Thrive Nutritional Health

Last post we discussed the reasons you may be experiencing food cravings, now let’s talk about what cravings for specific foods may mean.

Are you craving…

Chocolate?
You may be low in magnesium or simply needing a boost in the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin, which is raised by a number of the chemicals found in chocolate.

Crisps (or similarly salty foods)?
Salt helps your body retain water; if you’re craving salty foods, it’s possible you’re not drinking enough water.

Junk food?
When you’re feeling low or under stress you may crave foods that are high in fat, carbohydrates and sugar, which when eaten together trigger the release of the reward and pleasure neurotransmitter, dopamine.

Cheese?
Cravings for high-fat foods like cheese could mean your body is nudging you to eat more healthy fats e.g oily fish, avocado.

Curry (and other foods with strong flavours)? Zinc deficiency can lead to increased cravings for strong flavours, as low levels of zinc are associated with a loss of taste.

Meat?
You could be deficient in iron or simply not eating enough protein.

White carbs?
Cravings for high carbohydrate foods like pizza and pasta, may be due to low mood, and/or stage of menstrual cycle for women. As we talked about last post, the body uses carbohydrates to produce the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin.

Sweets?
High sugar snacks are usually craved for their ability to boost energy levels. It’s likely your body is needing a quick blood sugar lift.

Tell me what you’re craving below…

A healthy diet, high in veg & fruit, low in sugar, as well as good-quality sleep, is key to supporting your children’s immune systems now they’re back at school.

But what are the key immune-supporting nutrients?

Vitamin D: Every immune cell in the body has a receptor for vitamin D, and decreased vitamin D levels have been associated with reduced immune function.

Find it in: primarily the sun, but unfortunately not from October-March, due to the angle and strength of the sun in the UK.

Vitamin A: provides a protective barrier against infection, stopping bacteria and viruses entering the body via skin and the respiratory tract.

Find it in: oily fish, eggs. It can be converted from fruit and veg such as carrots and peppers, although we’re not all efficient at doing this! If your child is vegetetarian or vegan, it’s important to supplement vitamin A.

Vitamin C: supports immune cell function and reduces the severity and duration of viral and bacterial infections.

Find it in: peppers, broccoli. Eat these raw or lightly steamed (not boiled).

Zinc: an all-round immune hero, reducing the replication of bacteria and viruses as well as preventing them entering our bodies.

Find it in: pumpkin seeds, lamb, chicken

A good-quality children’s multivitamin will provide maintenance levels of all of these nutrients, however during illness, increase levels for 1-2 weeks to boost immune function. Speak to a Registered Nutritional Therapist for guidance on safe therapeutic levels specific to the age of your child.

Probiotics: 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, and boosting gut bacteria will help aid the maturation of your child’s immune system.

Find them in: full fat live yoghurts, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, kefir.