5 food preferences that indicate health problems: nutritionist

Some food preferences really signal health problems, a nutritionist confirms.

There is a common belief that food cravings are the result of nutrient deficiencies. According to the nutritionist, a monotonous diet rich in vitamins and minerals or a certain emotional state of a person is often the cause of certain food preferences. In particular, foods that release feel-good, stress-relieving chemicals in the brain are the best.

“However, there are some food cravings that really signal health problems,” he says. doctor.

The need to drink. Thirst is an early symptom of diabetes, and it is not just a desire to drink. With diabetes, thirst can become uncontrollable – a person cannot calm down, even after drinking enough liquid, and all this is combined with excessive urination.

Craving for salty.You need to consult a doctor if you have a new, constant, pronounced craving for salty food – such a passion can be a sign of Addison's disease, which is characterized by a violation of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of hormones. If left untreated, Addison's disease can lead to a drop in blood pressure that can be life-threateningly low.

A craving for inedible things.The desire to gnaw chalk, ice, clay, whitewash on walls, and other things that have no nutritional value is a phenomenon known as picacism. Scientists do not fully understand this urge, but some studies link it with insufficient intake of iron in the body, the development of anemia.

In addition, an obsession with chocolate can also be associated with a lack of B vitamins.< /p>

Desire for French fries or other fatty food. Such a craving is one of the signals that the body is not getting enough fatty acids. This is why it is important to consume healthy dietary sources of fat. It is needed by the body in a certain amount to perform a number of functions – for example, the production of hormones, assimilation of vitamins. It is necessary to consume an adequate amount of fat, first of all in the form of omega-3.

In general, the nutritionist states, an increased craving for a certain food is always a reason to take a closer look and observe whether there are other changes in the body. If you notice other symptoms, it is better to talk about them with a doctor.

“You know your body best. If you think something unusual is happening, make an appointment.”