Most of us have experienced Food Cravings and now experts say that this sensation is our bodies telling us that something is missing. Our brain receives messages so that we can achieve adequate levels of key vitamins, minerals and energy levels. Understanding the reasons behind these signals can help curb cravings and provide the body with the adequate nutrition needed.

Sweet Food Cravings

If you are craving sweets, your body may need chromium which may help regulate insulin levels and prevent blood sugar fluctuations, therefore, curbing the urge to eat sweets when the blood sugar dips low. Foods that contain chromium include liver, kidney, beef, chicken, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, whole grains and eggs.

Chocolate Cravings

If you are craving chocolate, your body may be deficient in magnesium. Magnesium can prevent inflammation, support the immune system, ease stress and anxiety and regulate the nervous system. Foods that are good sources of magnesium include leafy dark greens, baby spinach, kale, nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts, cashews, pine nuts, flaxseed, and pecans. Other sources include salmon, tuna, mackerel, soybeans, avocados, low-fat yoghurt, bananas.

Carb Food Cravings

If you are craving carbs, your body could be lacking an essential amino acid called tryptophan which is used to make serotonin regulate moods. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression, anxiety and even poor digestion. To improve tryptophan levels, consume more protein such as turkey, eggs, bananas and walnuts.

Meat Food Cravings

If you are craving meat, your body may need iron and zinc. Iron is involved in transporting oxygen around the body, therefore, a lack of it can cause fatigue and tiredness. If one’s diet is low in red meat, zinc levels could also suffer. Zinc is responsible for supporting the immune system thus a deficiency can cause one to be prone to colds and flu. It is also important for skin, hair and nails. Eating red meat, shellfish, lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds, cheese and wholemeal bread can boost levels.

Salty Food Cravings

If you are craving salt, your body could have inadequate levels of sodium which can result in physical exercise, dehydration, illness, fluid loss, drinking alcohol. Sodium is needed to regulate blood pressure and maintain water balance in the body. Eating salted foods like popcorn, anchovies can raise sodium levels.

In my experience, many patients who experience constant cravings for foods have one or more of the following: hormonal imbalances, blood sugar sensitivities, disrupted sleep/wake cycles, poor lifestyle routine, adrenal gland fatigue, battling chronic illnesses and poor digestion. Therefore treatment with Acupuncture and herbal medicine will be required to address these root causes and help the body to achieve balance and thus Curb Food Cravings.

To discuss the traditional Chinese medicine approach to curbing food cravings, please contact us at www.SustainHealth.com.au/Contact.

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