Why Cravings Might Be Linked to Food Allergies

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Pizza-flavored Pringles.

Double chocolate chip brownies. Late-night runs to the Green Burrito drive-through.
Even the healthiest bitches have problems keeping their hands out of the cookie jar. But why do we crave crap that’s oh-so-bad for us?
Blame it on the allergies. Emerging research is beginning to show that food sensitivities can fuck up your body six ways to Sunday. Just because you’re not itchy, sneezy and blowing snot all over the place doesn’t mean your body isn’t rejecting  something you’re stuffing down your throat.
Here’s the lowdown on why a food allergy might just be to blame for those chronic food cravings:

More Than a Craving

James Braly, MD, medical director of York Nutritional Laboratories and author of “Food Allergy Relief,” believes that food cravings may actually be a telltale sign of a food addiction. Symptoms of food addiction include headaches, insomnia, irritability and depression. Self-medicating with the foods you crave may relieve these symptoms – but only temporarily. If you think you may be addicted, there’s a chance you have a food allergy. If you think an allergy might be to blame for your food cravings, talk to your physician or a holistic wellness expert to identify and eliminate suspected food allergens such as gluten and dairy products.
People with uncontrollable food cravings may also not produce enough serotonin – the feel-good hormone that, may we remind you, does not come in a bucket of ice cream. We’ve said it before, but junk food can produce the same addictive response in the brain as nicotine or cocaine.
Even more disconcerting is the idea that foods you crave the most may actually be the ones you’re allergic to. Shit on a stick. 
Dr. Ron Hoggan, celiac disease expert and author of “Cereal Killers,” explains what happens with gluten intolerance, for instance:

The natural response to such deficiencies is to crave food despite having absorbed sufficient calories. Even when caloric intake is huge, and excess calories must be stored as body fat, the need to eat continues to be driven by the body’s craving for essential fats.

“Comfort” Food

Sometimes our cravings aren’t physical, but emotional. Stress, anxiety, fear, boredom and loneliness can all trigger food cravings. (Didn’t you ever see “Bridget Jones’ Diary”?) It’s the same story: girl gets dumped (or fired, or called fat) and goes on a major bender. Except in real life, the script doesn’t always call for a happy ending.

Combat Cravings

To strengthen your resolve against food cravings, try these tips:

• Brush your teeth and gargle with a healthy mouthwash to throw off your taste buds. Click here for a do-it-yourself recipe from our friends at Care2.com.
• Chew on a sugarless gum made with natural xylitol. Try Glee Gum, Peppersmith, or Zapp! Gum.
• Meditate (Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!)
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. Adding fruit wedges for a little flavor can help satiate cravings even more.
• Time it. They say a craving only lasts about 20 minutes. Set a timer on your phone, chug some water and wait that bitch out. It will pass.

And if you reaaalllly need to satisfy that craving:

• Choose a healthy substitute. If you want potato chips, try baked tortilla chips instead. You know the drill.
• Give in, but obey the principle of portion control

Of course, it’s fine to order dessert or polish off a bag of chips from time to time. You’re human. Just remember, food cravings shouldn’t affect your overall sense of self or well-being.
Susan Emmer, Contributing Writer
Susan is a certified whole health educator and coach treading on both wellness and green terrain. Earning an environmental studies degree before green was the new black, Susan is the co-owner of the boutique sustainability marketing and PR firm, Farmacy Agency. Follow her on Twitter at @wellnewsnetwork.