Trying to Kick the Sugar Habit?

Drew Goldstein • November 23, 2020

Trying to Kick the Sugar Habit? Look no further than your Microbiome

One of my clients, Sarah, writes: “My stomach no longer feels uneasy, discomfort, or noisy growls! Since taking the probiotics and enzymes I have balanced my biome (stomach) and I no long have foul smelling toots! My energy has increased now that I know I am gluten-intolerant, as well as having the knowledge that I am sensitive to chickpeas. No more embarrassment! Andrea was so easy to discuss openly about my body.”

One of the interesting things about what’s going on inside your gut is the bacteria and the type of food cravings it can trigger. Your brain doesn’t tell your body what to eat; your gut does. It IS the part of your body responsible for dealing with food.

The new science surrounding the microbiome provides many opportunities for developing products that can mediate GI function and thereby influence overall health.

If you’ve ever tried to eat healthy but kept falling off the wagon, there’s hope for you yet. You’re not the one craving sugar and greasy food; it’s the bad bacteria that survive and thrive off junk food.

Good Bacteria Loves Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Good bacteria, on the other hand, love those raw fruits and vegetables, etc. That shines a bright light on how healthy people keep on eating healthy without faltering. They’ve got bacteria on their side.

Bacteria are far more genetically diverse than humans, meaning they can be programmed and reprogrammed with ease, reacting immediately to stimuli. Bacteria have genes that can be flipped on and off through various stimuli, like interaction with each other, metabolites, toxins, exercise and diet.

What this means for you is, if you can get your gut microbiome happy, you can not only be super healthy, you can put an end to those food cravings. Is the food you crave healthy for you? You can stick with the dietary lifestyle you know you should. You just need to reprogram your gut first. Then you crave the things that balance your body, that are good for you.

Great Alternatives to Sugar

Whether it brings you joy or you just plain have a hankering for something sweet now and then, you can indulge without resorting to cane sugar or equally harmful artificial sweeteners, such as Equal (aspartame), Splenda (Sucralose), .

Honey - Honey is sweet and contains actual nutrients, like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It’s easy for your body to digest. For every 1 cup of sugar, substitute 1/2 to 2/3 cup honey.
Monk Fruit - It has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine as a cold and digestive aid, and now it is also being used to sweeten foods and beverages. It contains zero calories and has no negative impact on your gut.
Stevia - Another zero calorie sweetener, stevia has been around for approximately 1,000 years. It doesn’t raise blood sugar levels and it’s available in liquid, granule and powder form.
Xylitol – This is a great substitute for sugar in baked goods. Use it cup for cup the same as sugar.

If you would like to read more articles like this subscribe for free to The Wellness Advantage e-Newsletter

Newer Post >

Step into a Healthier Season

By Andrea Kiesel • April 16, 2026

Have you noticed your body feeling a little different lately? Spring brings longer days, brighter light, and a natural shift in our body’s rhythms. Light entering the eyes signals the brain to adjust hormones like melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, and dopamine. These changes help move us from winter’s slower pace into spring’s renewed energy. But for many people, this seasonal transition doesn’t always feel smooth. You might notice: sleep changes after daylight savings mood fluctuations increased allergies digestive discomfort or bloating feeling wired but tired emotional sensitivity or stress Often this simply means your hormones and nervous system are recalibrating with the changing light. The Gut–Hormone Connection One of the biggest players in this seasonal shift is your gut . The gut is not just responsible for digestion. It plays a key role in: hormone regulation immune system balance detoxification neurotransmitter production In fact, about 90% of serotonin (the “feel good” neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut. If the gut is inflamed or out of balance, the body may struggle to adapt to seasonal changes. This can show up as: fatigue brain fog mood swings or anxiety food sensitivities worsening seasonal allergies Supporting gut health often helps stabilize the entire system , allowing hormones and the immune system to function more smoothly. Spring Detox Support

Rebuilding Strength: From the Inside Out

By Andrea Kiesel • April 2, 2026

As we turn the page from winter into early spring, now is a wonderful time to rebuild strength—body, mind, and spirit. At The Wellness Advantage, we see this as more than “getting back to normal.” It’s about restoring vitality with intention, using the best of natural medicine, nutrition, and faith-based healing. A Story of Healing and Renewal Recently, a young boy visited our clinic with persistent itchy skin rashes—especially after sports practice and playing on grass. His family had tried various approaches with little progress. Through our bioenergetic testing , we discovered environmental triggers and crafted a gentle homeopathic desensitization remedy tailored to his needs. His mother sent this heartwarming update: