Craving is defined as intense, urgent or abnormal desires or longings. Not only are they quite common, but they are also without any doubt is one of the most intense feelings you can experience when it is about food. Nutritionist Avni Kaul says many believe that cravings are caused by nutrient deficiencies and view them as the body’s way to correct them. Yet others say that unlike hunger, cravings are mostly about what your brain wants, rather than what your body actually requires. In this article, Nutritionist and Dietician Avni Kaul talks about nutrition deficiency which can cause food cravings.
Sodium – Sodium plays an important role in maintaining the body’s fluid balance and is required for survival. For this reason, cravings for high-sodium, salty foods are usually thought to mean that the body needs more sodium. Actually, individuals deficient in sodium often report strong cravings for salty foods.
In the same manner, individuals whose blood sodium levels have been dedicatedly lowered, either through diuretics or exercise, also usually report an increased preference for salty foods or drinks. Thus, in a few cases, salt cravings can be caused by a deficiency of sodium or low blood sodium levels. One can get sodium from apples, cherries, carrots, and mushrooms.
Calcium – One needs calcium for more than strong bones you need the mineral for nerve impulses, blood clotting, and for your heart to pump blood. Every cell in the body needs calcium and our body has very tight control of how much calcium is in the blood at every time. Your body will actually pull calcium from your bones when your blood levels drop or you experience pH changes in the body. If you seed yourself craving for sodas, carbonated drinks, and dairy this could be a sign you need more calcium. Avail it from turnips, pumpkin seeds, and almonds.
Magnesium – Magnesium is known as your relaxation mineral; magnesium contributes to nearly 700 enzyme and biochemical mechanisms in the body. Your body has roughly 3,500 various binding sites for magnesium in your cells. If you notice yourself having sudden cravings for sugar and feel tired and sore, you might need more magnesium. This is also, the case as if you experience muscle twitches and cramps, depression, and anxiety. Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and spinach are rich in magnesium
Zinc – Zinc is important for your body’s immune system, cellular growth, skin, insulin regulation, sleep, hormone balance, and mood support. If you are suffering from GI distress, experience dull moods, have high PMS or take antacids and OTCs you are probably suffering from zinc deficiency. Similarly, food cravings for non- food substances such as clay, ice, and raw starch are also, an indication of zinc deficiency. Pasture-raised chicken, spinach, whole grains, and eggs are good sources of zinc.
Folate – Folate also called Vitamin B9; it is the active form of folic acid. That is necessary for the support of cardiovascular, cellular, and cognitive health. If one is craving for too much-processed grains it indicates he/she might need more folate. Folate-rich foods include beet, cauliflower, oranges, and lemons.
Selenium – Selenium is an antioxidant-rich essential trace of a mineral that works in alliance with other enzymes and proteins in the body. Selenoprotein S, in general, is involved in the protection against cellular stress and regulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine. Proper selenium is needed for managing the overworked immune response. Craving for salty foods increases when you have low selenium. Foods like garlic, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, oatmeal, and bananas are a good source of selenium.
In Buenos Aires, 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games Nutritionist Avni Kaul was the Advisor (Nutrition) from India. She is a Gold-medallist master’s science graduate from the University of Delhi in the subject of Food and Nutrition. Avni Kaul is a diet and nutrition columnist in some of India's leading newspapers and magazines like -
Columnist at TimesNow
Columnist at NDTV Food
Columnist at Grazia
Columnist at Deccan Herald
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