Maria Kolesnikova, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist from the Pushkin Hospital named after Professor Rozanov, explained that taste preferences a person, including cravings for sweets, may indicate the state of his body, indicating a possible deficiency of vitamins, amino acids, minerals or protein.
According to a specialist, if a person develops unusual food desires , such as a combination of herring with milk, but there are no problems with digestion, it is necessary to find out what substances the body lacks.
Speaking about the consumption of sweets, Maria Kolesnikova advises moderation. If you have a craving for sweets, it is enough to eat a small piece of chocolate, and not several bars at once. Otherwise, this may indicate a protein deficiency, in which case you should consult a doctor for consultation and blood tests.
It is also important to diversify your diet by including meat, fish, eggs and cottage cheese. Kolesnikova emphasizes that in normal health, a person does not experience a constant and uncontrollable desire for certain products.
“Craving for sweets can be caused by various factors, and not just protein deficiency,” saysnutritionist Igor Strokov especially for MedicForum.
Lack of energy
Sugary foods quickly raise blood glucose levels, which can be especially attractive when the body is tired or low on energy.
Emotional stress
“Many people reach for sweets when they are stressed, anxious or depressed. Sugar stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphins, improving mood.”
Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones responsible for hunger. and satiety, such as ghrelin and leptin. This can increase cravings for carbohydrates and sweets.
Deficiencies
Lacks of certain vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium or chromium, can increase the desire to eat sweets.
Hormonal changes
“Hormonal fluctuations, such as during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can affect appetite and food preferences, increasing sugar cravings,” says Strokov.
Habit
Regular consumption of sugary foods can create a habit that causes the body to continue to crave sweets.
Genetic factors
Some studies suggest that genetic predisposition may influence sweet taste preference and desire to consume sweets foods.
Gut microbiome
Bacteria that live in the gut can influence our food preferences. Some types of bacteria need sugar to reproduce, and they can contribute to cravings for sweets.
MedicForum previously wrote about signs of parasites in the body.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.