Sweet and Salty Cravings

It’s normal to experience cravings from time to time, but an intense need for something usually means your body is weak in a particular mineral, vitamin or nutrient. With so much processed food around us, it can be hard to determine what our bodies need when we experience a craving. Even though you are craving a particular food, it may not contain the one thing your body is looking for. Instead, it may contain a lot of empty, unhealthy calories that do not benefit your body. Stress can play a large part in cravings, as our hormones amp up when we endure prolonged levels of stress, which can lead to deficiencies, nutritional issues and illness.

Sweet Cravings

Studies have shown that sugar affects your brain the same as alcohol or drugs, and it momentarily improves your mood. The elevation is then followed by a mood swing down, which leaves you reaching for another sugar-loaded snack. And the cycle continues.

When you crave sugar, it may be a sign that your body is dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water before you reach for the candy is an excellent idea. It can also mean that you have a blood sugar imbalance, as well as mineral deficiencies of chromium and magnesium. Giving in to cakes, soft drinks, candy or other refined sweets will make the problem worse and continue the blood sugar swing that leads to more cravings.

Salty Cravings

If you have an overwhelming craving for some salty chips, it can mean you have low levels of electrolytes as a result of adrenal gland dysfunction. The underlying culprit is most often stress. Salt helps keep water in your body long enough to hydrate your cells. When you become dehydrated, your body has to use a bit more salt to retain the water that your body needs. Exercise and diuretic drinks (such as caffeine and alcohol) can lead to dehydration.

Salt cravings may also be a sign of low-functioning adrenal glands that could be accompanied by super low blood pressure. High blood pressure is bad, and so is low. Adrenaline overproduction from chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue and salt cravings. If your desire for salt comes with bags under your eyes, it is a good idea to get your adrenal and cortisol levels checked.

Take a high-quality, whole food based multivitamin, eat mineral-dense, leafy dark green vegetables and make sure to drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. When you drink alcohol, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.

Consistent food cravings of any kind are a sign of deficiency, either physical, emotional or nutritional. Clinical nutrition is one way to combat the stress that can lead to these issues. We are here to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your health and dealing with stress in your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.