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How to Manage Sugar Cravings and MS Without Feeling Deprived

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) brings a long list of daily challenges, and for many, sugar cravings rank near the top. Whether it’s Halloween candy calling your name or the urge to reach for something sweet at the end of a long, exhausting day, sugar cravings are real, and they often feel relentless.

But here’s the good news: managing sugar cravings and MS does not require complete deprivation. You can enjoy your favorite treats in a healthier way by understanding what’s triggering your cravings and making a few intentional shifts to your lifestyle and meals.

Why Sugar Cravings and MS Go Hand-in-Hand

If you find yourself repeatedly reaching for sugar, especially in the afternoon or evening, there’s likely a good reason. One of the most common symptoms of MS is fatigue, and sugar is the body’s quickest source of energy. When energy dips, the brain sends a signal: get sugar now.

The problem? While sugar offers a fast hit of energy, it’s also followed by an even bigger crash, leaving you more fatigued and possibly even more inflamed. For those with MS, this rollercoaster can make symptoms worse and lead to a cycle of dependence.

Blood Sugar Imbalance Can Worsen Cravings

Even if you’re eating well most of the day, skipping meals or not including enough protein and healthy fat can cause blood sugar fluctuations. This instability contributes to cravings, irritability, and fatigue.

A simple solution is to make sure every meal and snack contains a good source of protein and fat. Think smoothies with collagen, roasted chicken with olive oil, or apple slices with almond butter. This pairing slows down digestion, promotes satiety, and reduces the spikes that lead to more cravings.

Does MS Make Sugar Cravings Worse?

Not directly. But MS-related fatigue, stress, and inflammation all contribute to increased cravings. And while MS does not cause sugar cravings, sugar itself can aggravate MS symptoms. That’s because sugar promotes inflammation, which is the last thing your body needs when managing an autoimmune condition.

Should You Cut Out Sugar Completely?

Not necessarily. The goal is not perfection, it’s progress. A sustainable approach is to remove the low-quality, processed sugars that sneak into sauces, dressings, and packaged snacks. Then, if and when you choose to enjoy something sweet, make it intentional and of the highest quality.

Natural sweeteners like honey, dates, and coconut nectar are better tolerated by some people and cause less of a blood sugar spike than white sugar. You might still feel the impact, but it’s gentler.

Can Certain Foods Help Reduce Sugar Cravings?

Yes. Prioritize:

• Protein: Chicken, turkey, fish, and collagen powders can help regulate appetite and cravings.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, and seeds promote satisfaction.
• Fiber-rich vegetables: Crucial for gut health, which influences cravings more than most people realize.

Cravings can also be a sign of dehydration or habit. Before you indulge, ask yourself: Am I hungry? Tired? Stressed? Thirsty? Or just bored?

What About Artificial Sweeteners?

Skip them. Artificial sweeteners may seem like an easy swap, but they actually increase your desire for sugar by overwhelming your taste buds with high-intensity sweetness. Over time, this raises your baseline for satisfaction and keeps the cravings alive.

How to Enjoy Treats Without Overdoing It

You don’t have to skip Halloween or celebrations. You just need a plan.

• Eat balanced meals leading up to the event.
• Choose the highest-quality treat you can find.
• Stick to a small portion, and savor it.
• Bring your own allergy-friendly or MS-friendly options if needed.

Having healthy alternatives ready, like coconut date rolls or frozen banana whip can also help when a craving hits hard.

Final Thoughts

You are not weak for having sugar cravings. They are a biological response to fatigue, stress, and unbalanced blood sugar. Managing sugar cravings and MS requires intention, not willpower. Small changes like eating balanced meals, getting more rest, staying hydrated, and reducing processed sugar can make a big difference.

And when you do indulge, do it with awareness and joy, not guilt.

Want More Encouragement Like This?

Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast:

🎧 S6E3: Top 10 Questions about Sugar Cravings Answered
Listen now to My MS Podcast