Food cravings are something that most of us experience at some point in our lives.
Many of us attribute these cravings to poor self-control. This is when guilt, anger and disappointment with ourselves creep up.
Having said that, I want to offer you a reframe (a different way of looking at the same situation) about cravings.
Cravings are not about you being weak or lacking discipline; they are just your body’s way of telling you that it needs something from you.
The human body is very complex with an intricate system of balances and signals that help it function properly. Food cravings are just another way for the body to signal what it needs from us. And we have the chance to give it what it needs.
My Sudden Cravings for Pasta and Fiery-Hot Food
What’s up with that?
It has since become clear that there are two likely causes: elevated levels of a heavy metal called thallium found in the cruciferous vegetables in California (like kale, cabbage, collard greens) and a nasty parasite I failed to clear with the strongest of herbs.
For the first time in 10 years, I gave in to a 10-day antibiotic treatment. And a strong one too.
Gosh, how that messed me up. I stepped into the world of extreme fatigue, complete apathy, and dark mood. I had to push myself to respond to the most critical emails just to manage my business but anything beyond that was simply impossible. I watched more movies on Netflix in those 10 days than I did in two years.
That antibiotic was, of course, no joke (I was forewarned), and it’s probably the parasitic die-off combined with the changes in the microbiome (the gut bacteria) that caused some unusual food cravings.
For the first time in I don’t know how many years, a craving for rich Bolognese pasta hit me hard. Resisting it was out of the question.
Then, I developed a craving for some fiery curry which would take me on a 40-minute one-way ride to my favorite South Indian Thali (they are a much spicier and lighter fair than North Indian food). I would ask them to add more chili to the already “extra hot” option. The waiter was worried that I would hurt myself.
One of the things I’ve learned about during times like this is: do not to resist the cravings. Instead, listen to my body.
What does it need?
Why does it need it?
What can I do to support it?
Hot and fiery food is well known to be antiparasitic and highly stimulating for the digestive system. If that’s what my body was calling for, my job was to just support it. The next day it was a Vietnamese pho, the super-spicy option (and I would still add the sesame chili oil). And so it continued for four days of food fire, and then it stopped.
Cravings.
They are there for a reason.
And what a reminder it was that a compromised microbiome (and especially the lack of good bacteria) can create these cravings as well.
A quick side note: I am currently undergoing a natural chelation protocol for the heavy metals and in spite of not having started the candida protocol yet (that’s coming next after the heavy metal protocol), I’m glad to report that 80% of my candida symptoms have already subsided. I’m so excited and what a reminder it is how parasites and heavy metals can mess up our immune system (which has the innate ability to fight candida).
I’ve compiled a list of cravings for you today which will help you understand what each could mean and what can you do to support your body.
And remember: no judgment, just listening.
Common Causes of Cravings
- Water – Being dehydrated can cause you to feel hunger. If you are craving something, try drinking a large glass of water first. Often, this will curb the feeling of hunger and save you from eating unnecessary food your body doesn’t need.
- Seasonal – People often crave food that coincides with the current season. The temperature may play a role here: do you often find yourself craving warming foods in the winter (soups, meat, oil) and cooling foods (fruit, raw food, ice cream) in the summer? That is no coincidence. Fall is a time people crave “grounding” foods (squash, onions, nuts) and Spring is the time for detoxification (fruits and vegetables).
- Life deficiencies – Having a physical, emotional and spiritual practice in our lives is just as important as the food we eat. It consists of having satisfaction in these areas of your life: career, relationship, financial, fitness, sleep, recreation, etc. If you are unhappy in any of these areas or feel stressed out, you may start to crave certain foods to keep you fulfilled emotionally (see about craving dairy below).
- Yin/Yang imbalance – All foods are considered to have either expansive qualities (yin) or contractive qualities (yang). Everything in life has a balance and our bodies are no different. Often, when we eat foods that are one extreme of yin (e.g. sweet food), we will crave foods at the other extreme of yang (salty food) to balance us out.
- Mineral deficiencies – The body will crave certain foods that contain the minerals it lacks. Below you will find specific mineral deficiencies and their cravings and what foods you can eat instead to have a healthier alternative.
- Hormonal imbalance– Cravings occur during certain times for women such as menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. This is due to certain fluctuations in the hormones like a drop in estrogen and progesterone. Imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA can also be big contributors.
7 Common Cravings
1. Salty Food
Potential reasons: Adrenal fatigue. Since the adrenals are also responsible for keeping our blood pressure up, when they are overworked, our body calls for support (here: salt) to bring up the blood pressure so the adrenals are released from this task.
Solution: Start the day with ¼ teaspoon of sea salt like the pink Himalayan salt in a glass of water or lemon water. Don’t be afraid of salt, sea salt won’t give you hypertension.
2. Chocolate
Potential reason: Magnesium deficiency.
Solution: Add to legumes, raw nuts and seeds, 85% cocoa dark chocolate, leafy greens and whole grains to your diet. Take good quality magnesium supplements (not in oxide form) in glycinate or citrate form. Topically, apply magnesium oil (I recommend our Quick Magnesium here) at the bottom of your feet before bed.
3. Sugar and Processed Foods (Pasta, Bread, Etc.)
Potential Reasons:
- Candida yeast overgrowth in the gut, skin or respiratory system
- Low estrogen and progesterone before our period
Solutions:
- Start an anti-candida diet and add plenty of top-notch probiotics.
- Learn to regulate your estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the cycle so the dips don’t effect you as much. You can learn how to rebalance these hormones naturally in our estrogen reset program here.
4. Caffeine (Coffee and Tea)
Potential reasons:
- Adrenal fatigue. You need coffee to get you started and get you going through the day as your adrenals are too pooped.
- Lack of quality sleep. You need caffeine to compensate for the lack of energy from insufficient sleep.
- Stress and habit.
Solutions:
- For adrenal fatigue, adopt an adrenal recovery protocol of de-stressing, diet change and herbal/hormonal support.
- For better sleep, try these 11 sleep strategies outlined in our article here.
- For stress and habit, switch to herbal teas or green tea (lower caffeine), especially matcha tea. Try the roasted chicory root “coffee” (recipe here) if it’s the taste you are after.
5. Dairy
Potential reasons:
- Stress, loneliness, and a need for an emotional connection.
- Calcium/Magnesium deficiency.
Solutions:
- If tolerated, add unpasteurized, raw dairy (amino acids in milk act like opiates to relax us). If you don’t tolerate dairy, add nut or coconut-based products and creamy food like guacamole, hummus, etc.
- If it’s an emotional issue, go deeper– are you feeling lonely, unloved? What do you need to change in your life to help address this?
6. More food in spite of being full
Potential reasons: Insulin resistance or food intolerances.
Solution: Learn to regulate your sugar levels with diet and supplements. Address food intolerances by doing the Elimination Diet (by cutting the big 5 and small 5) or deeper protocols like low FODMAPs, paleo etc.
7. Meat
Potential reason: Amino acid, iron and/or B12 deficiency
Solution: Consider eating meat. If you are on a vegetarian diet, and you crave or dream about meat, re-think your choices as a temporary solution to fix your health. Some people need meat for their body to function well. The best way to start is with a bone broth or collagen powder added to drinks, smoothies or soups. If you really can’t, look into iron and B12 supplementation.
Which Cravings to Give in To?
It’s important to differentiate between the foods we really need to get us well and cravings that will drag us down. Here is a simple rule:
Cravings not to give in to are sugar, processed dairy, and starches (unless you’ve been on a grain-free diet and you feel like your body calls for grains in a “healthy” way) and processed food.
Cravings to give in to are fats (good quality fats only), meat, oils, fresh/raw/cooked vegetables, whole foods, salty foods containing sea salt, and good quality dairy (if tolerated).
What About You?
Have I covered all the cravings? Probably not. What are you craving? Feel free to comment below on what are you craving and what you think is causing it.
I hope this article gives you some clarity on what is going on in your own body. And equally important, let’s turn our frustration with cravings to a listening exercise.
What does my body need from me?
What can I do to support it?
Helpful Resource: If you feel like your cravings are being caused by a hormonal imbalance, take our quiz here to find out.
I had a craving for salmon in particular… just salmon, no other fish… I think it was my body’s way of telling me that I needed more omega 3 in my diet…
I have that problem too. Mine is caused by depleted magnesium levels. I say give in to them as long as you keep it healthy. If it continues for too long, then I would see a doctor…
Thank you for sharing here Michaela ~HB Team
Hi Emma,
Yes, that seems very likely 🙂 It is good that you are tuned in.~HB Team
Thank you this is very helpful. I have been craving for ox brain so bad I salivate (literally!) when I look at the pictures ❤️
I have a craving for raw nuts
Hi Jia Jie Lu,
You body may be craving healthy fats. Do you think you need more healthy fats in your intake? ~Deanna HB Team
I’m craving things acidic like pickles pickled eggs and salads with vinegar.
Hi Kelseyterry,
How is your gut health? Here is a quiz for you to check out https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~Deanna HB Team
I have been craving seafood in general for about 2 wks now.
I have consumed it about 4 times in those 2 wks
Hi Lourdes,
Do you take omega-3’s? The body doesn’t manufacture the fatty acid, so to get our daily requirement we have to eat it in foods like salmon and other fatty fish. Or it may mean you need more healthy fats in general and you’re not getting enough foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. ~HB Team
I’m craving anchovies with pasta! I’m a gluten intolerant vegetarian. What does this mean?
Hi Dee,
You may need protein and sodium. Do you have any concerns about candida? Here is a little quiz that may indicate some possible imbalances https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~HB Team
I crave licorice.
Hi Kate,
That can be an interesting one. Here is a quiz for you to learn more about possible imbalances https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~HB Team
I crave for lemon juice and salt just before my period then on my period I crave for chocolate ,cheese and milk. Im always dehydrated and crave for water also.
I have been craving cilantro, mint, basil, other herbs. What’s up with that? Is it dangerous?
Hi Pamela,
Those are very nutrient dense foods that are supportive to the liver. It is very good that you are tuning into your body. here is a recipe that you could add all of those items https://hormonesbalance.com/recipes/soups-stews/chilled-herb-and-cucumber-soup/ ~HB Team
I been eating crabs and wanting crabs like everyday
Hi Sparkle,
This may be because you need omega-3’s. Our bodies don’t manufacture the fatty acid, so to get our daily requirement we have to eat it in foods like salmon and other fatty fish. Or it may mean you need more healthy fats in general and you’re not getting enough foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. ~HB Team
Peanut butter and clausen dill pickles on wheat bread
Interesting combination Sandy 🙂 ~HB Team
Vinegar. Any kind of Vinegar. Anything flavored with vinegar. I have always loved and craved vinegar.
Hi Sara,
We may sometimes crave vinegar if the body is needing some gut healing. How is your digestion? This quiz may be helpful too https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~HB Team
I’m craving sour foods like olives and lemons
When I crave lemon and food with vinegar it’s because I need vitamin c. This really works for me, 500mg vitamin c and the craving fades away.
Thank you for sharing what helps you ~HB Team
Hi Talulah,
It could mean the body needs more health fats (olive oil) and digestion/adrenal support (lemon). How is your gut health doing? ~HB Team
I’m craving collard greens.. Lol like legit eating seasoned collard greens out the can
Hi Rainie,
Well, they are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, a rich source of vitamin K, and a good source of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium. They also contain thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and choline. Your body is telling you it needs some greens. Are you going to get some collard greens? ~Deanna HB Team
I have been on a raw cabbage with rice vinegar & sesame seed oil plus starting drinking beet kvass & want the whole bottle 2oz doesn’t cut it.
I been eating crabs and wanting crabs like everyday Plus I am eating candy one pound a day.
I don’t know what to do.
Iodine? Maybe thyroid. And the sugar for energy because of thyroid.
Hi El Em, Good thought 🙂 ~HB Team
Hi Natalie S.,
Do you get enough Omega-3’s?Since we do not make our own fatty acid, we need to get it from salmon and other fatty fish. How are you with healthy fats like avocados, olive oils, and nuts? A pound of candy may be a connection to candida. Here is a program preview series to look into https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb/ ~HB Team
I am craving fruit!!! Oranges, grapefruit, grapes and bananas.
I crave seafood at least once a week but lately it’s all I’ve been craving. Maybe it’s a summer thing.
Thank you for sharing here Megan :). It is possible it may because you need omega-3’s. Our bodies don’t manufacture the fatty acid, so to get our daily requirement we have to eat it in foods like salmon and other fatty fish. Or it may mean you need more healthy fats in general and you’re not getting enough foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Does that sound like a possibility? ~HB Team
I crave salmon
Coconut
Dairy ( 1 or 2X a month, but I am allergic ). I think this one is emotional
And I crave dark leafy green
Hi Devan,
So, you still have dairy or you only crave it? ~HB Team
I have been craving tuna fish and dill pickles. I also crave eggs but I’m allergic to eggs.
Hi Angie,
Tuna is a good source of essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, selenium and Vitamin D. Pickles are a good source of Vitamin A, Iron, Potassium and Manganese, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin K and Calcium. Eggs have Vitamin A: 6% of the RDA.
Folate: 5% of the RDA.
Vitamin B5: 7% of the RDA.
Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA.
Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA.
Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA.
Selenium: 22% of the RDA.
Eggs also contain decent amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium and zinc. So, your body wants more nutritional support. How is your diet in general? ~HB Team
I m craving for tomatoes.. What does that mean?
HI Stefeena, It be a need for lycopene, and some suggest a connection to iron deficiency. Jen HB Support.
I am SO sorry that your Candida overgrowth has been flared up again! That’s been a constant struggle for me for the last five years! I’m always feeling bloated and heavy, and I’ve put on anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds, depending on the day! So frustrating!
I know I have candida overgrowth, & I CRAVE cream cheese, cottage cheese, sliced cheeses, so what can I do to take care of that craving in a healthy way? I can’t eat beans either…they puff me up!
Thank you!
Hi Shireen,
Here is Magdalena’s program that teaches how to help the body balance naturally https://hormonesbalance.com/cfb/. You will want to check it out. ~HB Team
I was craving a things like sauerkraut and coleslaw. Realizing wow, those are both cabbage. What could my body be saying with that?
Hi Mysti,
The lover likes cabbage and the fiber is good too. Please consider a fermented cabbage option for gut healing too https://hormonesbalance.com/recipes/sauerkraut-cumin-salad/ ~HB Team
My craving is a little different, and I have no clue. Everything I have researched online to shed some light on why shows a craving for fatty fish, but my craving is for any kind of fish but fatty fish, along with shrimp and crabs. I want them steamed or fried, but I gotta have it! Seafood has always been my favorite meat. I was even a pescatarian for 6 months some years ago. What does my body need, or am I just a seafood girl?
HI Leah, It could be that your body needs more protein and you are drawn more towards seafood to fill that need. Some suggest a need for more vitamin D, calcium, or even good fats. You could take inventory and see if any of that resonates. Thanks for sharing! Jen HB Support
I crave for rice. Not any rice – unsalted thai rice.
Interesting! Craving a starchy carb. Jen HB Support
I have been craving boiled artichokes with a dipping sauce made out of melted butter, Mayo, and lemon juice!
I just got done eating 2 medium to large artichokes and I still want more!!!
Andrea,
That sounds pretty good. I think I’m craving that, now =)
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
I sometimes crave black licorice and sometimes mint.
Fresh mint leaves and licorice are both digestives! Sounds like your body is craving some digestive support. Thanks for sharing Marsha! Jen HB Support
So like i’ve always been a big dairy eater and i usually drink like 2 cups of milk, eat some cheese and yogurt if theres more than one type of yogurt i’ll have more, i read up it can be lonlieness and stress and i dont have many mates so its probable
Hi Lucy,
Do you think candida may be a concern? Here is a quick quiz to check hormone balance https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~HB Team
Hi Marsha,
Those are unique although…how is your digestion? ~HB Team
Certain seafoods are high in Zinc. So if it isn’t a need for DHA, you might add up the nutrition of your average diet and see if you are consuming enough of it from other sources.
There also might be a need for a particular amino acid. We don’t need as much protein as people think. If I crave protein foods, I look up the amino acid profile of them, and look for a pattern. It’s often rooted in lacking one in particular.
Zinc, iron, or magnesium seem to be the root of most cravings.
Personally, the more off the wall mine are, it tends to be that my Zinc levels are low.
Also, certain sodium rich foods (pickles) often have a potassium preservative in them. I don’t know if we use it that way, or our bodies are fooled by it…. I eat potassium foods when I crave certain things.. It might also be that strange issue where you crave what is the biggest toll on your system. -There are various theories about why this is – one being that the food makes you release/use that nutrient or a hormone, and you feel normalized in that moment because of it. I don’t know, but I consider this if the food I am craving doesn’t do me well.(Caffeine and adrenal fatigue)
Thank you for your thoughts Anonymous 🙂 ~HB Team
Excuse the inappropriate words in my comment! It’s auto-correct. My old mobile eventually learned how I speak. This one did not.
I take no offense in a deletion.
Hi Anonymous,
Thank you for the note-it has been adjusted. ~HB Team
Thank you I was wondering why I was craving fish and adding a lot of spices.
Hi Jamie,
Do you mean seafood or what type of fish? ~HB Team
I’m always wanting milk lately
And always salami I just love dairy
Today I drunk two glasses milk better than Pepsi I used to be addicted to Pepsi. I love cows!
Hi Carly,
How do you feel after Dairy? ~HB Team
I’m craving berries like crazy!!! Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries all look so good right now. I came across a recipe for a berry parfait and almost caught myself drooling. Why do people crave berries?
Hi Rebecca,
Your body may be wanting more vitamin C or fiber. Have you been eating more berries? ~HB Team
Hi,
I crave seafood – Octopus, Oysters, Prawns, Raw seafood (sashimi)
It happens every now and then to me.
I feel I may be low in iodine although not quite sure.
Also lemons – odd bursts of needing to eat a lemon, including the rind
Hi Lily,
Possibly iodine and vitamin C. Here is a quiz to check hormone balance https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~HB Team
Hi. I crave seeds (like flaxseed, toasted though). All the time. I have no idea why. Please help.
Hi Hannah,
How are you doing with your good estrogen? Flaxseed can definitely be supportive there. Here is a link to learn more https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/how-to-use-seed-rotation-to-rebalance-your-menstrual-cycle/ ~HB Team
I crave olive oil and coconut oil
You may be needing more good fat Sharlet. Thanks for sharing with us! HB Support
I crave nuts and or peanut butter.
I crave natural salt, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, frozen berries covered with lemon and salt. I recently made my own fermented pickles, lemons and cranberries. I’m counting the hours until they are done. I hate chocolate. Dont have much of a sweet tooth. I dont know what the deal is. I used to love junk food. Now I cant stand it. Not even bread. Bread used to be my thing. People bitch at me for my salt intake…but I’m only putting it on fruit. I dont eat chips or fried stuff
Hey Heather,
Sea salt is a good option to consider. You may also be interested in checking out our Mineral Restore. https://hormonebalancenutritionals.com/products/mineral-restore?_pos=1&_sid=d674f62fd&_ss=r
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
I have been very sick with a cold and cough .When I get hungary I crave tuna
Hi Samantha,
Because of the work your body is doing to recover, it may want some good protein for repair. We hope you feel better. ~HB Team
I’ve been craving kale and kalamata olives.
I always crave macadamia nuts! And I can’t stop at just a few!
I have been craving tomato soup.
Cottage cheese and green olives.
I have an adrenal insufficiency and I have recently been sick.
Hi Jody,
Sometimes dairy can be a candida connection. What are you doing to support your adrenals now? Here is a link to try a quiz on hormone balance https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~HB Team
Hi LJ,
That one is interesting…Here is a quiz to check hormone balance https://hormonesbalance.com/quiz/ ~HB Team
I’ve been craving shrimp and fish. What could it be?
Possibly iodine. Take a look at this article. https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/nutrients-thyroid-health/ ~HB Team
I crave fried eggs over medium and peanut butter/ not together of course. I also crave raw fish and very hot spicy food
Hey Kate!
What do you think is causing your cravings? Perhaps your body is telling you that it needs more protein.
Healthy regards,
HB Team
I am craving the heck out of cabbage, raw, steamed, you name it. Large amounts of it, too. Why?!
Hey Ashley!
A couple things to consider.
1. What nutrients may be lacking that you are gaining with cabbage (perhaps Vitamin K & C, or fiber)?
2. Also, do you have any emotional connection to this food?
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
Hi,
I’m pregnant (7-8 weeks) and I’m craving hummus (with celery, cucumber or carrots), olives, artichokes and salt.
What does my body need more of?
Best,
Daria
Love your amazing wisdom! Can you suggest a good parasite cleanse?
Hiya, over the last couple of days I have been craving sweet cherry tomatoes (& I am not a huge fan of tomatoes). I am not pregnant!!
Interesting!
Tomatoes are a nutrient dense food. Perhaps your body is asking for more vitamin A or C, or one of the other amazing nutrients in tomatoes. I say, eat those tomatoes! 😉
Also, perhaps look into a good multivitamin.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
Hey Daria,
This sounds like salty cravings to me! Check out the part of the article dedicated to salt cravings and work with your medical professional to address and nutritional needs while pregnant.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
Hey there!! I have an insane craving for berries all the time. Any ideas???
I’m craving natural yoghurt
I crave fruits/berries WITH yoghurt. I can’t seem to get enough! I also use plenty of artificial sweetener on it. Wish I could satisfy that “berry/dairy” sweet tooth once and for all!
Hi Alexia!
You may be interested in checking out our blog article “Breakfasts That Rebalance Our Hormones”.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
Last month I had the cravings of bean dip with tortilla chips now this week I have a craving for oysters and ice cream
Hi Tina,
Is their a common thread in these foods?
Perhaps a craving for salt? It may be worthwhile to look into adrenals, stress management and/or nutritional deficiency like Zinc and minerals.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
I either crave puréed tomatoes or tomato juice, why do you think that is?
Or milkshakes or chocolate
Hey Catina,
Check out the suggestion above on chocolate and sugar.
You may want to consider potential nutritional deficiency in magnesium, iron, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Health Regards!
HB Team
Everytime I finish my meal or anything salty,/spicy I BADLY start craving for something sweet.. no matter where I am and what time is it..
Hi there!
Take a peek at the section above about sweet cravings. It may also be worthwhile considering past habits as well. I personally grew up ALWAYS having dessert after dinner, which developed into sweet cravings at night.
Hope this sends you in a helpful direction!
HB team
I have the usual cravings for carbs and chocolate but i understand the reason behind this. However lately I’ve been craving cheese (preferably a sharp cheddar) served with carrot sticks. What could cause this one?
Hey Jen!
Take a peak at craving #5. 😉
Healthy regards,
HB Team
Hi and thanks for posting this.
It is still summer (temps still reaching upper 80’s) where I am but I am craving soups and broths. Anything floating in rich broth will do. I love soups but right now I want it for every meal. Am I just overcome by my love of soup or could there be something else I am missing?
TIA
Hi Aj,
It could be your love of soup! Cravings can often be based in emotions. Otherwise, what are the commonalities of the soups/broths you are craving. Is it the saltiness perhaps?
Healthy Regards,
HB team
I have been craving jasmine rice, salty foods and pickles.
Hi Beverly,
Definitely check out #1 food craving above. =)
If you are interested in learning more about Adrenal fatigue, search adrenals in our blog to find an awesome article on the topic.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
Yes the jasmine rice! I’m anemic due to fibroids. Had a fibroid embolization. They grew back and in menopause state everyone says too young. I’m 48 and had heavy menstrual for years had to get three blood transfusions and iron infusions. I crave jasmine rice it soothes my stomach and my nerves.
Craving powder during pregnancy. What does that mean
Hi Cindy,
If you’re craving powder or chalk, or anything “abnormal” – definitely speak with your ob-gyn or care provider. It could indicate an iron deficieny.
Hope this helps!
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
I for some reason have been craving nachos and egg flower soup for like 3 months
Hey Hollie!
What is the common thread between nachos and egg flower soup? Saltiness perhaps?
Take a peek above at what salty cravings could mean.
Healthy regards,
HB Team
I know this an older post, but hoping you can help me as to why I might be craving fresh mint leaves, basil leaves, dill leaves, and cilantro. I can literally stuff a bunch into my mouth of any of those and happily eat as a snack – raw and nothing else. I know mint cravings could signal anemia, but I just got those levels checked and all was OK. Any ideas? Thanks!
Hi Amy,
Cravings are not necessarily a “bad thing”. The herbs you mentioned above are all lovely and nourishing and wonderful to include in your diet. This could be one of those cravings that you just, well, give in to! 😉
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
I’ve had an INTENSE craving for broccoli, green beans, potatoes, corn, etc. I want it without seasoning, butter, or oil…I just want pure veggies. I CANT GET ENOUGH IT SEEMS!! I’m not sure if they’re related, but there have been 3-4 separate occasions when I have been woke from dead sleep to SEVERE-SCREAMING OUT IN INTOLERABLE PAIN from CRAMPS/CHARLIE HORSES IN MY LEGS. It lasts at least 20 minutes of constant cramps that are all equally as painful and are like Charlie horse on steroids!! Any info or educated guess you would have, would be very much appreciated.
Magnesium.
Hey Elizabeth,
You may be interested in checking out our blog article on Magnesium, and checking out the Wellena Quick Magnesium, which is a topical form of Magnesium,
Feel free to reach out to [email protected] for further support.
Healthy Regards,
HB team
My cravings are always all over the place. Tonight I am craving Kale and Cheesecake
I’m craving hot spicy ramen soup!! CAn’t get over it for straight 4 days.
I have been craving chicken, salmon, and lobster. I can’t stop thinking about them. It’s almost obsessive.
I have cravings for salami and pepperoni. Never been a huge fan at all. Now i’m cutting big chunks of it and nearly eating the whole thing. Peri menopause perhaps ? I’m not sure.
Cravings for 2 1/2 weeks for fatty food, red meat, fermented dairy, and sweet dairy even when full and lasts all day when I usually do not feel hunger or eat until late afternoon/early evening. Your post was a “oh yeah….” realization since I finally gave in to course of antibiotics for SIBO due to dismotility. Okay… now I get it. I thought it was just hormones but it was too sudden and a bit relentless to be just that.
I crave wild blueberries and oranges!!
Thanks for sharing, Erin.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
I’m craving for really sour stuff like lemon or green mangoes..I am 47 years of age is it menopause. I also take pressure medication.
I’m 32 and take blood pressure medication and I crave Lemons and sour things. Maybe it’s a blood pressure thing?
Hi Kate,
Maybe. Haven’t heard that one before but anything is possible! 🙂
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
Hi! I’m an acupuncturist & herbalist practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sour foods indicate a liver or gallbladder imbalance. When we are under high stress &/or experience high blood pressure, this indicates a liver imbalance. Lemons & limes can be beneficial for supporting the liver and gallbladder and the detoxification process.
Thanks for the info! This is very helpful!
Thanks so much for sharing this information, Meredith!
You are correct about this food~ Great pots! Huge thanks!
I crave chips and ketchup and mustard… I just started a new nerve pain medicine wonder if that is causing it or what….
Hi Linda,
Cravings for ketchup and mustard can sometimes indicate low stomach acid. Cravings for salty chips could indicate low sodium. It’s a good idea to discuss this with the doctor that prescribed you the medication.
– HB Team
Hello there. For the last two days, I have been craving herbs of all kinds… Oregano, basil and mint – the fresh ones are better… and sometimes I will nibble on basil and mint leaves and I’m a happy camper.
I have oregano oil and I hate the stuff but been taking it for a sore throat (not covid).
I wasn’t like this until after the summer when we first started growing fresh herbs and I miss them.
Can you explain this weirdness? Thanks.
Hi Keri, we often find that our body craves what it is needing or lacking. Herbs can provide different internal stimulations that influence different mechanisms such as nerve soothing, digestive support, bile release, etc. This is different for each herb so perhaps your body is tuning into the benefits it feels when you’re consuming these various herbs. Everyone is different but I hope that helps. ~HB Support.
Hi may I kindly ask you why I crave chocolate milk. I’ve also been craving oysters, prawns and lobster.
Hi Belinda, cravings are often connected back to what we missing in our diet. Chocolate cravings are a common sign of magnesium deficiency. Seafood is highly rich in selenium and zinc, two nutrients that are common deficiencies. We also crave things that we provide us a sense of comfort or home. Those feel good foods we grew up can play into our cravings as adults. I hope this helps provides a helpful background for you! ~ HB Support
Hi I was wondering which parasite you had and which antibiotic you were treated with?
Hi I was wondering which parasite you had and which antibiotic you were treated with?
I have been craving flowers and dirt lately. Dry dirt, and just any flowers. I’ve been eating flowers for a few days now and I want to know why I have this sudden urge and craving for dry dirt and flowers. I ate coffee beans last night because when I chew them up it has a similar texture and consistency to dry dirt. Is there something wrong with me?
I have been craving ceasar dressing and anchovy. Would that be salt thing or omega 3 thing?
Hi Stormy, it could be either and it could be helpful to consider what your intake looks like for both omega-3 and salt to help narrow it down. It’s also important to remember that we can have craving for emotional/psychological reasons. This could be contributing to craving this duo! ~HB Support.
Hi! I was just wondering why I’m always craving salami, pork, and hummus
Hi Keira, there may be a nutrient in those foods your body is craving such as something salty because your body is looking for magnesium or another electrolyte. ~HB Support
All I want it hot and spicy pickles tomatoes raw and lemon I have no idea what my body is doing but it wants all three back to back
Hi Tera, your body may be looking for a nutrient those foods contain such as vitamin C. ~HB Support
spicy food
I have been craving egg salad, potato salad, or deviled eggs. (All basically the same thing). Not sure what is up with that though.
Hi Danielle, interestingly all those foods contain mayonnaise which typically has omegas. Also eggs are a good source of protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12 so it’s possible your body is looking for these nutrients. ~HB Support
I eat primarily vegetarian with occasional chicken or fish. I have been craving bologna sandwiches on white bread! What?!?!?!?!
Hello! It’s fascinating. I have a lot of information I want to share with my patients who are struggling with food cravings and are eager to start a diet. Thank you