Expert: Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist - 11/22/2007

Question

I have quit alcohol since the last 1 month, but have noticed that my craving for sweets has increased as a result of this. I have noted that having a glass of Pepsi, when I feel like taking alcohol, reduces desire for alcohol. It may be due to the caffine in pepsi. I do keep eating sweets every now and then through out the day. I would like to cut down on the sweets and pepsi too, as I am also trying to reduce the "pot belly" and extra weight that was caused by my previous alcoholism. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi rj,

That is very observant of you. The reason for your sweet cravings is that most alcoholics are hypoglycemic. This means that alcoholics have insulin resistance that causes them not to be able to use sugars the way other people use it.

Hypoglycemia is usually a pre-existing illness that can cause people to resort to alcohol as a relief from stress hormones. it has all to do with the manufacture of biological energy (derived from the the sugars in food) and which is essential in the production of feel good neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

Please read:

What is Hypoglycemia at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html

The Serotonin Connection at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/serotonin_connection.html

“Why Alcoholics drink?” at
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/why_alcoholics_drink.html

Drug Addiction is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/drug_addictions_nutritional_disorder.htm...

The first step in treatment is going on a hypoglycemic diet. You can take GLYCERINE to overcome the sugar craving. Please search our web site for glycerine.

I hope I have been helpful.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman BA (Psych) Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr
Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search