Beat Sugar Addiction with Herbs

Sugar is the devil. But how can you cut the cravings? I got help from Jacob Teitelbaum, a doctor and the author of The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction. Similarly to the eight foods I wrote about last year that fight anxiety and depression, “There are a number of tried and true herbs and supplements that can keep your sweet tooth under control by supporting adrenal function and decreasing low blood sugar, two of the chief health concerns common to sugar addicts,” Dr. Teitelbaum shared. Remember: This addiction extends to high fructose corn syrup, too. Want to know more about these sugar-busting herbs? I’ve got the scoop!

Sugar is the devil. But how can you cut the cravings? I recently discovered  four common herbs that can help beat sugar addiction! Here are Dr. T’s top four recommendations:

Ginseng Both American and Asian ginseng can help if you crave sweets when you are under stress and are especially helpful in curbing emotional overeating and keeping blood sugar levels stable. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) notes that some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose, while other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function. Asian (Panax) ginseng is preferred, unless you have high blood pressure, in which case choose American Ginseng. Take: 100 mg two times a day.

Chromium This herb helps keep blood sugar levels stable, thus decreasing both irritability and sugar cravings. Chromium is critical for insulin function and has been shown to be helpful in atypical (irritable) depression as well. Dose: 200 mcg per day in a good multivitamin.

Berberine This herb comes from Goldenseal and is also helpful in diabetes and for treating gut candida and other infections. Dose: 250 mg three times a day and can be as high as 500 mg three times a day if it does not cause upset stomach.

Cinnamon This has a modest effect on blood sugar, but added to foods like cereals and coffee, it adds flavor in a way that decreases the need for adding sugar.

Teitelbaum recommends using these supplements under the guidance of a holistic health care practitioner. In addition to the herbs mentioned above, he cites research showing that when Vitamin D levels are low in the body, the hormone that helps turn off your appetite doesn’t function and you feel hungry, no matter how much you eat. In 2009, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that those who have enough Vitamin D tend to lose more weight than those with low levels. Low Vitamin D is also associated with increased diabetes risk.

So I’ll be taking that, too. Want more info on beating the sugar rush? Check out The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction. And tell me what you use to naturally control sugar cravings, in comments below. Thanks!