Wellness Blog

Parasites & Sugar Cravings: What’s the Link

Written by Dr. Tenesha Wards | Jul 1, 2025 6:36:46 PM

You’re standing in the kitchen, staring down a bag of cookies, and that craving hits like a freight train. You figure it’s just stress, or maybe you’re just wired to love sweets. But what if those sugar cravings are coming from something way creepier—like parasites chilling in your gut? 

Yeah, those tiny invaders might be the ones pushing you to grab that candy bar. 

Let’s dive into what’s going on, why these cravings feel so intense, and how to shut them down. No hype, no nonsense—just the straight-up scoop on what’s messing with your body.

Why Parasites Are All About Your Sugar Stash

Picture this: parasites are like freeloading roommates who raid your pantry. They set up camp in your gut and gobble up whatever you eat. Some of them, like Candida albicans (a yeast that’s a parasite) or intestinal worms, are obsessed with sugar. 

They thrive on the glucose from your soda or cupcakes, using it to grow and multiply. To keep their sugar buffet going, they mess with your brain, sending signals that make you crave more sweets. It’s like they’ve got you on a leash.

Gut bugs, including parasites, can tweak your brain through the gut-brain connection. They interfere with substances like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate your mood and appetite. So, you’re not just craving ice cream—you’re being played. 

Plus, parasites stir up inflammation, which pumps up cortisol, a stress hormone that screws with your blood sugar and makes you want sugary snacks even more. It’s a total setup: you eat sugar, they get stronger, and you’re back for more.

Sneaky Signs Parasites Are Running the Show

Parasites are pros at staying under the radar. They don’t come with a neon sign saying, “Hey, I’m here!” Instead, their symptoms appear to be everyday problems. Here’s what might clue you in:

  • You’re wiped out, even after crashing for eight hours.
  • Your stomach’s a mess—bloating, gas, or bathroom issues that won’t quit.
  • You’re moody, anxious, or just feeling off for no reason.
  • Your skin’s acting up with rashes or acne that came out of nowhere.
  • Your weight’s bouncing around, and you can’t figure out why.
  • You’re tossing and turning or waking up at 3 a.m. for no good reason.

If these ring a bell and you’re jonesing for sugar all the time, parasites might be pulling the strings. A doctor can do tests—like stool samples or blood work—to see if they’re the problem.

Why Sugar Cravings Feel Like a Takeover

Ever wonder why sugar cravings hit so hard you can’t think straight? Parasites are part of the reason. They burn through your body’s glucose like it’s their job, leaving you low on energy. Your brain freaks out and demands quick fixes—think candy or donuts. It’s not about you lacking self-control; it’s your body getting hijacked.

Hormones make it even worse. Parasites throw off cortisol, insulin, and ghrelin (the “I’m hungry” hormone)—cortisol spikes when you’re stressed or fighting an infection, messing with your blood sugar. 

Insulin resistance, which parasites can trigger, makes your body suck at using sugar, so you feel hungrier.

Other Stuff That’s Got You Craving Sugar

Parasites aren’t the only ones making you raid the candy aisle. Here’s what else could be going on:

  • Low on Nutrients: If you’re short on magnesium, zinc, or chromium, your body might scream for sugar. These help keep blood sugar steady.
  • Hormone Rollercoaster: Estrogen and progesterone swings—think periods or menopause—can make sweets way too tempting. Stress hormones like cortisol don’t help.
  • Bad Days: When life’s rough, your brain wants comfort food. Sugar gives you a quick dopamine hit, like a temporary high.
  • Not Sleeping Enough: Skip sleep, and your hunger hormones (leptin and ghrelin) become imbalanced, making sugary foods irresistible.
  • Gut Drama: Besides parasites, too much harmful bacteria or yeast in your gut can also make you crave sugar.

To get to the bottom of it, you’ve got to look at your diet, stress, sleep—the whole deal.

How to Kick Parasites and Cravings to the Curb

Beating parasites and their sugar-craving tricks isn’t a quick fix, but it’s doable. You want to starve them out, fix your gut, and get your body back on track. Here’s how:

1. Drop the Sugar

Parasites throw a party every time you eat sugar or junky carbs. Cut them off by sticking to real food—veggies, chicken, fish, nuts, and fats like avocado or olive oil. If you need something sweet, grab some berries or a piece of dark chocolate. Ditch the soda, white bread, and candy.

2. Beef Up Your Gut

A strong gut can fight parasites on its own. Load up on probiotic foods, such as yogurt or kefir, to introduce beneficial bacteria. Foods like garlic, onions, or asparagus feed those good bacteria. Bone broth or collagen can help repair your gut, making it more difficult for parasites to thrive.

3. Fight Back with Food

Some foods are like a punch to parasites. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric hit them hard. Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin that can repel worms. Oregano oil or berberine supplements may also be beneficial, based on some research.

4. Clean Out the Junk

Parasites leave behind toxins that stress your liver and immune system. Help your body flush them out by drinking plenty of water and consuming fiber-rich foods like greens or flaxseeds. Herbs like milk thistle can give your liver a boost.

5. Get Some Backup

If cravings or unusual symptoms persist, consider consulting a functional medicine doctor. They can run tests—such as stool or blood work—to identify parasites and create a personalized plan just for you. It’s about fixing what’s wrong, not just slapping a Band-Aid on it.

Freaky Parasite Symptoms You Might Miss

Parasites can cause some downright weird stuff that doesn’t scream “infection.” Watch for:

  • Grinding your teeth at night.
  • Itchy skin or bum, especially when you’re trying to sleep (pinworms love that move).
  • Suddenly reacting to foods like dairy or bread.
  • Random hiccups that keep popping up.
  • Feeling starved even after a huge meal.

If these show up with sugar cravings, it’s time to dig deeper.

Natural Ways to Send Parasites Packing

You can fight parasites with stuff from your kitchen. Papaya seeds, pineapple, and cloves can throw them off their game. For severe cases, a doctor might prescribe something like albendazole, but that’s not where you start. 

Boost your immune system with vitamin C, zinc, and selenium to help your body kick butt. Maintain healthy detox habits, such as consuming fiber and drinking water, to prevent parasites from returning.

Take Back Your Body

Sugar cravings can make you feel like you’re losing a fight with yourself, but they might be your body yelling, “Something’s up!” Parasites could be the sneaky jerks behind it, draining your energy and messing with your health. 

By cutting sugar, fixing your gut, and getting the right help, you can break free. If you’re in Austin, TX, and dealing with cravings or weird symptoms that won’t quit, 

Infinity Wellness Center got your back. Their team digs deep to figure out what’s going on and helps you feel like you again. Your body’s trying to tell you something—listen up and do something about it.

FAQs - Parasites and Sugar Cravings

Do parasites cause you to crave sweets?

Yup. Parasites like Candida or worms eat sugar and trick your brain into wanting more to keep them fed.

What is your body trying to tell you when you crave sugar?

It could mean you’re low on nutrients, stressed out, not sleeping, or dealing with parasites. It’s your body’s way of saying it needs energy or something’s off in your gut.

What are the silent signs that you could have a parasite?

Look for signs of exhaustion, bloating, mood swings, skin problems, unusual weight changes, or sleep disturbances. They can sneak by, appearing to be just another problem.

What deficiency makes you crave sugar?

Low magnesium, zinc, or chromium levels can increase your sugar craving. These help control blood sugar, and when they’re low, cravings hit hard.

What hormone controls sugar cravings?

Cortisol, insulin, and ghrelin are the big ones. Cortisol spikes with stress, insulin handles blood sugar, and ghrelin makes you hungry, especially if parasites are in the mix.