Do you constantly crave sweets? Do you always feel like no matter how hard you try to control your cravings, you can’t resist the urge to eat something sweet and delicious? If so, this article is for you! We have identified the natural trace element as beneficial for controlling food cravings. So if those uncontrollable sugar cravings have been driving you crazy, stay tuned for some valuable insights that could put an end to it.
Why can’t we control our cravings?
It is not possible for us to completely control our sugar cravings for various physiological and psychological reasons.
From a physiological point of view:
Our body has certain mechanisms that make us crave sweet foods, such as the release of dopamine when we eat something sweet. Studies have also shown that consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system, making it harder to resist future bouts of cravings. Additionally, research suggests that sugar can lead to decreased levels of serotonin, which may contribute to increased cravings for sweets.
From a psychological point of view:
Many people view treats as a reward or treat themselves to sugary foods to cope with stress or emotional pain. This type of behavior is often referred to as “emotional eating” and has been linked to an increased risk of developing sugar cravings. Also, some people may be more likely than others to develop a sugar addiction due to the presence of genetic factors or a family history of sugar addiction.
Additionally, environmental factors such as easy access to sugary snacks and desserts or advertisements promoting unhealthy foods can also contribute to increased sugar cravings. Research suggests that these types of cues act on the reward system and trigger feelings associated with pleasure and gratification, causing us to consume more sugary foods than necessary.
Did you know that a trace element is able to help you curb your cravings?
Chromium is a trace element found naturally in many foods, including meats, cheeses and wholemeal breads. Studies suggest it may help control food cravings by modulating the hormones responsible for appetite. In a randomized, controlled study in rats, chromium supplementation was found to reduce food intake and body weight without changing physical activity levels. Additionally, chromium has been successfully used for therapeutic purposes in humans suffering from obesity as well as bipolar disorder and diabetes.
The mechanism underlying chromium’s ability to quell food cravings has to do with its role in glucose metabolism. Chromium helps regulate the release of insulin from the pancreas when the body digests carbohydrates and sugars. When this process is regulated effectively, blood sugar levels remain stable and cravings are less likely to occur following sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar. Likewise, chromium has been shown to increase sensitivity to leptin (the hormone that tells us when we’re full), which also helps control our cravings.
A study comes to approve the superpower of this trace element.
Another study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that healthy adults who took a chromium supplement for eight weeks experienced a significant reduction in hunger and food intake compared to those who took a placebo pill.
Additionally, they hypothesized that low chromium levels may cause people to seek out high-calorie foods, such as industrial snacks, when they have already eaten enough, due to food cravings. caused by low blood sugar resulting from an inability of insulin to do its job properly.
Overall, research indicates that chromium supplementation can help control food cravings through several different pathways: regulating insulin release, increasing leptin sensitivity, promoting blood stability, blood sugar levels throughout the day and reduced hunger signals sent by the brain after meals. With these mechanisms working in synergy, chromium shows promise as an effective tool for managing food cravings and improving overall health.
Food supplement: recommended form and dosage.
There are several forms of chromium available as a supplement, including:
Chromium picolinate.
It is one of the most popular forms because it is easily absorbed and used by the body. However, it can cause digestive upset, so it’s important to start with a low dosage and increase slowly if needed.
Chromium polynicotinate (chromium bound to niacin).
Chromium polynicotinate combines chromium with niacin (vitamin B3), helping to alleviate side effects like nausea or headaches that can occur with higher doses of chromium picolinate alone.
High chromium yeast.
High Chromium Yeast contains natural chelated forms of Chromium, making it easier for the body to absorb and use.
The recommended dose of chromium to help control sugar cravings varies between individuals, but is generally between 200 and 1000 mcg per day. It is best taken with meals and not taken on an empty stomach.
To remember !
When taking a chromium supplement in any form, it is important to work with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the right dosage for you based on your medical history and possible drug interactions. Additionally, studies have shown that combining chromium supplementation with regular exercise can boost its effectiveness when trying to control sugar cravings. So be sure to include physical activity in your general diet!
