The urge to eat dark chocolate or a bag of potato chips is not caused by hunger, rather it is triggered by signals in your brain, according to a recent study published in the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP). Having food cravings is how your body is trying to tell you something. While it's most satisfying to give in to the cravings, it's better to understand what the actual message is because it could be an indication of more pressing health problems.
Below are some reasons why your body is craving certain foods and what it could mean to your health.
- Chocolate cravings may indicate lack in magnesium and it's one of the most common cravings for 80 percent of the population, according to Active. This mineral helps keep bones and muscles stronger and also levels off the blood pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. To correct the deficiency and resist overindulging in chocolates, eat a variety of fish, leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Take magnesium supplements and get recommendations from a doctor.
- Candy cravings or the urge to eat something sweet may denote blood sugar changes. Your body may or may not be producing enough insulin, which could also be linked to problems with diabetes. It may also mean your body needs more energy to burn. If you're craving sweets, turn to fruit for natural sugars. Consider L Glutamine supplements if the cravings are constant. "L Glutamine is a very powerful amino acid that reduces inflammatory responses in the gut and is a constituent of your glucose tolerance factor. This is a chemical within the body that helps regulate glucose levels," said nutritionist Kamilla Schaffner, via Grazia.
- Creamy cravings, such as ice cream, mashed potatoes or mac and cheese, deliver a carbohydrates boost. Craving for it may signal that your body is feeling tired and weary, thus it needs all that energy from carbohydrates. The urge may also indicate mild heartburn discomfort or acid irritation in the stomach as anything creamy is seemingly seen as comfort food. However, indulging in these types of foods may only aggravate the heartburn problems. To do away with cravings for anything creamy, ditch food altogether and indulge in soothing, relaxing and calming activities like a foot massage or a warm bath. Get the rest and sleep you need.
- Salty and crunchy cravings may signal that your body is dehydrated. It may also indicate stress, as your body's adrenal gland are looking for high-fat, high-carbohydrates to process quickly. "The act of chewing and cracking the food in your mouth may momentarily release the angst, but the problem is the second that the crunching stops, the frustration returns and many people go back to eating more and can end up polishing off an entire bag of chips," according to Sophie Skover, the author of "The Continuous Appetite," via Shape Magazine. Instead of munching on chips, switch to healthier alternatives like nuts and butter-less and unsalted popcorn, which are both rich in fiber.
