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Sugar Cravings and Carbohydrate "Addiction"
Sugar cravings can be caused by the high rises and rapid drops in your blood sugar which occur when you eat any refined carbohydrates, not just sugar. If this is a problem for you, try eliminating all flour products (bread, pasta, bakery products) and other refined grains (white rice, tortillas or other refined corn products) and cereals made with refined grains. Instead, eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. Whole grains provide the nutrients you need and keep you full and satisfied for a long time, without sharp rises and drops in blood sugar. You will find lots of information on using whole grains in place of refined grains in the Nutrition section of DrMirkin.com, and recipes in the Recipe section.
Use of the term "addiction" should be reserved for destructive chemical dependence on substances which are toxic to your body. Addictions can only be cured by total avoidance of the substance involved. "Carbohydrate Addiction" is a catchy phrase but unhelpful because carbohydrates are certainly not toxic; they are the most readily-available food source of energy and no one should try to avoid them completely. In nature, carbohydrates are always packaged with vitamins, minerals, fiber and thousands of phytochemicals which our bodies use to stay healthy and fight diseases. These wonderful packages are called fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. We cause problems when we take these foods and strip them of their nutrients and fiber. If you are trying to lose weight or control diabetes, avoid refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white rice and milled corn; added sugars of all types; and juices that have had the fiber removed. Everyone should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other seeds.
Checked 9/9/10