What are cravings?

Cravings

Do you ever wonder why you are craving some specific foods and why they occur? How do these cravings even begin? I will share with you the beliefs of myself and bodybuilding.com on some beliefs and solutions to the need of cravings.

Many people think that if you crave a specific kind of food then your body MUST need it. This may be true sometimes but not always. When you crave something it may indicate a specific deficiency and on other occasion it may not. These cravings may provide some valuable information.

So for example, lets say you are craving chips and pickles....which may indicate a need for sodium. However, this may actually be triggered by a potassium deficiency. It is important to understand what a craving may mean.

 

 

What does your craving mean?

According to body building.com you cravings may be significant.

 

Carbs :Research with carbohydrate-cravers suggests that cravings for sweets may come with negative or depressed feelings that could be relieved as those levels change, but this idea is not universally accepted.Many people doubt the serotonin/carbohydrate link because most people don't crave just carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread or pasta. They want some sweet, high-fat foods.

 

Fatty Foods: If you crave fatty foods it could indicate that your body is deficient inessential fatty acids (EFA's). There are two essential fatty acids - commonly referred to as Omega-3 and Omega-6 that are indeed essential for life because they are involved in the proper functioning of every cell, tissue and organ in the human body.As structural components of membranes, EFA's help form a barrier that keeps foreign molecules, such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria outside of cells, and keeps the cell's proteins, enzymes, genetic material, and organelles (small organs) inside. EFA's also help regulate the transport of substances in and out of our cells via protein channels, pumps, and other mechanisms.

Chocolate: There are many reported reasons why people crave chocolate. One belief is that your body may be deficient in magnesium (chocolate contains magnesium).A chocolate craving for women may be from hormonal changes before and during their menstrual period.

If you would like more information go on body building.com.