I have shared three deficiencies you might be suffering from if you are experiencing uncontrollable sugar cravings. It is always important to stay up to date on your vitamins, metals, and mineral levels because each one is so important. While you can never go wrong eating a whole foods-based diet, I’m sharing three MORE deficiencies to address and attack your cravings head-on.
Friends don’t let friends suffer needlessly. Sugar-free living does not have to be hard. I strive to live a stress-free life, so I have some secret weapons to help me through sugar detoxing a few times a year. Read to the end for my gift to you!
Glutamine
Glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in most dietary protein powders. It is most essential when you need your immune system to wake up and FIGHT! Your body utilizes large amounts of glutamine to improve gastrointestinal health, leaky gut and ulcers, brain health, autoimmune health, muscle strength, your body’s recovery process, and fat burning process.
To increase your glutamine levels, eat:
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Bone broth
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Spirulina
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Deer
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Turkey
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Cabbage
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Asparagus
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Wild-caught fish
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Broccoli
B Vitamins
These are valuable for countless systems like memory, metabolism, blood flow, and breaking down nutrients. There are eight B vitamins:
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Vitamin B1
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Vitamin B2
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Vitamin B3
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Vitamin B5
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Vitamin B6
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Vitamin B7
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Vitamin B9
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Vitamin B12
What was life like before these vitamins? There WAS NO B4! Get it?! LOL.
They are crucial for:
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Healthy brain function
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Forming blood cells and nerves
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Boosting energy and metabolism
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Preventing birth defects
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Healthy skin, muscle, and hair growth
They help disperse nutrients properly so your body stops demanding comfort and synthetic happiness in the form of sweets.
Aside from sneaking treats, you may notice:
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Fatigue
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Depression
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Panic Attacks/Anxiety
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Mood Swings
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Memory Loss
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Dry Skin/Acne
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Shortness of Breath
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Swollen Tongue
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Bleeding Gums
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Cramps
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Mouth Sores
You can eat your way back to Vitamin B health with:
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Organ meats (liver, kidneys, etc)
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Grass-fed meats
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Wild-caught fish
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Free-range eggs
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Kefir
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Leafy greens
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Seeds (pumpkin or sunflower)
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Nuts
Your body is absorbing more B Vitamins and is in a state of stress if the following risk factors apply to you:
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You’re chronically stressed
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You have a processed/refined diet
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You suffer from poor gut health
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You restrict calories or binge eat
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You’re vegan or vegetarian
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You improperly or over-exercise
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You smoke or drink excessively
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You’re pregnant or taking birth control
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You’re experiencing heavy stress in your life
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Your sleep cycles are off/inadequate
Vitamin D
B vitamins and vitamin D go hand-in-hand. Ironically enough, vitamin D is not a vitamin. It is a hormone that cannot be synthesized in the skin without the sun. It is then activated in the liver and is sent on its way to delegate and command various functions within your body.
The problems caused by vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to almost every single problem sugar increases your risk for.
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Cancer
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Obesity
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High Blood Pressure
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Cholesterol
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Low Levels of Good Cholesterol
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Poor Heart Health
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Allergies
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Inflammation
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Diabetes
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Weak Immune System
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Autoimmune Diseases
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Bone Loss
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Chronic Muscle Pain
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Fibromyalgia
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Toxic/Fatty Liver
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Weakened Kidneys
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Malabsorption
Without vitamin D, you will not absorb most of your vital nutrients. You can take the best supplements in the world and eat a wholesome diet, but if you are not metabolizing your vitamin D, you are not receiving the majority of those nutrients. This is why going out in the sun is so important. The darker your complexion, the less vitamin D you are producing. Everyone needs a minimum of ten to thirty minutes in the sun every day.
In conjunction with proper exposure to the sun without sunblock, you can eat the following foods to give your body enough vitamin D to metabolize:
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Oily Wild-Caught Atlantic Fish
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Fortified Nut-Based Milk (Coconut or Almond)
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Fortified Orange Juice
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Oyster Mushrooms
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Shiitake Mushrooms
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Beef Liver
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Caviar (if you are into that sort of thing)