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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Ever wonder why you crave sugar? It’s not just a lack of willpower. There’s real science behind your sweet tooth, and experts have a lot to say about it.
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Eating sugar lights up the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine. It feels good, so you want more, just like habit forms.
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When stressed, cortisol rises, and that spike often pushes you to grab something sweet for comfort.
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A sugar-heavy snack leads to a quick spike, then a crash. That crash makes you crave sugar again, and it’s a frustrating cycle.
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Experts say even one bad night of sleep can increase ghrelin, the hunger hormone, making sugary foods way more tempting the next day.
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A disrupted gut microbiome might increase sugar cravings. Some bacteria thrive on it and may signal you to eat more.
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Sugar isn’t just about hunger; it’s tied to your mood. Feeling low? That chocolate bar can act like a temporary emotional bandage.
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They seem like a healthy swap, but some experts say they confuse the brain, making real sugar cravings even stronger over time.
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Focus on meals rich in protein, fibre, and healthy fats. These keep blood sugar stable and reduce those sudden urges to grab sweets.
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Sugar cravings are usual and should not be treated as a weakness. Understanding what’s behind your cravings helps you manage them better. The key isn’t quitting sugar forever; it’s about finding control, not guilt.
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