'I want to suck your blood'- Said every vampire in every cliche' vampire movie

Have you ever woken up, wanting, no, needing to eat something salty. Right there, right that minute, even though it may be 2 am and pouring rain. That feeling, that urge is a craving.

Having an uncontrollable or abnormal desire or longing to eat or drink something specific is known as a craving. When the craving is for non-traditional items, it is called a pica craving. Cravings are different from other food behaviours such as normal hunger. Hunger is a result of your body’s biological response to the need for food, but a craving can be caused either by a physical or psychological need.  If your mind craves comfort, you are more likely to grab a chocolate bar, if your body needs iron, you might start eating clay.

Cravings may be influenced by multiple factors, such as:

1.    Traditions

2.    Food ideologies

3.    Religion

4.    Superstitions

5.    Stress

Usually when we hear the word ‘craving’ we think about pregnancy cravings. The most uncommon pregnancy cravings women complain of include:

·         Geophagia (dirt or clay)

·         Amylophagia (washing powder)

·         Pagophagia (ice)

But other cravings may include:

·         Paper

·         Stones

·         Soap

·         Coffee grounds.

Did you know that those pregnancy cravings may be caused by an increase in progesterone levels, this hormone is released to relax the uterine muscle to allow for the baby to grow, while also decreasing the movement of your stomach system and increasing reabsorption of water.

Cravings don’t always mean you are pregnant. High stress levels can find you reaching for carbohydrates while some medications increase sugar cravings. Even just a diet deficient in a specific nutrient may result in you craving abnormal andpotentially dangerous things such as clay.

In summary, summary if you are find yourself craving the same weird things repeatedly it could be related to

·         a nutritional deficiency,

·         Maybe it’s just a nice snack to boost your mood at the end of a tough day

·         or it could just be something like pizza you associate with having fun with friends.

If you are concerned or start craving abnormal and not food items, please contact a suitable health professional. If you want to learn more about these kooky cravings, head to our podcast: Steps with Nutrition. Available on Spotify and Apple

Shelldon Breda, registered dietitian, M.Sc.