The hidden health problems behind your sugar craving

Say it ain't so!

Pretty much everyone knows sugar is (by and large) bad for you. That isn’t news by any stretch.

But what you mightn’t be aware of is how a craving for sugar can actually be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition. In fact, a craving for the sweet stuff may actually point to problems from top to toe including the below:


Sluggish adrenal glands

Are you irritable? Stressed? Do family and friends bypass the term ‘chill pill’ and go straight to “Why are you so grumpy Kanye?” Are you constantly in need of a wee break?

Your adrenal glands may be struggling.

Our body’s adrenal glands produce two stress hormones, 1) adrenaline (who’d a thunk?!) and 2) cortisol, when under pressure. This is totally normal.

When we’re under constant pressure however, these glands can malfunction becoming sluggish and practically scream for a quick fix aka sugar.

To remedy, cut back sugar and try to reduce your stress levels (easier said than done we know). You can also opt for a high-protein diet to help balance everything out.

Thyroid failure Anyone who says they haven’t turned to food for an easy pick-me up is a damn liar. No one is immune to 3:30-itis. No one.

What you mightn’t be familiar with is the fact that those same feelings that make us turn to sugar such as fatigue and stress could point towards an underactive thyroid/hypothyroidism.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of hypothyroidism can include sensitivity to cold, dry skin, weight gain, a puffy face and thinning hair.

The good news is that there are ways to help. Drinking more water, cutting down on caffeine and swapping out processed food can all have a positive impact. That being said, if your symptoms are severe or do not respond to lifestyle changes, you should book in to see your GP.

Bad bacteria overload 

A craving for bread and sugar can also indicate an imbalance of bacteria. Eek! In case you weren’t in the ~fruit loop~ (yes, that’s a sugar pun), consumption of antibiotics or antacids (especially when excessive) can trigger an overgrowth of bad bacteria.

The bad news is this bad bacteria over-population feeds on existing sugar, triggering increased cravings. Not bad enough? This consumption further multiples bad bacteria, thus increasing cravings and creating the second worst vicious cycle since Ricky Martin got air time (#sorrynotsorry).

Once again, see your GP if symptoms persist/aggravate.