So, you’re struggling with cravings.
But that’s not all, is it? You’ve got other things you’re dealing with as well, like:
- Bloating or gas
- Food sensitivities
- Anxiety or depression
- Acne
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Brain fog or fatigue
And that’s because your cravings are an outward sign of an inward problem. A direct reflection of your digestion.
If digestion isn’t working, then you’re body can’t breakdown, digest, or absorb nutrients. This means imbalances are inevitable and your risk for disease is greater.
A healthy gut is the foundation for health. Good digestion is critical to a healthy gut, and your cravings may be a sign that it needs help.
Here are 3 reasons why your cravings might be a sign of poor digestion:
Reason #1: Low Stomach acid
Cravings can be a sign of low stomach acid. Especially if paired with symptoms of bloating, red meat aversion, or food sensitivities. The cause is often chronic stress or genetics.
Stomach acid helps with the breakdown of your food in order that your body can use the nutrients. With low stomach acid, you’re at risk for bacteria imbalances and malnourishment.
Those are two key imbalances of low stomach acid that can cause cravings as a symptom of poor digestion.
Reason #2: Gut bacteria imbalance
Cravings can also be a sign of a gut bacteria imbalance. If you struggle with anxiety, gas, or constipation too – this may be why. The cause may be due to poor diet, chronic stress, or inflammation.
Your gut bacteria communicate with the brain, immune system, and manage inflammation. With an imbalance, you’re at risk for mood disorders, inflammation, and leaky gut.
Gut bacteria imbalance can be a cause of cravings as a symptom of poor digestion.
Reason #3: Blood sugar imbalance
Cravings can be a sign of a blood sugar imbalance, too. Symptoms of joint pain, acne, brain fog, and fatigue are signs of this imbalance. The cause could be a food sensitivity, poor diet, or stress.
A blood sugar imbalance is when too much glucose enters the bloodstream. A hormone called insulin is then released to control the balance. A chronic imbalance can cause nerve damage, which affects digestion because you have over 100 million nerve cells lining your gut. With an imbalance, you’re at risk for constipation, low stomach acid, and food sensitivities.
A blood sugar imbalance is a common cause of cravings as a symptom of poor digestion.
Always remember that every symptom is a clue into what’s going on inside. If you ignore it, the problem will get worse.
Your gut is the hub of the entire body. Take care of it and your body will find balance. Addressing your symptoms is the best thing you can do for your health.
If you’d like help with your cravings, let’s work together to address the causative factors behind your cravings so you can eliminate them for good! Click here to book a nutrition consultation.