Do you crave food all the time? While we need food to fuel our bodies, having too many cravings can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle when the cravings get out of control. Food cravings occur for a number of different reasons, whether it be a psychological addiction, sleep deprivation, or most often a neurotransmitter imbalance. There are a few different neurotransmitters that can affect your cravings:
Serotonin– low levels increase appetite, assists in gastrointestinal motility, most commonly recognized for positive effect on mood
- Crave salty, starchy foods such as bread, pasta, and chips
Dopamine– low levels increase food cravings, responsible for our feelings of satisfaction and pleasure
- Crave foods that help with stimulation such as coffee, alcohol, and chocolate
Acetylcholine– low levels increase cravings, responsible for brains speed at processing and recalling information
- Crave high-fat foods, typically junk varieties such as fried foods, ice cream, and cheesecake
GABA– deficiency results in wanting large quantities of food in a short period of time, responsible for decreasing stress, sleeping soundly
- Nonspecific, prefer carbs, but large quantities satisfy (Sidenote: Glutamate, a common food additive, is a GABA antagonist which, can create food addiction and causes inflammation
At Tampa Rejuvenation we can test your neurotransmitters and see where your imbalances lie. Talk with your practitioner today to see if you are experiencing food cravings as a result of an imbalance in your neurotransmitters and to find out about supplements to treat your cravings at the source. Schedule an appointment today to learn more and gain control of your cravings today!