Why do we crave foods that cause food sensitivities?

People may crave foods that cause food sensitivities for a number of reasons, including:

• Withdrawal

  The body may become accustomed to eating certain foods regularly, and when they're not consumed for a while, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These symptoms can include cravings, binge eating, and weight gain. 

• Nutrient deficiencies

  Cravings for certain foods may be a sign of low levels of specific nutrients, such as iron, calcium, or magnesium. 

• Hormonal changes

  Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or across the menstrual cycle, can lead to food cravings. 

• Emotional state

  Emotions like sadness or comfort eating can trigger food cravings. 

• Environmental cues

  External cues, like a TV show that's associated with eating ice cream, can trigger cravings. 

• Chemicals released by allergens

  The body may crave foods that cause food sensitivities because of the relief provided by chemicals like histamine or cortisol. 

Food sensitivities occur when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods. This can be due to a lack of an enzyme needed to break down the food, or a chemical in the food. Symptoms of food sensitivities can take several hours or even days to appear.

At Sacred Art Integrative Psychiatry we help you to understand the complex relationships that people can have with certain foods. We will guide you through the process of eliminating items that cause you more harm than good. Over time, you will learn that a new way of eating provides long term feelings of health and vitality instead of the short bouts of good feelings associated with eating certain foods. Call us to schedule your appointment today! 414-242-6453