Nirvana Zarabi-Smith
Doctor of Natural Medicine
Cravings & Emotional Eating
Emotional Eating = the use of food or “food thoughts” to distract from any thought or feeling a person would rather avoid. ANY uncomfortable feeling can trigger a “food thought”.
Our brain manages our emotional reactions and plays a major part in food addictions, as well as mood and anxiety disorders. These reactions affect our appetite and often result in ‘Emotional Eating’. A portion of the hypothalamus, which is called the paraventricular hypothalamus,actually tells you more specifically what foods you need, and seems to be responsible for many of our "cravings." Our appetite levels are affected by the brain’s sensory regulation of safety, fearfulness, intimacy, comfort, and trust – all of which have a strong effect on food cravings. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and endorphins control the brain chemistry. Imbalances such as food addiction strongly affect these neurotransmitters and can cause malfunctions in this part of the brain. Natural therapies can help restore balance to the brain’s chemistry. Stress reduction through the applications of biofeedback, energy therapy, massage, meditation, and regular exercise can help to balance levels of dopamine and endorphins.
Food cravings often indicate an imbalance or sensitivity in the body. Knowing what a specific food craving means, may be helpful in correcting the imbalance or sensitivity that is the cause of the craving. Once the craving is gone, it is much easier to be successful at eating a healthy diet with moderate portions. Here are some specific, prevalent food cravings and the latest scientific findings about what they mean.
- CHOCOLATE (My personal favorite!)-Researchers studying PMS have discovered that a deficiency of Vitamin B6 and magnesium contribute to many PMS symptoms including craving chocolate. Of all foods, chocolate is the highest in magnesium. Further studies have shown that increasing magnesium and vitamin B6 intake reduces or eliminates the craving for chocolate. Although most women need 500-600 mg of calcium and magnesium, some women may need more.
- SWEETS & STARCHES-Overgrowth of Candida or a blood sugar imbalance are often the cause for carbohydrate cravings. Candida is form of yeast that basically lives on sugar. Eating sweets and refined starches literally fuels the overgrowth and craving cycle. Candida can be treated with antifungals and probiotics. Blood sugar imbalances can also cause cravings for sweets and starches. Although all foods eventually turn into sugar when digested, refined carbohydrates are the quickest to turn into sugar. If you aren't eating enough protein daily, the body may crave sweets and starches for the quick burst of energy they provide as they lift your blood sugar. But with sweets and starches, blood sugar rises quickly and falls quickly, creating another craving. Eating protein at every meal and eating every 4 to 5 hours usually eliminates this craving.
- FATTY FOODS -High fat foods make us feel full and satisfied, and the body needs a balance of fats. EFA's (essential fatty acids) are fats that the body needs but cannot make on its own. Most people get more animal fats and vegetable fats than their body needs and not enough EFA's. The foods containing the highest levels of EFA's are fish, flax oil, and walnuts. Taking a variety of EFA's - flax oil, fish oil, borage oil - will give you the balance your body needs and help to eliminate cravings.
- SALT -The body, especially the adrenals, needs sodium to function properly. High blood pressure and water retention can occur when sodium levels are too high. The adrenal's job is to handle stress. Reducing stress by relaxing more, exercising, getting more sleep, and having more fun, can often help reduce adrenal stress and salt cravings. It is also essential to drink water throughout the day and not become dehydrated.
Striving for balance and well being is a holistic process. It includes healthy food intake, plenty of fluids to flush the system, time outside in natural light to nourish the central nervous system, healthy breathing patterns, regular exercise, adequate rest, and regular meditation and prayer. All of these, practiced consistently, help us achieve and maintain health, stability, and well being.
Nirvana Zarabi-Smith
Doctor of Natural Medicine
Know that your first responsibility is not to others, but to yourself. As you hoist yourself to a state where you validate the divine potential of your being, you will elevate others simply by your presence. Your vibrations and you as a role model express more than anything you can say or do.
Dr. Valerie Hunt
