Cravings often come when we feel stressed. When you eat carbs, it releases a "happy" chemical in your brain like serotonin. Many of the foods we tend to crave -- sweets, white breads, and sodas -- are filled with simple carbs that your body processes very fast.
While some people blame a sweet tooth for their urge to eat carbs and sugar, others suggest that nutritional deficiencies of magnesium, zinc, chromium, amino acids (tryptophan), or vitamins (vitamin D especially), may actually be the culprit.
When nutrient levels are lesser, the brain's appetite centers are triggered, causing uncontrollable cravings and a ravenous appetite. This is caused due to lack of vitamins B-12 and D, and iron. As a result of eating high-calorie foods more and uncontrollably, weight gain is all but inevitable.
Are you craving fats? Like sugar, craving fatty foods signals your body is wanting specific nutrients. In this case, you're likely craving fat-soluble vitamins A, K, D and E.
Cravings for fatty and oily foods
Craving for fat and fatty foods may be caused by low daily fat intake. Fat is an essential nutrient in healing and replacing cells in your body and it's vital component in many other bodily functions. Fat savings may also mean that your daily calcium intake is too low.
Magnesium will not help you lose belly fat. You can't spot reduce fat. However, magnesium has a positive correlation with weight loss.
In fact, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause mood swings and lead to binge eating. When women experience menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, fluctuating testosterone and estrogen levels may cause unique cravings. Stress also plays a crucial role in hormonal imbalances leading to cravings.
Your body needs sufficient magnesium for it to function properly. If you're magnesium deficient it could be contributing to your weight gain or preventing you from losing weight.
"If you are craving carbs but you don't want bread, which often contains additional ingredients and can be highly processed, I recommend enjoying healthier carbohydrates like whole grains such as rice, quinoa, and farro, sweet potato, and potato," says Shapiro.
Unbalanced blood sugars
Having large spikes and drops in your blood sugars can cause you to crave carbohydrates.
The circadian system increases hunger and cravings for sweet, starchy and salty foods in the evenings, according to new research. Eating higher-calorie foods in the evening can be counterproductive if weight loss is a goal since the human body handles nutrients differently depending on the time of day.
One big reason you might find yourself craving carbs is due to an intake of refined carbs, or simple sugars. Some of the most frequent examples of these are white bread, pastries, sodas and even pizza. “When we eat too many of those refined carbs, it increases our cravings for those foods,” explains Taylor.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Pale skin. A smooth tongue.
People with vitamin B12 deficiency can have neurological symptoms and/or damage without anemia (lack of red blood cells). General physical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: Feeling very tired or weak. Experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
From regulating mood, maintaining healthy heartbeat to supporting sleep, muscle and nerve function along with energy production to name just a few. It's clear the mineral is vital for both men and women.
Beta cells create another hormone called amylin - it's one of the main 'satiety' hormone in the body that also goes directly to the brain. If amylin is no longer produced or rarefied you are going to feel hungry. Hence, people with diabetes crave carbs for another reason - a sheer feeling of hunger!
Cheese cravings are usually caused by vitamin A and B-12 deficiencies, as well as calcium and zinc deficiencies. Cravings are signals to the body that you require an answer. You may not consume enough fats, vitamins, or nutrients when you crave cheese.
Signs of a protein deficiency
Feeling weak or hungry, since protein supplies energy and satisfies the appetite. Getting sick often without protein to boost the immune system. Mood changes or trouble thinking due to fluctuating blood sugar and protein's effect on the brain's neurotransmitters (which regulate mood)