What Your Cravings Say About Your Health
- infohaanna
- Aug 9
- 5 min read
Introduction
Allow me to be the first to admit that I've reached for a piece of chocolate at least everyday in the past week. This is a safe space... right? Fellow reader, have you ever found yourself longing for something a little sweet at odd times or perhaps something salty? And did you ever wonder if your cravings mean your body might be trying to tell you something? Well, I'm here to assure you that cravings are, in fact, not random at all and it's your body's way of telling you that there's something it needs. Let's explore what your cravings may be signalling about your physical and emotional health. Before that, allow me to dive into the concept of cravings. Get comfortable...
What Are Cravings, Really?
Cravings are really the urge to have something, they always make one feel as if they have no origin or reason to appear. It's as if suddenly you just want that bag of chips or chocolate mint ice cream or some other oddly specific item. The reality, however, is that they're not as sudden as we think. There's always some biological, emotional or environment factor influencing the rise of your cravings. Understanding what these are may just be the first step in understanding exactly what your body is trying to tell you.
There are many of us who might interlink cravings with hunger and while they both aim to fulfill the desire to eat, they're not exactly the same. Let's look at some key differences:
Hunger signals a physical need to eat as your body knows it functions a lot better with some nutrition. Hunger builds gradually and can be satisfied with the intake of a balanced meal.
Cravings are more specific and intense. You may not be hungry at all but you'd feel like you need that ice cream, chocolate or chips. Cravings are usually triggered by your brain and not your stomach.
Cravings can be caused by nutritional imbalances, emotional or psychological triggers or by hormonal fluctuations. It may be that your body is missing certain important vitamins and minerals or simply that you're stressed, bored or just celebrating. Hormonal imbalances, especially in women can also cause cravings. Hormones like ghrelin, leptin, insulin and cortisol may all influence cravings.
As mentioned before, cravings usually start in the brain. Specifically in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain regulating appetite and emotions. The hypothalamus van be triggered by stress, memory, smell or hormonal fluctuations. When triggered, it releases the feel good neurotransmitter, dopamine, which allows you to feel like you're rewarding yourself when satisfying a craving. This is also the reason why it becomes so easy to get addicted to whatever you may be craving. Trying to understand what your cravings mean instead of becoming addicted to chocolate may be better for your body (Note to self).
Common Cravings and What They Might Mean
A chocolate craving might mean the possible deficiency of magnesium and b vitamins. It may also indicate a need for comfort or stress relief. Hormones may also be the cause such as during menstruation.
If you're craving bread or any other carbs, this may be an indication of blood sugar imbalance or fatigue. It may be that emotionally you need a way to cope with stress or a quick energy boost. You may also have possible low serotonin levels.
If you're craving salt you may be dehydrated or have a mineral imbalance (sodium or chloride). Low blood pressure, adrenal fatigue, high stress or burnout could also be the cause of your salt craving.
Sugar cravings could be caused by blood sugar fluctuations, sleep deprivation or emotional instability.
If you crave cheese or dairy it could mean that you have a fat craving or calcium deficiency. They removed our also a comfort food linked to emotional comforting. Dairy contains a protein called casein, which may trigger addictive responses in the brain allowing you to become an addict of dairy products.
Meat and protein cravings indicate iron, zinc or B12 deficiency and is your body's way of telling you about its need for strength and muscle repair.
If you're feeling for something crunchy such as chips or crackers, you may just be stressed off frustrated and need an outlet it could also indicate boredom or oral fixation.
Emotional vs Nutritional Cravings
Not all cravings are born equal. Some are your body’s way of waving a little red flag notifying you that something is needed , while others are more about what’s going on in your head and heart. The trick is learning how to tell the difference.
Emotional cravings usually appear suddenly and feel very specific. You might be completely full from lunch, yet an hour later you feel like you need a slice of cake and nothing else will do. These cravings are often linked to stress, boredom, loneliness, sadness or even habit. They tend to hit when you’re looking for comfort, distraction, or a quick mood boost. The thing is, the satisfaction they bring is usually short-lived and often followed by guilt or regret.
Nutritional cravings, on the other hand, are your body’s direct way of communicating its needs. They usually build up more gradually and can often be satisfied with a range of foods that offer the nutrients your body may be lacking. Once you eat something that genuinely meets the need—like protein for energy or leafy greens for minerals—the craving eases and doesn’t come back as quickly.
If you’re not sure which you’re dealing with, try asking yourself these quick questions:
Am I actually hungry or do I just want to eat for comfort?
Will any food satisfy me or is it one very specific thing?
How did I feel emotionally before this craving hit?
Your answers might reveal whether it’s your stomach or your stress calling the shots.
How to Respond to Cravings in a Healthy Way
The goal isn’t to completely get rid of your craving, I know you're just human, dear reader. It would be better rather to respond in ways that support your health instead of harm it.
Pause before acting: Give yourself a few minutes to check in with your emotions and physical needs.
Stay hydrated: Sometimes thirst disguises itself as a craving, especially for salty foods.
Upgrade your choice: If you’re craving chocolate, try a few squares of dark chocolate instead of a candy bar. If you want something salty, opt for lightly salted nuts over chips.
Balance your meals: Eating protein, healthy fats, and fibre together helps keep blood sugar steady, which reduces intense cravings later.
Find non-food comfort: Take a walk, call a friend, or do a quick breathing exercise if you suspect the craving is emotional.
When Cravings Might Be a Red Flag
While most cravings are harmless and easily managed, some could signal something deeper. Persistent, extreme cravings that don’t go away even after you’ve eaten. Cravings paired with other symptoms like extreme fatigue, constant thirst, or dizziness. Recurring yeast infections, bloating, or digestive issues along with strong sugar cravings. Sudden changes in appetite or cravings that last for weeks without explanation
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional to rule out nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or other underlying conditions.
Conclusion
Cravings are not your enemy—they’re your body’s way of speaking up. Sometimes they’re whispers for magnesium, iron, or hydration. Other times, they’re shouts for comfort, rest, or a moment of joy in the middle of a stressful day. The key is to listen without judgement, learn the difference between emotional and nutritional cravings, and respond with care.
So next time you find yourself eyeing that chocolate bar or dreaming about a packet of crisps, pause for a moment and ask: “What am I really craving right now?” You might just find the answer goes far beyond what’s on your plate.
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