Some typical signs of hypoglycemia include, of course, sugar cravings, but depression, irritability, blank mind, acne, exhaustion, yeast infections in the skin and other places, bloating, dizziness and a myriad of other symptoms also keep us from feeling really good.  The pancreas has been overtaxed and is making its displeasure known.Sugar cravings can make you crazy enough to want to bite the nearest thing in your way, usually someone’s head.  Does that mean we are truly “addicts” or has it just become a “bad habit”.  A number of studies, including one at Princeton University*, have come to the conclusion that “sugar can be addictive”.  [* Princeton University study:  (scroll down to “7.  Conclusion” – last sentence)    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2235907/ ]The study states that sugar and other simple carbohydrate foods cause the release of dopamine in the brain which gives us feelings of pleasure – similar to cocaine and other “street drugs”.  It says that if you suddenly stop eating sugar, it can lead to strong sugar cravings and binge eating – behaviors similarly found in drug addiction.

Skyrocketing Sugar Consumption & Diabetes

This addictive sugar behavior has been increasing over the last 300 years.  In 1700, the average person ate 4 lbs. of sugar per year.  By 1800, it had more than quadrupled to 18 lbs, and by 1900 it was 90 lbs. per year.  In 2009 – brace yourself – over 50% of Americans were consuming 180 lbs. of sugar per year – 45 times as much as in 1700.  That’s a LOT of sugar cravings to the tune of about a half a pound of sugar PER DAY - which is 48 teaspoons.  It sounds impossible until you consider that one 12 oz. Coke has nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar and one 7-Eleven 44 oz. Super Gulp has 32 teaspoons of sugar – it adds up quickly.  And, of course, sugar is added to more and more packaged foods.This has resulted in obesity rates in America going from 3.4% in 1890, to 15% of the entire U.S, population in 1975, to over 1/3 of the entire population in 2009 being obese.  Projections are for 50% by 2030.  It has also skyrocketed diabetes in America from .003% of the population in 1893 to 8.3% today.

Foods That Create the Sugar Cravings Highs and Lows

Besides the obvious sweet foods, carbs and starches turn into sugars also, like white bread, pasta, chips, pretzels, French fries, crackers, bagels, white rice and flour.  When you down one or more of these with a soda, your blood sugar spikes, giving you a buzz of energy.  Your pancreas then sends insulin to move the sugar from your blood into your cells for energy, and you may have a sudden drop in blood sugar making you feel tired, shaky and maybe dizzy.This may leave you looking for another sugar “high” and the addictive pattern continues.  In human sugar studies, just looking at a photo of a milkshake set off effects in the brain similar to those in drug addicts.

Decrease Sugar Cravings Gradually

Unlike alcohol or drug addictions, we don’t need to go off sugar cold turkey and suffer through horrendous withdrawal symptoms.  In fact, those same studies showed that it is actually better NOT to suddenly stop sugar intake completely.  Instead, make small changes over weeks and months that will gradually lessen your need for sweets and decrease the chance of relapse.  For example, reduce the number of desserts per week over time and in smaller portions.

Herbal Support for Sugar Cravings

To make this process much easier, herbal formulas can put a major dent in sugar cravings.  Our SUGAR FREE formula works well for this and has helped many of our patients overcome the “sugar monkey”.Supporting the pancreas, liver and adrenal glands makes it even easier and healthier during these changes.  We include herbal formulas for these in our SUGAR CRAVINGS, HYPOGLYCEMIA Therapy Packs, along with an instruction sheet and Dr. Campanelli's book for more suggestions, support and recipes.  Click on the appropriate one below to take you to the Eve's Herbs Store. 

Sugar Cravings (Hypoglycemia) Therapy Pack - Female

The Female SUGAR CRAVINGS, HYPOGLYCEMIA Therapy Pack is a kit prepared to support the body in addressing sugar cravings and the debilitating effects of hypoglycemia and overburdened adrenal glands through a combination of herbal formulas and suggestions regarding diet and exercise.Our patients typically begin showing results quickly, with progressive improvement over the following several month period. In combination with the included food plan, you'll enjoy improved overall health.If you are currently overweight, the food and exercise plan should also result in some weight loss with a resulting increase in energy.This THERAPY PACK includes:** Three exclusive Eve's Herbs proprietary blend herbal formulas specifically combined to support the pancreas, as well as the adrenal glands, in relieving sugar cravings and the effects of hypoglycemia.---- Eve's Herbs Formulas:    Sugar Free, Patic Fe and Blend E:V** Included FREE, Dr. Eve Campanelli's book, "Feeling Very Much Better" with short, concise and easy to read and use chapters which contain all the food and exercise recommendations, including foods to buy and foods to avoid (see Ch. 8 on Hypoglycemia, Diabetes and the Pancreas) - PLUS a chapter with healthy recipes, all to reinforce the effectiveness of the herbal formulas.** An instruction sheet on how to use your Therapy Pack most effectively.** A complimentary Eve's Herbs catalog with all of our formulas and their descriptions on how they may benefit you in dealing with a variety of health issues.

Sugar Cravings (Hypoglycemia) Therapy Pack - Male

The Male SUGAR CRAVINGS, HYPOGLYCEMIA Therapy Pack is a kit prepared to support the body in addressing sugar cravings and the debilitating effects of hypoglycemia and overburdened adrenal glands through a combination of herbal formulas and suggestions regarding diet and exercise.Our patients typically begin showing results quickly, with progressive improvement over the following several month period. In combination with the included food plan, you'll enjoy improved overall health.If you are currently overweight, the food and exercise plan should also result in some weight loss with a resulting increase in energy.This THERAPY PACK includes:** Three exclusive Eve's Herbs proprietary blend herbal formulas specifically combined to support the pancreas, as well as the adrenal glands, in relieving sugar cravings and the effects of hypoglycemia.---- Eve's Herbs Formulas:    Sugar Free, Patic Fe and Blend S** Included FREE, Dr. Eve Campanelli's book, "Feeling Very Much Better" with short, concise and easy to read and use chapters which contain all the food and exercise recommendations, including foods to buy and foods to avoid (see Ch. 8 on Hypoglycemia, Diabetes and the Pancreas) - PLUS a chapter with healthy recipes, all to reinforce the effectiveness of the herbal formulas.** An instruction sheet on how to use your Therapy Pack most effectively.** A complimentary Eve's Herbs catalog with all of our formulas and their descriptions on how they may benefit you in dealing with a variety of health issues.