{"id":19958,"date":"2020-07-10T21:37:18","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T21:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=19958"},"modified":"2020-07-17T23:16:07","modified_gmt":"2020-07-17T23:16:07","slug":"how-blood-sugar-affects-food-cravings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/how-blood-sugar-affects-food-cravings\/","title":{"rendered":"An RD Explains How Blood Sugar Affects Food Cravings"},"content":{"rendered":"Gaby Vaca-Flores, RDN, CLE<\/a>, explains what you should know about blood sugar imbalance, associated symptoms, and how blood sugar affects food cravings. Plus: how to reduce food cravings once and for all.<\/em>\r\n\r\nContrary to popular belief, food cravings have less to do with willpower than blood sugar levels. To reduce food cravings, we recommend working towards a healthy blood sugar balance. But why?\r\n\r\nSimply put, everyday foods impact our blood sugar levels. A good or bad blood sugar balance can be the difference between saying no to an unhealthy treat versus having extra servings.\r\n

What is blood sugar?<\/h2>\r\nBlood sugar, commonly known as glucose, is the primary sugar found in the bloodstream. Carbohydrates (or sugar) are broken down into glucose after we eat them, creating the body\u2019s main source of energy.\r\n\r\n\"Woman\r\n

How blood sugar balance works<\/h2>\r\nLike most good things, there’s a typically a system of checks and balances to help keep things running smoothly. The body uses two hormones, insulin<\/a> and glucagon<\/a>, as ‘checks’ in effort to promote homeostasis, a fancy word for balance. During a fast, a body in homeostasis will circulate about four grams of glucose<\/a>.\r\n\r\nWhen our body detects a spike in blood sugar, it signals to the pancreas to release insulin to regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin\u2019s main role is to ensure that glucose doesn\u2019t linger in the bloodstream for too long. It makes sure that glucose makes its way into tissue cells, where it can be utilized for energy. Then, the body decides if glucose will be used for energy now or stored in the muscles or liver for later use.\r\n\r\nWhen glucose levels become depleted, the body responds by telling the pancreas to release glucagon. Glucagon stops cells from storing more blood sugar to help the body return to a state of homeostasis.\r\n\r\nIt’s clear that the body is constantly working to create a healthy blood sugar balance. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to have high or low blood sugar.\r\n

Understanding Blood sugar IMBALANCE<\/h2>\r\n

High Blood Sugar<\/h3>\r\nExcess glucose in the bloodstream defines high blood sugar. In this case, there’s too much glucose to utilize for immediate energy or storage.\r\n\r\nAt this point, the cells have also stopped responding to insulin cues and there’s more glucose circulating in the bloodstream, creating insulin resistance. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to more serious medical conditions. In this case, it’s essential to modify your food intake to promote blood sugar balance and\/or work with a healthcare professional.\r\n

Low Blood Sugar<\/h3>\r\nConversely, low blood sugar occurs when there isn’t enough glucose circulating in the blood. It typically occurs as a result of skipping meals or going too long without eating.\r\n\r\nExercise can also cause drops in blood sugar levels without proper post-workout nutrition<\/a>. Similarly with high blood sugar, low glucose levels can be dangerous, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.\r\n\r\n\"Group\r\n

Symptoms of Blood Sugar Imbalance<\/h2>\r\nInsulin and glucagon aren’t the only drivers behind regulating blood sugar levels. Your body will send warnings that your blood sugar is low in an effort to return to a balanced state.\r\n\r\nSymptoms of low blood sugar include:\r\n