Health & Life

What food are you craving? It may be a sign of a certain illness, let’s find out.

If your body craves a specific food, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

18 February, 2024

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Why does food craving relate to illness?

It is often said that when our bodies lack certain nutrients, we crave those specific nutrients. This view is also shared by many doctors. When our bodies are deficient in certain nutrients, they can send signals to intake foods rich in those nutrients or to intake foods rich in a certain nutrient to address the issues our bodies are facing.

Let’s take a look at the signs of food cravings and their relation to different health issues:

Craving spinach may be related to breast cancer

When someone has breast cancer, they are often deficient in Sulforaphane, which is abundant in spinach. When the body sends signals to eat a lot of spinach, it may be a sign that there is something abnormal happening in the breast tissue. Of course, it is important to differentiate between cravings and excessive cravings. If someone has an unusual and excessive craving, the sign may be more obvious. In addition to craving this type of food, if there are additional symptoms such as the presence of a lump in the breast, changes in the color of the breast skin, or discharge from the breast, it may be related to a high risk of breast cancer, so early medical examination is advisable.

Craving salt may be related to adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease) occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones (glucocorticoids, aldosterone, androgens). When the adrenal glands are healthy and functioning normally, they secrete aldosterone to retain sodium (a source derived from salt) to maintain body function.

If the adrenal glands are impaired for some reason, hormonal insufficiency leads to excessive elimination of salt from the body, resulting in a salt deficiency and craving for salt. Therefore, if you suddenly have an excessive craving for salty foods or feel the need to add more salt, you should check your health status. Especially if combined with symptoms such as menstrual disturbances, fatigue, apathy, stress, unexplained weight loss, early medical examination is necessary, as there is a high risk of disease at this stage.

Craving starch and sugar excessively may be related to diabetes

Starch and sugar are important nutrients, but for people with diabetes, they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. If you have excessive cravings for starchy and sugary foods such as pastries, flour, biscuits, rice, etc., you should consider whether you have other symptoms of diabetes. Diabetic patients lack insulin and cannot regulate blood sugar, so they often crave sweet foods. If accompanied by symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, darkening of the skin on the neck, or fatigue, it is advisable to check your health.

Craving sour foods may be due to a weak immune system

When you crave sour fruits such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, tamarinds, etc., it may indicate that your immune system is weakened and you are experiencing fatigue. This is because sour fruits contain a high level of vitamin C, which is related to the immune system’s ability to function properly. When the immune system is compromised, it sends signals to encourage the intake of these substances. If you feel tired and have recently been getting sick, pay attention to strengthening your immune system through a healthy diet, proper rest, and exercise.

Craving red-colored foods and ice may indicate anemia

The color of food is related to its composition. For example, red food usually contains a lot of iron. When the body is deficient in iron and has anemia, it often craves certain foods. When there is an iron deficiency, people also tend to crave ice and are not afraid of the cold. They chew ice cubes, especially in children. This is because iron deficiency leads to pain and inflammation of the tongue. Chewing ice cubes creates a numbing sensation, relieving the discomfort, hence the craving.

Craving chocolate may indicate low blood pressure and blood sugar

Dark chocolate, in particular, can help stabilize blood sugar levels quickly. Therefore, when someone has low blood pressure, they often crave sweet foods. If accompanied by trembling, irritability during meals, it is advisable to check your blood sugar levels. For women, craving chocolate is also a sign of stress and menstrual disorders. During this time, the serotonin neurotransmitter levels in the brain are low, causing restlessness. Eating chocolate increases the serotonin levels in the brain, making them feel more excited. Therefore, the body cleverly sends signals to encourage them to seek chocolate.

Craving milk may indicate a vitamin deficiency

When you are deficient in vitamins, your body stimulates the intake of certain foods. Milk is rich in vitamins and minerals. Take a look at your diet. If you crave milk and also have symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, dry skin, chapped and peeling skin, it may indicate a vitamin deficiency in your body.

Craving everything may indicate Bulimia

Bulimia is a mental disorder that causes uncontrollable food cravings. You should consult a psychiatrist because you may have experienced some trauma that affects the neurotransmitter serotonin, leading to eating disorders. Life events that you have been through can also affect your personality or turn you into an impulsive person… Therefore, if you suddenly find yourself eating excessively or if someone is shocked or surprised by your eating habits, combined with weight gain and a sense of hopelessness, it is best to seek early psychiatric intervention.

Craving non-food items may indicate Pica

Pregnant women sometimes have unusual cravings. But if you are not pregnant and eat everything, including non-food items, and still crave them even when full, you may have symptoms of Pica. If it is not out of curiosity, those who suddenly develop a “addiction” to eating non-food items may be severely deficient in zinc or have recently experienced a brain trauma. Zinc affects the perception of taste, so when deficient, people have abnormal preferences for food. If you or your loved ones suddenly have strange eating habits, it is best to get tested for nutritional deficiencies and have a brain examination.