Do any of these sound like you?

You can’t control yourself once the bread basket arrives at your table in a restaurant…
You forget that one-pound box of pasta is supposed to serve eight people—not two…
The chips or crackers in the vending machine at work seem to call your name…
You can’t remember the last time you had anything except a muffin, donut or bagel for breakfast…

If so, it appears you are living life in the world of carb cravings.

But never fear!  Because you CAN break the craving cycle! 

Here’s what you need to know:

All carbs are not created equal

While carbohydrates are a necessary food group, starchy carbs are the least healthy (and most addicting) form of carbohydrates.

I’m talking about things like bread, pasta, crackers, snack chips and cereals.

Although they may provide limited nutrients (and that’s a stretch in many cases), starchy carbs basically turn to sugar upon digestion and aren’t much better than eating a candy bar or cookie.

When it comes to truly healthy and nutritious carbohydrates, vegetables and legumes are your best bet.

Why in the world?

There are many reasons that we crave carbs, and you can help curb your cravings if you figure out what may be behind them. 

Here are some possibilities:

Carbohydrate addiction

Current research supports the fact that a primary underlying cause of carbohydrate addiction lies in your brain’s reward system.

Sugar and starchy carbohydrate foods cause the release of serotonin (your body’s feel good chemical) and you feel a calming sensation.

Refined carbohydrates also trigger increased releases of dopamine and norepinephrine, and as your brain becomes deluged with these neurotransmitters, a feeling of euphoria results and a craving for more refined carbohydrates is stimulated. 

Underactive thyroid

Having an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause feeling of fatigue.  In an effort to combat this fatigue, many people reach for refined carbohydrate pick-me-ups including soda, chips, candy bars, crackers and other similar foods.

Yeast overgrowth in the gut

Yeast feeds on sugar, and in turn can multiply out of control and overcome your friendly intestinal flora (which normally helps to keep yeast in check and under control). 

A vicious cycle can be created whereby yeasts, wanting more nourishment, trigger cravings for sugar, which in turn leads to greater yeast overgrowth, which then triggers more intense cravings for sugar.

Stress and adrenal overload

Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol which can give you an intense appetite for sugars and fats. 

Menopause and/or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

As levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop, women may become more prone to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells don’t respond as they should to insulin. This in turn can cause sugar cravings to soar, since the cells have not received the glucose they are expecting from the bloodstream.

Depression

Depressed people often report feeling less depressed after eating high-carb snack foods. 

This is a reflection of the increased production of serotonin following refined carbohydrate ingestion, which mimics the action of antidepressant medications. 

Nutritional deficiencies

Lacking nutrients can trigger cravings, especially the B vitamins.

Tips for reducing cravings

In addition to addressing any underlying causes behind your carb cravings, here are some measures that can help:

Probiotic supplementation

Supplementation with a premium full-spectrum probiotic formula like Super Shield can help keep harmful yeasts and bacteria under control in your microbiome. 

Two of Super Shield’s specialty strains--Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus—have been shown to be extremely effective in fighting yeast overgrowth!

And all 13 of Super Shield’s potent probiotic species help to encourage regular BMs, which will further support a healthy intestinal environment.

Also, a healthier intestinal environment means better nutrient absorption, which will help resolve issues you may have with nutrient deficiencies. 

Optimize your Vitamin D

In addition to being associated with numerous serious health concerns like increased risk of heart disease, cancer and depression, low vitamin D levels are also associated with feelings of decreased satiety after eating!

But the good news is a vitamin D deficiency is easy to counteract—you just need a top-quality formula that provides vitamin D3 along with K2.

And Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B fits the bill!

Optimum DK Formula provides a therapeutic 5,000 IU dose of D3, plus its partners K1 and K2, and the mineral boron, which work synergistically to support your heart, bone and immune health!

Smart Dietary Do’s

Eat a healthy, whole foods diet to provide a variety of healthy nutrients, fiber and antioxidants.

At the same time, avoid refined carbohydrates at all cost.  Completely purge them from your refrigerator, freezer, cupboard and pantry, and bring protein snacks like nuts, hard-boiled eggs or cubed cheese to work with you.

Cook meals at home versus dining out.  Home cooked meals can ensure you’re in control over what is served, and avoids the temptation of the bread basket, desserts and carbohydrate-rich dishes like pasta that are served in restaurants.

Spice it up!  Research has shown that simply adding spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your foods can help curb cravings for sugary and salty foods (which are typical with refined carbs). 

Lastly, drink plenty of filtered water.  Dehydration is the number one nutritional deficiency in the US.  Many people mistakenly think they’re hungry (and reach for carbs!) when they are actually thirsty.  Eight 8 oz. glasses a day should be your goal.

You can do it!

YOU CAN take control over your carb cravings. 

Take whatever measures you need and say goodbye to carb addiction for good.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia