Craving Sweets might be the Candida Talking
Posted by Kelli de Sante' on 11th Jul 2021
Craving sweets? It might be the Candida talking.
Sometimes the cravings we have are the gut’s way of telling you it is out of balance.
During our last blog, we covered how the gut tells the body when it is lacking a nutritional element. Through cravings and signals sent to the brain, it can tell us when we are deficient in certain things by causing us to naturally be drawn to those foods that provide the missing amino acids, vitamins, and minerals it needs to function at its best.1*
If the gut is out of balance, due to a poor diet, antibiotics, eating too much-processed foods, and not enough whole, organic fruits, and vegetables, it may be sending the brain a different signal. Research shows there is a direct connection between sugar consumption and disease and sometimes the gut tells the brain it needs sugar. So why would it lead us to crave the thing that hurts us?*
One reason is that sugar is an incredibly powerful substance, and breaking the habit has been compared to kicking an addictive drug. Secondly, when the microbiome’s out of balance, the unfriendly bacteria, including the yeast Candida albicans, feed off of sugar. When the gut is unhealthy, these unfriendly bacteria cause us to crave what they need to thrive….sugar. It is a strong craving to resist.2*
Candida resides in the digestive tracts of all of us. In a healthy gut, Candida helps with the absorption of nutrients and digestion. It can grow out of control in an unhealthy microbiome (especially those with Crohn’s Disease or colitis). Things that can cause disturbances are antibiotic use, diets high in sugar and carbohydrates, oral contraceptives, too much alcohol, and too much stress. The condition referred to as Candidiasis affects the body in different ways. It can affect the skin, present in the mouth as Oral Thrush, in the vagina as yeast infection, the urinary tract, the esophagus, and the nails as toe and nail fungus. (1,2)*
In severe cases, as Candida crowd out the friendly bacteria, it can affect digestion and damage the intestinal wall allowing proteins, bacteria, and other toxins to be released into the bloodstream and the entire body. When this happens, it can lead to a variety of autoimmune responses. 2*
There are other reasons for sugar cravings. It could stem from an imbalance in blood sugar levels. When we eat sugar, it causes our blood sugar to spike and the body releases insulin to lower it to a safer level. If the insulin brings the blood sugar level too low, as often happens, your body craves foods that will raise it and increase your energy. We can prevent this roller coast by eating foods that prevent too much insulin from being released, such as protein and healthy fats. Eating regular meals and snacks can also help prevent big dips in our blood sugar levels. 3*
Another factor that can cause us to crave sugar is too much stress. When we experience stress, the hormone cortisol floods the body and releases glucose from the liver, which raises our blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in blood sugar can cause cravings, so if we are constantly stressed, blood sugar levels go up and down.3*
Lack of sleep can also cause us to eat poorly and seek out sugar as we are looking for that energy boost to ward off feeling tired. Avoiding excess stress and getting the right amount of sleep is crucial to avoid energy crashes followed by sugar cravings.,3*
If you are a sugar addict, crave sugar, and are wanting to kick the habit, the first thing to do is eat protein and fat along with a high fiber diet, full of healthy vegetables and fruits. These foods feed the healthy bacteria residing in the gut and healthy fats and protein provide a slow stream of energy and satisfy hunger. When the body can’t find sugar for its energy, it turns to fats, so eat healthy fats as well. Some of the amino acids found in protein build the brain chemicals like dopamine, which make us feel good.3*
If you think you have an overgrowth of Candida albicans, take Body Biotics™ Bio-Identical SBO Probiotics Consortia™ at a therapeutic dosage, which means building up to 6 to 8 capsules per day. This helps crowd out the unfriendly bacteria and boost the good. This in combination with a gut-friendly diet will help you to starve out the Candida. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and carbohydrates as they feed the unfriendly microbes. Remember, disease loves sugar…so don’t give it something on which to feed.*
Listen to your gut. It has a lot to say!
Healthiest wishes,
Kelli
Resources