Low-Carb Living

Lesson 6: Weight Loss

Sugar Addiction

Eating refined carbohydrates and sweets triggers the production of our brains’ natural opioids (opiate and narcotic-like substances), to which we can become addicted. If you find yourself craving carbohydrate foods such as grain products and sweets even when you know you are not hungry, you may have a sugar addiction. In order to break this biochemical addiction, we must abstain from refined grains and sugars.

Eating often and including protein with every meal can ease the withdrawal symptoms. Eating protein with every meal helps normalize your blood sugar, control your cravings, and assist with the production of serotonin (a feel-good hormone.)

Sweet cravings are normal. They are intended to lead you to nutritious fruits and vegetables, so be sure to satisfy those cravings in a healthy way. Note that dried fruits and fruit juice contain unnatural, concentrated amounts of sugar that can negatively impact blood sugar.

Long-term overconsumption of high-carb, sugary foods can contribute to a condition known as candidiasis, a yeast overgrowth that causes sugar cravings. It causes many other symptoms from a general feeling of ill-health, fatigue, depression, and anxiety to food intolerances, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Persistent vaginal infections in women are a sign that candidiasis is a problem.

Besides overconsumption of yeast promoting sugary foods, other risk factors for candidiasis include extended antibiotic use, birth control use, and pregnancy.

To clear your body of excess yeast, eat plenty of fresh vegetables, drink plenty of water. Avoid gluten and casein-containing foods such as grains and dairy products, and avoid dried spices and teas that may have grown yeast. Limit fruit consumption. It may be helpful to keep a journal of foods eaten and symptoms experienced so you can more easily eliminate problem foods.

For more information on candidiasis, visit The Candida Page, at http://www.candidapage.com

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