How to Stop Sugar Cravings With Nutritional Supplements

Sometimes sugar cravings can be the result of being low in important nutrients. Other nutrients just have the ability to curb those sugar cravings and keep you feeling better.
And many of these nutrients have the added benefit of being recommended for those with have diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. When you feel a sugar craving try taking 200 micrograms of chromium. If after 20 minutes you feel the craving subside it may indicate that you were low on chromium. Chromium helps insulin get glucose into your cells, and when that happens the message to your brain that you need more sugar can stop.

2. Add 10 milligrams manganese to your daily routine. Manganese helps the transport and metabolism of glucose and a deficiency of it can impair insulin production. Its role in balancing blood sugar levels can help control cravings.

3. Try taking a zinc supplement of 30 milligrams. A deficiency in zinc can cause poor sense of taste and smell...making sugar more desirable as it is one of the flavors you can taste better. Getting your zinc up to sufficient levels can satisfy your taste buds with less sugar.

4. For very strong sugar cravings take 500 milligrams l-glutamine up to three times a day. You can even open a capsule and put the powder on your tongue. L-glutamine is an amino acid that is converted into food for the brain.

5. Take magnesium 400 milligrams a day. While most Americans are told to take calcium, magnesium (which is essential for the absorption of calcium) is largely ignored.
   Magnesium is used by the body in hundreds of ways. And control of glucose metabolism and regulation of insulin are among them. Magnesium is also used by the "emotional" part of the brain, and scientists speculate this may be why deficiencies of it can cause cravings of chocolate which is known to induce pleasure.
   When magnesium levels are brought back to a healthy level often cravings for sugar and chocolate often melt away.

Tips & Warnings

• When possible it's best to get your nutrients from food sources. Nutritional supplements are meant to be just that, supplements...something in addition to a better diet. So eat better as well as taking supplements as needed.
• Consider consulting a nutritionist in order to get advice that best suits your needs.
• Other nutritional deficiencies may cause food cravings and lead to overeating. A healthy diet may help you want to eat less.
• It is possible to get too much of some of these nutrients. Take them with care.
• This article is intended only as general information and is not meant to replace the advice of medical experts or meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

[myra63]

on 12/1/2009 Thanks I will try some of these I live off of sugar and caffeine

[goldiec]

on 8/15/2009 Thanks for the great tips on stopping sugar cravings with nutritional supplements.

[Susang6]

on 7/30/2009 Very useful information. I am not a diabetic, however my body cannot break down sugar...it makes me very hyper. Your article has some useful tips. Thanks.

[DreamsInBloom]

on 7/24/2009 Yes, juliev579, l-glutamine is a great supplement and it is mentioned in step number four.

[juliev579]

on 7/24/2009 L-Glutamine (an amino acid) is also good to stop sugar cravings. I normally take 3-5 g a day.