Craving for sweets explained by serious health problem

An irresistible craving for certain foods may signal health problems, warns TUT.AZ with reference to Tatiana Simonova, a general practitioner and cardiologist at the medical company "SberZdorovie".

According to the specialist, a fondness for sweets is often associated with unstable blood sugar levels or stress, as glucose promotes the production of serotonin – the happiness hormone. The desire to consume salty food may occur during dehydration after diarrhea or intense physical activity that causes electrolyte imbalance. In rare cases, this may be a sign of adrenal insufficiency.

Cravings for fatty and fried foods can also indicate serious disorders, notes the therapist. Such taste preferences often indicate a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, or K, or the development of gallstone disease. When there is a lack of calcium or tryptophan, the body often demands dairy products, and an increased desire to drink milk may be associated with increased stomach acidity.

Simonova emphasizes that the occasional desire to eat a certain product is normal, however, if the craving for a specific food occurs three to four times a week, this should be alarming. Special attention should be paid to sudden and unexplained changes in taste preferences.

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