7 CRAZY CRAVINGS & WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR HEALTH
Did you know that it’s not just pregnant women who get cravings for certain foods? Haveyou ever seriously had a hankering for a large cup of crushed ice, but have no idea where it came from?
Cravings are a sign that your body is missing something crucial. Nothing serious - like a kidney - but it’s missing some nutrients that are really needed. With the right information, you can work out what it is that your body is missing and work to replace it - without diving face-first into a plate of fried chicken to find the answers. Let’s take a look at 7 cravings that will unlock what’s gone wrong!
Did you know that there are people out there who crave ice? It’s very common for pregnant women to be desperate for ice as they get late into their pregnancy, and it’s because of a lack of iron. Iron deficiency tablets are the perfect supplement here, but understanding why ice is important. A lack of iron triggers an inflammation in the mouth and it’s only ice that can help!
Everyone thinks that they crave chocolate, when it’s not the chocolate that they crave: it’s the magnesium. Chocolate is an excellent source of magnesium and so it’s no wonder people reach for it. Nuts are a great replacement.
Foods that are high in salt (pretzels, peanuts, etc) are often a sign of a chloride deficiency. If you are suddenly tasting salt and want it now, try to alleviate it with olives and celery!
There are people out there who would slice a full block of cheese each day because they crave the taste. These people are severely lacking in calcium or the essential fatty acids that the body needs. Give into the craving here; cheese on toast is going to be good for it!
Those who are lacking in vitamin C often crave lemons. Lemons have a strong and bitter taste, so it makes sense that lemon is a regular craving for some! You don't have to bite into a whole lemon though, so don’t panic. A squeeze in a glass of water is enough!
Similarly to ice, red meat cravings are another sign that you are in need of iron. More red meat in your diet is smart here as if you’re craving it, you should give in. Your body is clever enough to tell you what it needs and if red meat isn't your thing, you can dive face-first into figs, spinach and legumes for the same relief.
Popcorn is a strange craving but it’s normal for some. If you have a random hankering for popcorn, you may need to think about your cortisone levels. Stressed out people tend to crave popcorn, and you can alleviate it with a big bowl of the good stuff. Also, reducing your stress levels is a must. The less stressed you are, the less you’re going to crave popcorn.
These seven cravings are just the tip of the cravings iceberg. If you want to ensure that you meet the needs of your body, get to the root of the craving first.