Help Curb Sugar Cravings with 7 Herbs & Supplements (That Work)…
Cutting down on sugar is no easy task—especially when your craving for sweets is driven by hidden imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction (Fair Winds Press, May 2015), “There are a number of tried and true herbs and supplements that can keep your sweet tooth under control by supporting adrenal function and decreasing low blood sugar, two of the chief health concerns common to sugar addicts.” He recommends using these supplements under the guidance of a holistic health care practitioner; and as with any herbals, do not take with Coumadin unless OK’d by your physician.
Here are Dr. T’s top 7 recommendations:
Ginseng – Both American and Asian ginseng can help if you crave sweets when you are under stress and are especially helpful in curbing emotional overeating and keeping blood sugar levels stable. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) notes that some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose, while other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function. Asian (Panax) ginseng is preferred, unless you have high blood pressure, in which case choose American Ginseng. Take: 100 mg two times a day.
Chromium – This mineral helps keep blood sugar levels stable, thus decreasing both irritability and sugar cravings. Chromium is critical for insulin function and has been shown to be helpful in atypical (irritable) depression as well. Dose: 200 mcg per day in a good multivitamin. By helping with insulin resistance and lowering elevated blood sugar in diabetes: That’s because, although the blood sugar is high, the sugar just cannot get into the cells. This leaves them essentially sugar-starved (no matter how much sugar you eat) and leaves you craving sweets.
Berberine – This herb comes from Goldenseal and is also helpful in diabetes and for treating gut Candida and other infections. Dose: 250 mg three times a day and can be as high as 500 mg three times a day if it does not cause upset stomach.
Cinnamon – This has a modest effect on blood sugar, but added to foods like cereals and coffee, it adds flavor in a way that decreases the need for adding sugar.
Vitamin D – Research shows that when Vitamin D levels are low in the body, the hormone that helps turn off your appetite doesn’t function and you feel hungry, no matter how much you eat. In 2009, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that those who have enough Vitamin D tend to lose more weight than those with low levels. Low Vitamin D is also associated with increased diabetes risk. Take: 400 to 2000 IU daily as part of a good multivitamin.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in cold water fish like cod and salmon, Omega-3 fatty acids are good for healthy brain function and mood, but are also good for glucose control. In a study conducted by researchers from the University of South Australia and published in the medical journal Public Health Nutrition (2013), a higher intake of Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce insulin resistance, in turn lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Eat two to three servings of oily fish (such as salmon or tuna) a week or supplement your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids with Vectomega (by EuroPharma). Just take one Vectomega each day, which replaces eight to ten fish oil caps!
Vitamin Powder – Supplement with a good Vitamin Powder to stop sugar cravings. Getting optimal nutritional support is important for overall health in general. Every sugar addict can benefit from a good powdered multivitamin. That’s because inadequate levels of nutrients will trigger food cravings in general and sugar cravings in particular, as your body instinctually seeks to get the nutrition it needs. Because human beings need more than fifty key nutrients, you’ll find that using vitamin powders makes sense. One drink can replace at least thirty-five tablets of supplements. For this, Dr. Teitelbaum recommends The Energy Revitalization System (from Enzymatic Therapy).