Do you have a sweet tooth? Top herbs to help curb the cravings
We have all been there lets face it.
When it comes to extreme sugar cravings, our bodies are aggressively seeking out that quick energy hit that it may not get from our general day to day diet especially if its lacking in good quality protein (particularly at breakfast), a variety of complex carbs, and some healthy fats to keep us feeling satisfied for longer. Stress can also be a culprit for sugar cravings, as our cortisol spikes it leads to dysregulation of our HPA axis even further compounding the need to fuel with quick energy like a sugary treat.
It can weaken our immune system for up to 6 hours after consumption, negatively affect our mood and ability to concentrate, as well as upset the balance of our microbiome. Constant spiking of blood sugar without any benefit of nutrients is eventually going to overstimulate insulin secretion leading to major health problems down the track.
The first line of defence for a sweet tooth is always going to be a wholefood diet, but there are also a few little pearls of herbal medicine wisdom you could incorporate into the day to day to help support you with the quest for a sugar free life:
Licorice
As it is naturally sweet, it can act as that ‘sweet’ fix and as it is also indicated in PCOS which normally goes hand in hand with insulin resistance and adrenal fatigue, addressing these can have the flow on effect of helping to dampen sugar cravings.
Turmeric
Recent research has provided the scientific basis for curcumin and its role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its associated disorders. Curcumin could positively affect most of the main characteristics of diabetes, including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.
St Marys Thistle
Silymarin has been studied mainly for its specific indication for the treatment of liver disorders. However, several studies of other pathologies, including type 2 diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia have also tested the effects of silymarin and reported promising results.
Cinnamon
One of the favourites for herbalists and nutritionists alike for blood sugar balancing is our lovely Cinnamomum. This fragrant and naturally sweet spice is also indicated in diabetes, metabolic syndrome X, and insulin resistance.
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References:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/636053/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.5768
https://www.healthcentral.com/article/stress-sugar-cravings-health