Craving sweets is something we've all experienced and indulged in, sometimes a little too much or too consistently. Our upbringing or culture often shapes our habits, and when cravings aren't managed, they can feel like they have a life of their own.

The main question is: What drives our craving for sweets? Is it self-driven, or are we in control of it?

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One of the fascinating aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is how it approaches your health holistically, including understanding why you crave sweets. TCM considers both the nutritional and emotional layers of cravings, asking questions like: What time of day are you having your cravings? and What is your body truly asking for?
 

There are three categories of foods we choose from every day: carbohydrates—bread, pasta, cereals, cookies, muffins—protein, and fats. For many of us, the natural tendency is to lean more toward carbohydrates. Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-baked bread straight from the oven? It’s comforting and enticing, but one of the main components of carbohydrates is the yeast added to baked goods, which helps them rise and enhances their flavor.
 

Have you ever felt really tired after eating a large plate of pasta? As we get older, some of us become more sensitive to managing sugars from carbohydrates, and, more importantly, how we eliminate the high levels of yeast that accumulate in our systems.
 

High levels of yeast in our system tend to manifest as fatigue, bloating, lack of concentration, and itchy skin. If drinking too much wine can leave you feeling less functional, then consuming too many carbohydrates can have a similar effect. The sluggishness and discomfort they cause are clear indicators that something deeper is happening in our bodies.
 

By addressing the root causes of cravings and understanding what your body is truly asking for, you can start making choices that support your overall health and vitality.
 

Here are 5 effective ways to remedy your issues with cravings through TCM:
 

1. If you find yourself craving something sweet after lunch or supper, reconsider the amount of protein you had on your plate.  Your body is expressing a lack of protein when you crave sweets, which, over time, can lead to a loss of muscle mass and leave you feeling less satiated.
    

2. If you can’t seem to manage your cravings for sweets, consider taking Caprylic Acid, a component of MCT oil derived from coconut oil.  Caprylic Acid has the unique ability to break down yeast cell walls, which are often at the root of sugar cravings.
    

3. Use a good-quality protein drink that is vegan-based alongside your Caprylic Acid.  This combination can increase your ability to manage cravings, help stabilize your blood sugars, and maintain your muscle mass effectively.
    

4. In TCM, cravings for sweets are related to your Stomach, Spleen, and Pancreas function.  When you crave sweets, this is often a sign that this Element is weak. The emotions tied to this Element are worry and anxiety, which can further fuel cravings.
    

5. To get the most value from taking Caprylic Acid, it's best to take 1 or 2 capsules when you crave sweets the most.