Five Ways to Beat Sugar Addiction

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Do you find yourself craving a sweet treat throughout the day? You keep trying to cut out sugar but end up relapsing? It’s no surprise given that researchers have found sugar is as addictive as cocaine in rats.

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The average American consumes approximately half a cup of refined sugar each day and sugar addiction is turning into a chronic problem in America. However, there are ways in which you can beat your sugar addiction. According to drhyman.com there are five things we can do to modulate our brain chemistry and fight the urge to consume sugar. Mark Hyman M.D suggests:
Balance Your Blood Sugar

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Dr. Hyman reports that we can avoid making “bad” decisions by keeping our blood sugar stable. That means eating a healthy, nutritious breakfast with some protein, eating smaller meals throughout the day every 3 to 4 hours, and avoid eating 3 hours before bedtime.
Go Cold Turkey

Remember when I asked you what your biggest health challenge was? Half of you said it was knowing what to eat and the other half said it was discipline. For those of you struggling with discipline, use the principles above the next time you need to reboot your body. The easiest and healthiest way to regain your sense of competence with a lifestyle modification program is to forget about the details and focus on the basics. When you are back in flow you can resume the details. #health #wellness #housecallwithdrhyman

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Dr. Hyman suggests going cold turkey and eliminating sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet. Although, initially it will be tough, it will curb cravings. By cutting them from your diet completely, you allow your brain to reset. Eliminate refined sugars, sodas, fruit juices, and artificial sweeteners.
Check for Food Allergies

While you all know my opinion on sugar, I do believe there is a time and place for a little treat. Sometimes we need to let loose and the next time you do, try one of my mouth-watering dessert recipes that provide all the pleasure without the belly ache. Click the link in my bio to get my favorite dessert recipes. Enjoy! #markskitchen #healthydesserts #eatfatgetthin #functionalmedicine

A post shared by Mark Hyman, M.D. (@markhymanmd) on May 24, 2017 at 3:31pm PDT

It may seem strange, but according to Dr. Hyman sometimes we crave the very foods we are allergic to. He suggests determining if hidden food allergies are causing your cravings by participating in an allergy elimination program.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep

People always ask me, “If I can’t use sugar can I use natural forms of sugar like honey instead?” Do you ever wonder about this? Find out my opinion in this week’s House Call video. For the full video and article visit drhyman.com/blog #sugar #iqs #functionalmedicine #nutrition

A post shared by Mark Hyman, M.D. (@markhymanmd) on Apr 28, 2017 at 5:44pm PDT

Time and time again we are told to get a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep in order to feel healthy and that correlates to food cravings as well. When we suffer from lack of sleep we are more likely to crave bad foods – and that includes sugar.
Take Supplements

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients. Meaning if you don't have them you die. This is why they are called vita-mins. Because they are vital for life. Visit drhyman.com/blog to learn if you need to be taking supplements. #vitamins #supplements #functionalmedicine #housecallwithdrhyman

A post shared by Mark Hyman, M.D. (@markhymanmd) on May 8, 2017 at 3:40pm PDT

Dr. Hyman recommends taking supplements that help curb cravings, in particular vitamin D and Omega 3’s. Glutamine, tyrosine, and 5-HTP are amino acids that can also help reduce cravings.