There’s nothing that entices the taste buds as a sugary treat. Almost anyone wouldn’t mind having chocolate, a cookie, or even a biscuit every once in a while. However, sugary treats might come with unwanted issues that will affect your overall health and oral health.
Taking Care of Your Teeth After Eating Sugar
You might have heard that sugar causes cavities. Technically, it doesn’t. However, when you have cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth and have poor oral hygiene, then eating sugary foods can cause harm to your teeth. This is because the bacteria will consume the sugar, and to do this, they need to release digestive acids, which demineralize the enamel.
Every once in a while, it is not bad to enjoy sugary foods. However, you may need to do the following to avoid getting cavities:
Hydrate wisely by resisting the urge of drinking sugary beverages between meals because they are acidic
Pick the right sweets that are not sticky and chewy
Swish water, preferably plain water, in your mouth after enjoying your sugary treat, and then wait for half an hour before you brush your teeth
Space out your sweets instead of snacking throughout the day; indulge with meals
Avoid sugary snacks before bed
Use an elevated pH mouth rinse to neutralize acidity in your mouth
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Sugar Cravings?
This might come as a shock to you, but intense sugar cravings can be caused by vitamin deficiency. Your body has complex and interconnected systems that enable you to function. Therefore, having mineral and vitamin deficiencies can affect brain functions. Thus, the body will always let you know when there is an issue.
So, if you have food cravings, there must be some nutrient deficiencies. For instance, if you crave fatty foods, it might mean that you aren’t getting enough calcium, or if you crave bread, you might be having nitrogen deficiency.
Therefore, if you constantly crave sweets and sugary stuff, your body might not have enough magnesium, chromium, zinc, and tryptophan.
How Can I Stop Sugar Cravings Naturally?
As you might already know, sugar can tantalize the taste buds, but if you overindulge in it, you will have to deal with other complications.
Therefore, if you are thinking of breaking the vice-like grip that sugar has on your body, look at some of the natural ways of curbing sugar cravings:
Eat Food Regularly Throughout the Day
If you skip meals, you will have low blood sugar, increasing your sugar cravings; therefore, if you can eat within one hour after you have woken up and after every three hours, your blood sugar levels will be steady.
Eating the right meals also matters, such as proteins and fiber-rich foods. These foods are filling and healthy.
Steer Clear of Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates such as white pasta and white bread can dramatically cause spikes and drops in your blood sugar levels. This can lead to sugar cravings and hunger. So, replace the refined carbs with complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, etc.
Take Natural Sugars Instead of Refined Sugars
When you are tempted to go for refined sugars, opt for fruit. When you sink your teeth in an apple or any other fruit, the sugar craving will dissipate, and the fiber in the fruits will stabilize your blood sugar levels.
Take a Walk
When you eat sugar, your brain releases serotonin, which is the hormone that stabilizes your mood. That’s why you will feel good when eating sugary stuff. However, exercise also causes the brain to release serotonin, thus making you feel good.
Take Supplements
Since sugar craving is connected to nutrient deficiency, it would be best if you took vitamin supplements.
Drink Water
This is the healthiest drink on the planet! So, take plenty of it since it has numerous health benefits, including weight loss, digestive health, skin hydration, and much more.
As you can see, you can curb your sugar cravings, and you can have a healthier body and smile. Contact us at Bella Via Dental if you have any dental issues.