about how adding supplements to your daily routine could help you improve your overall health, why not read another one of our informative blogs?

Isabella

My name is Isabella Archie, and I'm an experienced health consultant and author. With a Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and 10 years in the field, I have developed customized health plans for individuals, groups, and organizations. I've written numerous articles and books on various health topics, with a mission to empower people to take control of their health through education, motivation, and support. My ultimate goal is to help people lead healthier and happier lives.