Diseases that cause cravings for sweets: what you need to know

Diseases that cause cravings for sweets: what you need to know

The craving for sweets is familiar to many, but sometimes this taste for sweets can be not just the result of a habit or emotional state, but a symptom of some medical diseases. There are a number of diseases in which a person feels an increased craving for sweets, and this can be an important signal of health problems. Doctors emphasize that such a desire can be not only a bad habit, but also a reflection of certain disorders in the body.

One of the most common conditions that can cause a craving for sweets is diabetes. In the conditions of this disease, the blood sugar level either increases or decreases sharply. With a low blood glucose level, the body needs a quick source of energy, and that is why there is a desire to eat something sweet to quickly raise the sugar level.

Another common cause of excessive craving for sweets is chronic fatigue syndrome. People suffering from this disease often experience great fatigue that does not go away even after a long rest. They try to compensate for fatigue with food, including sweets, because sugar temporarily increases energy levels and mood.

Cravings for sweets can also be associated with thyroid diseases, in particular hypothyroidism. This disease is characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which leads to a decrease in metabolism and a constant feeling of fatigue. People with hypothyroidism often feel the need for foods with a high sugar content to combat energy deficiency.

Often, cravings for sweets can be a consequence of stress or depression. Psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression, can stimulate cravings for sweet foods, since sweets increase the level of serotonin, the hormone of happiness. At the same time, a person may turn to sweets as a "self-medication" to at least slightly lift their mood and improve their emotional state.

Also, do not forget about the role of hormones. In women, cravings for sweets are often observed during menstruation or during pregnancy. Changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can cause an increased appetite for sweets, which is a completely natural reaction of the body to hormonal fluctuations.

It is worth remembering that cravings for sweets can be a symptom of serious disorders in the body, so it is important to pay attention to such changes and consult a doctor. If excessive cravings for sweets are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, weight or mood changes, this may be a signal that additional examination and correction of health are necessary.