Food Craving

Food cravings are caused by the regions of the brain that are responsible for memory, pleasure, and reward.

An imbalance of hormones, such as leptin and serotonin, can also cause food cravings. It is also possible that food cravings are due to endorphins that are released into the body after someone has eaten, which mirrors an addiction.

Emotions may also be involved in producing a food craving, especially if a person eats for comfort.

Pregnant women experience especially strong cravings, which may be due to hormonal changes that can disrupt their taste and smell receptors.

There is also the possibility of a connection between the cravings and nutrients. This is the idea that the body craves certain foods because it lacks certain nutrients.

Craving can be selective or non-selective.

Selective cravings are cravings for specific foods, which may be a person’s favorite chocolate bar, a specific burger from their favorite restaurant, or a bag of potato chips.

Non-selective hunger is the desire to eat anything. It may be the result of real hunger and hunger pangs, but it can also be a sign of thirst. Drinking water may help with intense non-selective cravings.