The Effects of Sugar Cravings to Anxiety

 There is no denying it but lifestyle changes can make people cope better with anxious moments in their lives. Diet plays a big role in causing worry and stress. Cutting down on sugary treats is often seen as a viable option in coping with worry. While there is no diet that can cause anxiety on its own; there are diets that may contribute to the development of anxiety. Let us learn how your cravings make it harder to have a calmer and clearer mind. 

 1 - No direct Connection

 With all due respect to what you read online, sugar does not directly make symptoms of anxiety worse. Modern studies conclude that the high sugar content in the diet does make coping a bit harder. It is improbable for diet to cause anxiety in the first place. This content makes some changes in the body which is blamed for the supposed link. It causes feelings that could make panic attacks worse.
 It is addictive 

 Sugar can be an addiction. Getting less consumption of it hits can make you freak out and cause panic attacks. Your cravings are results of your addiction. If you have doubts that sugar can be addictive, try refraining from eating sugary treats and even refined foods like white pasta, white bread and white rice. Avoid eating any food that has simple carbohydrates and common table sugar in it. It may sound not a big deal but you will soon find out how it can make your life become a living hell especially if you have been craving for simple carbohydrates or sugar all your life without you knowing it. If after a week you cannot stand not having your bagel or donut, then there you have it you are indeed addicted to sugar. 

 2 - Lack of magnesium

 Americans are suffering from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is a mineral that is helpful in regulating blood sugar levels. It is also helpful in relaxing and calming the nerves. When people are lacking magnesium there is a tendency that people crave for sugar. Magnesium deficiency often can cause nervousness, lack of sleep or insomnia, frequent migraines and even menstrual cramps. It is best to supplement the diet with magnesium. However you need to clear up with a doctor before taking any magnesium supplement especially if you are suffering from liver or kidney impairments. 

 3 - It is about tryptophan

 Tryptophan when combined with vitamin B6 and magnesium can create dopamine which makes people feel better. When the body is full of sugar it causes the pancreas to produce insulin to push the glucose into the cells. There is this thing about tryptophan and insulin. Insulin causes the tryptophan to be left behind which can be combined with its partners which can cause temporary relief from anxiety and even mild depression. As the body crave for more sugar it can cause insulin resistance which can aggravate anxiety attacks and even fuel risks towards depression. Insulin resistance does not put the sugar in the cells but continues to elevate the blood sugar levels. This would make the brain to produce adrenaline to convert stored fat into sugar to feed the sugar-hungry cells. Adrenaline is a stress hormone which goes back to the problem that being prevented in the first place. 

4 - It is about the insulin

 Sugar may not cause the anxiety but the glucose and the insulin release can cause fatigue, trouble thinking and even blurry vision. This may not be much but for some it can be a cause for worry and cause panic attacks and the fear associated may be magnified and the anxiety worsens. 

 5 - It is also about the dopamine

 A study also showed that rats that went on a sugar rush and fasted afterwards showed dopamine imbalance that fueled the anxiety levels. While the mechanics of this event has yet to be fully understood, but it is clear that sugar does not cause anxiety but it can make it harder to live with anxiety. 

 Modern medicine has known for years that today's diet is loaded with starches and sugars which makes it hard for the body to cope with stress. It is time to make that paradigm shift. Maintaining a healthier diet is the key to lower the symptoms of anxiety that may lead to panic symptoms or attacks. A healthier diet allows your body to cope better, together with exercise.