Deficiency or sweet tooth? Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiencyMagnesium deficiency is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is a low level of magnesium in the body. It can result in multiple symptoms. Symptoms include tremor, poor coordination, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, personality changes, and nystagmus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Magnesium_deficiency
When it comes to chocolate, it is common knowledge that the craving signifies a deficiency in magnesium. Since cacao is considered the food with the highest amount of magnesium per gram, it comes as no surprise that chocolate is the first thing we reach for when we encounter such a deficiency.
As an example, chocolate cravings are often a sign of magnesium deficiency. I, personally, am an unapologetic chocoholic, so have started to supplement with magnesium which has actually helped reduce my Kinder Bueno intake.
Sometimes chocolate cravings can be easily explained: You're just hungry. When your body is hungry, it craves fast carbohydrates like refined sugars. Unfortunately, most processed chocolate is high on the glycemic index, which means that it gives you a quick, but temporary sugar rush.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Deficiencies in certain minerals such as zinc, chromium, iron, calcium, and magnesium may lead to sugar cravings as well, Elia says. Magnesium deficiency is specifically worth paying attention to.
For instance, chocolate cravings are often blamed on low magnesium levels, whereas cravings for meat or cheese are often seen as a sign of low iron or calcium levels. Fulfilling your cravings is believed to help your body meet its nutrient needs and correct the nutrient deficiency.
Supplements of magnesium can reduce sugar craving and help stabilise blood sugar levels[1]. If you have Type 2 diabetes or Pre-diabetes you are more likely to have low magnesium levels[2, 3].
You may find that a diet abundant in magnesium-rich foods will help keep your chocolate cravings at bay. Of course, you can get magnesium in a supplement form, too.
Some believe chocolate is the snack of choice due to hormonal imbalances during the menstrual cycle. When estrogen, progesterone and serotonin (the happiness hormone) levels drop, and cortisol (the stress hormone) rises, the result is a sugar craving.
Sweet cravings can also be your body's response to a low blood sugar and hunger; it's your body's way of telling you it needs fuel.
yes, high amounts of chocolate cravings are a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium regulates glucose (blood sugar) and insulin levels (helps the body use and store glucose), as well as the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Decadent Dark Chocolate Is Your Go-to Magnesium Treat
Think of dark chocolate as a great way to get your magnesium fix while also indulging. One oz, or about one square, of 70 to 85 percent dark chocolate provides 64.6 mg of magnesium, which is 15.4 percent of the DV, for 170 calories, per the USDA.
It helps fight PMS. “There's a reason we crave certain foods, such as chocolate, at that time of the month,” says Toronto-based raw foods coach Nathalie Lussier. “Chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety. Plus, it's high in magnesium,” which lifts moods and reduces water retention.
We eat less when our estrogen is high. When estrogen drops and progesterone increases, we eat more and experience more cravings for chocolate, sweets, and salty foods (and food in general).
When depressed, 1465 (54.4%) reported food cravings, with 1210 (44.9%) specifically being chocolate cravers (50.7% of the women and 30.9% of the men; χ 2=88.3, P<0.001).
You Have Some Serious Chocolate Cravings
If you feel like your body is in desperate need of chocolate more than just on occasion or the week before your period, this could be a sign to up your magnesium intake. Dark chocolate is high in magnesium—just 1 ounce packs in 10% of your daily needs.
“The [recommended dietary allowance] for women over 30 is 320 mg, but you can take less and get good results,” she said, recommending a type of magnesium called L-threonate. “It is a form of magnesium that crossed the blood-brain barrier and is deeply relaxing, I suggest taking 150 mg at night.”
The drop in estrogen and progesterone causes deficiency of the hormones in the body and this causes increased craving for sugar. Other symptoms of low progesterone and estrogen fatigue, moodiness and insomnia as well as decreased vaginal lubrication.
Max out your magnesium
Many doctors believe sugar cravings could actually be a magnesium deficiency, especially if the person craves chocolate. Men should get between 400-420mg per day, with women up to 320mg of magnesium.
Many sugar cravings stem from a blood sugar imbalance. When your body ingests sugar, your blood sugar spikes and your body releases insulin to lower it to a safer level. If the insulin brings your blood sugar level a bit too low, as often happens, your body craves foods that will raise it and increase your energy.
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.
Other signs of iron deficiency anemia include: Strange cravings. A hankering for strange foods or non-food items is called pica. It usually involves cravings to eat ice, clay, dirt, chalk, or paper, and it may be a sign of iron deficiency.
Four chemicals are known to be released by the brain when eating chocolate: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These chemicals are used by neurons to communicate with one another.