Harvard Gut Expert Reveals the Real Reason You Crave Sugar (and How to Stop It)

Do you find yourself reaching for sweet treats more often than you’d like? It could be a sugary breakfast, a sweet treat after lunch, afternoon candy, or late-night dessert. Sounds familiar? Well, you are not alone. Many people struggle with sugar cravings. For some, these cravings are mild, and for others, they're so intense that it's almost impossible to control. But it's more than just willpower. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Stanford and Harvard, explains the reason behind these sugar cravings. Your willpower is not the villain If you struggle with sugar cravings, you must have found yourself being blamed for a lack of willpower. But it's not that simple. And no, the reason is beyond willpower. “If you can't stop craving cookies, candy, and sweets, the problem might not be willpower. It could be your gut bacteria,” Dr. Sethi says in a newsletter. Yes, the gut bacteria are the villain here. When the harmful bacteria dominate the digestive system, they make you want to eat sugary foods and other processed foods. “When harmful bacteria take over your gut, they literally make you crave the foods they love - sugar and processed junk. These bad bacteria send signals to your brain demanding more sugar. It's like they're controlling your cravings from the inside,” the doctor explains. How to overcome sugar cravings?If you are struggling with sugar cravings, know that it is possible to break the cycle. Well, it's certainly not by giving in to your cravings, but by fighting them. How? “Eat high-fiber fruits when you crave sugar. The fiber feeds good bacteria instead of bad ones,” Dr. Sethi says. To add fiber to your diet, incorporate more fruits and vegetables. So the next time you crave a sugary treat, such as a candy, instead eat fruits like apples, berries, or pears.“Add more vegetables to crowd out the sugar cravings. When you feed the good bacteria with fiber, they multiply and start winning the war against the bad ones. Over time, your sugar cravings naturally disappear,” the gastroenterologist adds. So, managing the sugar cravings won’t happen overnight. It may take a few weeks. “It takes about 2-3 weeks to shift your gut bacteria balance, but most people notice fewer cravings within days. Stop fighting willpower. Start feeding the right bacteria,” the doctor suggests. Dr. Sethi also shared a quick tip to fight sugar cravings. “When you crave something sweet, eat an apple first. The fiber and natural sweetness often satisfy the craving completely!”