Food cravings: Meaning

What it means ?

Food cravings mean an intense desire for certain food or flavour. This desire could be uncomfortable and the person may feel as though they can't satisfy it no matter how much they eat till they eat the food they are craving for. Food Cravings are very common and sometimes it can also be nonedible items like chalk, dirt, ice chips and this craving is termed as Pica.

TYPES:

There are two types of cravings, selective and non-selective. Selective cravings is wanting to eat selective foods like chocolate or any particular food the person likes. Non-selective craving is wanting to eat anything and it's generally real hunger but could also be thirst. Drinking water could help with intense non-selective craving.

CAUSES:

Food craving could be due to variety of factors, be it physical or mental. It could also be an underlying condition and should be taken seriously. They could be a sign of hormonal imbalance, a poor diet, physical activity, stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, pregnancy or addiction to certain highly processed food.

Some people believe these cravings are brought about by nutrient deficiency but the theory has not been supported by science due to various factors. We would think cravings due to nutrient deficiencies would be for food that are nutrient-rich but in reality most cravings are for foods that have low nutrient value and are highly processed. Research suggests that men tend to crave savoury foods whereas women crave for sweet tasting foods and that we tend to crave foods that we eat very often.

Pica mostly occurs in children and pregnant woman who have low levels of zinc, calcium, or iron and is generally resolved when the lacking nutrients are replenished but not all cases are resolved after the nutrients are supplemented and it is better to consult a doctor to avoid casualties. Dieting and malnourishment could also lead to Pica and eating non-edible items could help you feel full. People with OCD and Schizophrenia could also develop Pica as a coping mechanism.

Food cravings can be resolved by:

• Drinking water: Thirst is often confused with hunger and when you suddenly crave for a specific food, try drinking a glass of water and wait for a few minutes, the craving would subdue as your body was actually thirsty.

• Distancing yourself from the craving: Try walking or showering whenever you feel a craving to shift your focus and chew a gum as it is shown to have reduced appetite.

• Reducing stress: Being stressed may also lead to cravings, try meditating or yoga to reduce stress around you.

• Sleeping well: Hormonal imbalance due to improper sleep could also induce cravings, therefore sleep for at least 7 hours a day and try having a proper sleep schedule.

• Eating proper meals: Hunger and malnourishment could also lead to cravings. Try eating meals at the exact time everyday and if you crave snacks between meals, try eating healthy ones like nuts and dry grapes.

• Munching on a raisin: As it's been proven to help with reducing appetite and cravings.

Food cravings are not always due to a nutrient deficiency and it's advisable to not trust your food cravings. In addition seek your doctors help if you think you have Pica as giving into your cravings could affect your body seriously.

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