Cravings Are Not a Willpower Problem — They’re a Biology Message
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I just need more discipline,” when cravings hit…
I want you to pause right there.
Because cravings are not a character flaw.
They are biological communication.
One of the most common reactions I see when clients receive their functional lab results is relief. Not fear. Not shame. Relief.
Why?
Because they finally realize they were never weak — their body had a very real biological reason for craving sugar, carbs, or specific foods.
The Hidden Drivers Behind Cravings
1. Gut Bugs (Yes, They Have a Voice)
Certain microbes in the gut — including candida, yeast, and other opportunistic bacteria — thrive on sugar and refined carbohydrates.
These organisms don’t just sit quietly.
They:
Influence neurotransmitters
Send signals to the brain
Increase dopamine response to sugar
Create intense cravings for the very foods that keep them alive
So when someone says, “I don’t even want sugar… but I can’t stop thinking about it,”
that’s not willpower failing — that’s biology driving behavior.
2. Candida & Sugar Cravings
Candida is especially powerful when it comes to cravings.
It:
Feeds on sugar and refined carbs
Produces byproducts that affect mood and focus
Creates a cycle of cravings → consumption → more cravings
This is why many people feel out of control around sugar, even when they want to stop.
Once candida is identified and addressed, cravings often dramatically reduce — sometimes within weeks.
3. Blood Sugar Instability
Cravings also spike when blood sugar drops.
Low blood sugar signals the brain that it’s unsafe — and the fastest fix?
Sugar and carbs.
If someone isn’t eating enough protein, skipping meals, or living in chronic stress, the brain will push hard for quick fuel.
Again — not weakness.
Survival physiology.
4. Dairy Can Create an Addictive Loop
This one surprises many people.
Certain dairy proteins can break down into compounds that stimulate opioid receptors in the brain, creating a comfort-and-crave cycle similar to addiction.
For some individuals, dairy:
Increases cravings
Triggers inflammation
Feeds underlying gut imbalances
When dairy is removed (even temporarily), people often say:
“I didn’t realize how attached I was until I stopped.”
That awareness alone is powerful.
Why Testing Changes EverythingWhy Testing Changes
When clients see evidence of:
Candida or yeast overgrowth
Gut dysbiosis
Blood sugar dysregulation
Inflammatory triggers
The shame lifts.
They stop blaming themselves and start working with their body instead of against it.
This is why I always say:
You don’t need more willpower. You need more information.
The Takeaway
If you struggle with cravings:
You are not broken
You are not weak
You are not “failing”
Your body is asking for support.
And when we identify why those cravings are happening — and address the root cause — food stops feeling like a battle.
That’s when real freedom begins.
If this resonates and you’re ready to understand what your cravings are trying to tell you, functional testing can provide the clarity you’ve been missing.
Your body is wise. Let’s learn how to listen.
Schedule a session with Dee Davidson, FDNP HERE.
About Dee Davidson, FDN-P
Dee Davidson is a Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner, hormone and thyroid specialist, and the creator of the Confidently Balance Your Hormones podcast. She helps women in midlife and beyond uncover the root causes of fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, gut issues, and hormonal imbalances using functional labs, science-backed strategies, and nervous system regulation.
Dee’s work centers around empowering women to finally feel safe, seen, supported, and confident in their bodies — without restriction, overwhelm, or confusion.