How to stop sugar cravings with SUGAR STRESS
Inside the new sugar craving support supplement
Can’t stop reaching for something sweet when you hit a mid-afternoon energy slump? Or perhaps you’re craving sweets all of a sudden when you’ve always preferred savoury snacks? Let’s take a look at the science behind what’s going on.
What causes sugar cravings?
A sweet tooth or fast metabolism can’t always be to blame for your sugar cravings—the cause may actually be stress. In the last 50 years, our sugar consumption has tripled worldwide. Simultaneously, our stress levels have increased to such levels that the World Health Organisation has labelled stress the “Health Epidemic of the 21st Century”. These issues are not isolated.
We are hardwired to crave sweet foods; our brain feeds off glucose, and they’re a fast source of energy. When we eat sweet foods, or sugar, it triggers our brain’s “reward system” (the mesolimbic dopamine system) which makes us feel good.
When we’re stressed, we’re even more likely to crave sweet foods since sugar can suppress the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in our brain, which controls our response to stress. In addition, cortisol (our stress hormone) depletes our feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine.
Here’s how to curb sugar cravings using SUGAR STRESS
SUGAR STRESS is a daily supplement designed to curb stress-induced sugar cravings using adaptogens, highly bioavailable minerals and amino acids to reduce sugar cravings and stabilise blood glucose levels.
83% of our consumer panel experienced fewer sugar cravings, reflecting the efficacy of our clinically-studied ingredients. So let us explain what they do and how they work:
REDUCE CRAVINGS
Chromium: An essential trace mineral for a healthy metabolism. It’s part of a molecule called chromodulin which helps the hormone insulin process carbs, fats and protein, and supports the efficient transport of glucose into cells so it can be used for energy, helping to maintain blood sugar levels.
We use a form of Chromium that is absorbed fifteen times higher than other forms of Chromium. Chromax® Chromium Picolinate has been the subject of dozens of independent clinical trials including 10 that support the claims that it helps to maintain a healthy blood sugar after eating, helps insulin to function better, reduces carbohydrate cravings and has been shown to improve blood sugar metabolism.
STABILISE BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS
L-Glutamine: An essential amino acid that is used by the body to make protein. It can reduce sugar cravings by reducing Firmicutes (a bacteria in the gut that can crave sugar/carbohydrates) and decrease the secretion of Ghrelin (a hormone that can stimulate your appetite and make sugary foods seem more appealing).
L-Glutamine is also believed to stabilise blood sugar glucose levels long term. Multiple studies have shown that L-Glutamine improves sugar levels by creating glucose homeostasis, stabilising A1C levels (which indicate blood sugar levels over 2-3 months) and reducing the impact of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.
L-Glutamine is also believed to reduce sugar cravings in the short tem by increasing glucose conversion. It may increase glucose production for a short period of time, inducing a feeling of satiety.
Coenzyme Q10: is an antioxidant present in all human cells. Mitochondria, the “powerhouse” of cells, have the ability to turn the different fats, sugars and protein we eat into cellular energy. Studies have show that Coenzyme Q10 limits the speed at which glucose can be processed into energy by the cell, improving insulin sensitivity and regulating blood sugar levels. Without Coenzyme Q10, this energy gets misdirected and can cause oxidative damage and destruction. It is commonly used by people with Type 2 diabetes who are deficient in Coenzyme Q10 to help lower and control blood glucose levels.
REGULATE STRESS RESPONSE
Rhodiola Rosea: As an adaptogenic herb, Rhodiola rosea helps strengthen mental and physical stress resistance while supporting brain energy. It is believed to stimulate and sustain cognition-critical neurotransmitters—including norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.
Rhodiola is a powerful adaptogen which aids your body’s reaction to stress, while also reducing anxiety. A combined total of 15 studies have concluded that Rhodiola can positively impact both mental and physical performance. Further research suggests that Rhodiola can increase attention to detail-oriented tasks by improving concentration.
As well as helping the body react to stress, two studies suggest Rhodiola may help lower blood sugar levels. Salidroside in Rhodiola acts as a natural antioxidant in your body and may protect your beta cells from oxidation.