Cravings that indicate a health problem

IT could be dark chocolate, a double cheeseburger, or perhaps drinking too much water; we all from time to time develop huge cravings. And when these become almost second nature, they are often attributed to a nutritional deficiency. But nutritionist and dietician Jenelle Solomon says that sometimes these cravings may not merely be signs of a particular nutritional shortfall, but could be telltale signs of underlying health issues. Below Solomon shares a list of health issues and their associated cravings: Craving: A desire for almost any kind of foodAssociated health issue: Peptic ulcer (duodenal ulcer in particular).Some people who experience pain in the area of the duodenum often get some relief by consuming food, so they will eat just about anything to relieve the pain. Some people are also emotional eaters, so when they are stressed (which predisposes individuals to a myriad of lifestyle diseases) they tend to eat more than usual. Craving: Frequently thirsty/ a need for waterAssociated health issue: This is one of the main indicators of diabetes.This thirst is so excessive that it remains unquenched no matter how often you drink, and this is typically coupled with excessive urination. In diabetic patients, there is usually a build-up of sugar in the blood which will cause the kidneys to need more water to absorb and filter sugars as they enter the body. Craving: IceAssociated health issue: Iron deficiency.Yes, people do crave the weirdest things, and to this list we could add dirt and even chalk. Certain studies have linked these desires with an insufficient supply of iron. A recent hypothesis suggests that when ice is chewed there in an increase in blood flow to the brain, and this wards off sluggishness, a symptom associated with iron deficiency. Craving: SaltPossible health issue: Adrenal insufficiency or Bartter’s syndromeThe Mayo Clinic reports that adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) can cause a salt craving that is persistent and excessive. Other signs and symptoms associated with Addison’s disease include muscle aches and weakness, fatigue, nausea and abdominal pain, weight loss and low blood pressure. Bartter’s syndrome, on the other hand, is a rare kidney disorder. The condition is characterised by a defect in the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb sodium. People affected by this condition lose too much sodium through the urine, hence the craving for a replacement.