Healthy Living 101 - Hormonal Cravings

Hormonal Cravings

Hormonal cravings are the effects of changes in our hormones. Hormones are chemicals released by cells or glands that send messages to other parts of the body and contribute largely to our body’s composition and health. There are hormones that stimulate or inhibit your growth, control mood swings, activate or inhibit the immune system, regulate metabolism, prepare the body for activity such as mating or fighting, new phases of life such as puberty or menopause, and control the reproductive cycle. Hormones are largely responsible for spikes in appetite or odd food combinations also known as hormonal cravings. Cravings are mostly temporary and come from time to time, depending on the situation or change. For instance, some of the most noted hormonal cravings are related to women who are approaching their menstruation date or during pregnancy.

Cravings and the Woman’s Body

Research suggests that hormonal cravings are caused by changes in our body that may be affected or that may affect your hormones. In times of stress, menstruation and pregnancy women tend to find that they feel compelled to eat foods that sometimes not in their regular diet. Some women may want to snack excessively on sweets or foods that are salty to taste. This is said to happen because change in hormone levels affect the brain to produce chemicals such as serotonin which can cause women to desire certain food as a way of presenting themselves. For example, women have been known to crave pickles during pregnancy. Pickles are commonly salty to the palette. During pregnancy a woman’s blood volume and will require extra sodium to ensure proper fluid balance. Therefore woman will take to salty foods such as pickles to satisfy this need for sodium. Old wives tales suggests that women crave ice because their bodies are deficient in iron. However, some cravings are symptoms of a serious condition known as “pica”. When cravings begin to include items such as laundry starch, clay, baby powder or pencils it may be sign to see a medical professional. Pica is a condition among children and the mentally handicapped. Pica can sometimes be overlooked in children as children often put things in their mouth as a sign of curiosity.

Cravings and Your Diet

Some hormonal cravings may include large amounts of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are linked to obesity. Carbohydrates are foods that should be eaten in moderation. However, there are food alternatively that have been known to satisfy the carb craving. Substitute starchy for with foods that are rich in whole grains. Whole grains contain the fiber and protein necessary to boost your metabolism and prevent cravings for carbs and some sweet. Whole grain foods are a complex carbohydrate and take longer for our bodies to process therefore it helps to maintain a constant blood sugar level. Do not avoid your cravings. Avoiding your body’s need for certain nutrients can lead to consumption of otherwise unhealthy foods to provide a quick satisfaction for those cravings. Also, people that ignore their cravings tend to eat more than normal. Instead of ignoring your cravings find healthy alternatives. For instances, if you desire more sweets try snacking on fresh fruits.

Hormonal cravings are a big issue for those trying to maintain a healthy diet and avoid snack foods described as “junk foods”. Be sure to avoid overeating by satisfying those needs with healthy alternatives. Sometimes eating several small meals a day will help ease the cravings as you are constantly providing your body with the fuel and nutrients needed to stay healthy and strong.