If you have a hard time falling asleep, have a muffin top around your waist and get terrible PMS, you may be a Hormonal Sugar Hunter.
"Low estrogen levels during PMS, perimenopause and menopause affect production of the 'happiness' brain chemical serotonin, along with other feel-good chemicals that, when deficient, can trigger sugar cravings, depression and sleep problems," says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of the book Beat Sugar Addiction NOW! "You turn to sugar to cope, but that makes your blood sugar go up and down rapidly, which leads to even more exhaustion, irritability and mood swings."
If you answered true to at least three of these statements you’re a: Hormonal Sugar Hunter
“Low estrogen levels in PMS, peri-menopause and menopause affect the production of the 'happiness' brain chemical, serotonin, along with other feel-good chemicals that, when deficient, can trigger sugar cravings, depression, and sleep problems, too,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. “You turn to sugar to cope, but that makes your blood sugar go up and down rapidly, which leads to even more exhaustion, irritability and mood swings.” To get your hormones (and sugar addiction) under control, start by cutting out white flour and any other high sugar foods. Instead, strive to have protein with every meal, which will help control your blood sugar. Vitamin B6 (aim for 250 mg a day) can ease PMS, and taking magnesium before bed (250 mg) can help you fall asleep more easily, suggests Dr. Teitelbaum. To help revive your sex drive (especially if you’re already in the throes of menopause) try increasing hormone levels naturally by eating a handful of edamame each day. These soy beans contain a natural plant form of estrogen. For more tips, check out Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum's new book, Beat Sugar Addiction NOW!
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