Food cravings can be your body’s way of communicating what it needs or is experiencing emotionally and chemically. There are many causes of food cravings, for example nutrient deficiencies in some individuals can increase the need for specific foods. Having an awareness of what you’re craving along with what may be causing it can help you learn how to manage your cravings and better provide your body with what it needs.

1. Sweet Cravings

Sugar leads to a spike in serotonin and dopamine levels, which are neurotransmitters involved in happiness and pleasure. When you’re feeling low or depleted emotionally, your body might crave something sweet to temporarily elevate your mood or energy levels. Stress, poor sleep quality, and hormonal imbalances can also contribute to poor blood glucose management so ensuring your meals and snacks (if needed) are balanced with quality protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates can help curb your need for something sweet.

Supplement: Chromium Picolinate

2. Salty Cravings

Salt (sodium) plays a role in regulating fluid balance and electrolytes. When your body is stressed, you might lose more sodium through sweat, and your body could crave salt to try and restore balance. It can also be a signal that your adrenal glands (which manage stress) may be working overtime. Increasing your fluid intake or adding an electrolyte to your water to support hydration can help.

Supplement: Electrolytes

3. Crunchy Cravings

Crunchy foods provide sensory satisfaction. The act of chewing can trigger a release of dopamine, creating a sense of reward. Adding nuts and seeds, puffed quinoa or roasted chickpeas to your meals can add more crunch and texture.

Supplement: Dopamine Assist

4. Craving fats

Craving fatty foods may be a signal that your body is in need of fat-soluble vitamins A, K, D and E. These vitamins are vital for supporting immune function, stabilising blood sugar levels and more. Craving fat may also indicate that you need more energy and calories (especially if you are following a low-calorie diet). Add more fat-soluble foods to your plate including avocados, oily fish including sardines and salmon, nuts, seeds and nut butters.

Supplement: Vitamin D3 & K2

5. Carb Cravings

Carbohydrates boost serotonin production, which has a calming, mood-lifting effect. When serotonin levels drop, such as during times of stress or lack of sleep, the body might crave carbs to restore balance and create a sense of well-being. Increase your serotonin levels naturally by eating more tryptophan-rich foods including eggs, turkey, tofu, nuts and seeds.

Supplement: Serotonin Boost

6. Chocolate Cravings

Chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and caffeine, which are stimulants that can improve mood and energy levels. It also has high sugar content, which can trigger the release of endorphins that make you feel good. Stress is also a known contributor to magnesium deficiency which may increase chocolate cravings. Try including nuts, legumes, tofu to boost your magnesium intake.

Supplement: Magnesium Glycinate

If you find yourself having strong cravings for foods, practicing mindful eating can help determine the root of the cravings and help you identify whether they may be due to an emotional trigger or a need to support your diet and nutrient intake.

Further Testing at Body Fabulous

Ultimate Methylation Genetic DNA Test - This test assesses your genetic risk for nutrient deficiencies, blood glucose imbalance, eating habits are more.

The Ultimate Methylation Vitamin Blood Test - This test assesses fat-soluble nutrients such vitamin D, A and E as well as other nutrient markers such magnesium.

Adrenal Stress Test - This test assesses stress hormones including cortisol and daily cortisol pattern which is linked to blood glucose issues, food cravings and is known to deplete essential nutrients such magnesium.

Nervous System DNA Report - This test assesses genetic factors affecting mood, anxiety, sleep and can identify risk variants relating to serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline and other neurotransmitters which may impact on cravings.

Book a General Advice Call - Speak with our clinical team who can advise on the right testing to get to the bottom of your foods cravings

Annie Davies
Clinical Nutritionist
Body Fabulous
www.mybodyfabulous.co.uk