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Craving Sugar? This Easy-to-Fix Problem Could Be the Cause

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May 29, 2024

We all know we should be limiting our sugar intake — but somehow, when a craving for something sweet hits, it can be really challenging not to give in. It’s much easier to avoid those cravings in the first place. And the good news is, there’s a simple way to minimize or even eliminate sugar cravings: Stay hydrated. We’ve gathered some easy ways to help you do that.

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What is dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when we don’t take in enough fluids. When this happens, the body can’t effectively carry out normal functions like managing blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

Easiest ways to stay hydrated

The best way to avoid the discomfort of dehydration — including sugar cravings — is to stay hydrated. Here are the easiest ways to do it:

  • Drink plenty of water. The recommended amount of water per day is about 12 8-ounce cups for women, or 16 cups for men. Sip regularly throughout the day, even setting alarms on your phone to remind you.
  • Include electrolytes. When we move and sweat, along with water, we lose essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, sodium, B vitamins, and more. Those nutrients help to balance fluid in the cells, making hydration more efficient. Using an electrolyte powder in your water, like no-sugar-added Hydrate Electrolytes from Sports Research, can help you stay hydrated more easily. Plus, the refreshing flavors, like lemon-lime and raspberry lemonade, will help you want to drink more.
  • Eat fruit and vegetables. The water in produce counts toward your daily intake. Some produce is especially high in water content, such as watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, bell peppers, and celery.

How dehydration and sugar cravings are connected

It seems odd to put these two things together, but there are a couple of reasons why they’re connected. For one thing, it’s easy to confuse some of the symptoms of dehydration and hunger:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Irritability or confusion

Also, when we’re dehydrated, it can be difficult for our bodies to access energy stores, especially glycogen, the main storage for carbs. When our bodies can’t access those quick-burning carbs, we start to crave them — and that’s when we’re reaching for those sodas, cookies, candy, and other sweet things.

Instead of putting your health at risk, and having to fight off the beast of sugar cravings, keep yourself well and energized by staying hydrated.

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