A craving means an intense desire for something, like a certain food. Some people crave foods that they really enjoy, while others desire specific items because their bodies are lacking some essential nutrient. Some cravings pop up at a specific...
The lure of chocolate has a long, rich history. The Aztec believed that the god Quetzalcoatl brought the cacao seeds from heaven -- if you're a chocolate lover, you can likely appreciate that belief. Whether in squares, in the shape of a bunny or...
If you regularly crave salty foods, it could mean your sodium levels are too low, according to a 2008 review article in "Physiology and Behavior." Sodium is an essential mineral needed to maintain blood pressure and essential amounts of water. If...
Menstrual cramps generally begin after your period has begun and often trigger the desire to binge on sweets in the hopes that the sugar will alleviate the pain. Cravings for chocolate are perhaps the most prevalent desire as it is widely...
Nat mur, or natrum muriaticum, is a remedy used in homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy, developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in 1796, is based on the philosophy that "like cures like." In an attempt to treat symptoms, minuscule amounts of plant,...
Cravings occur when only one type of food will satisfy your urge, often completely independent of hunger. If you munch on chips all day, you may have more than a preference for salty foods. Likewise, if you have an uncontrollable urge to chew on...
While any kind of food craving can drive you crazy, a fruit craving actually is one of the best kinds you can have. Fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and most people don't eat nearly enough. As long as you don't eat enough...
Serotonin is sometimes referred to as the happiness chemical because of its association with feelings of satisfaction and relaxation. The brain makes serotonin from nutrients in the diet and releases serotonin into the blood where one of its roles...
Many women who actively breastfeed don't experience a menstrual cycle. This is because breastfeeding acts as a natural form of birth control, according to Planned Parenthood, which protects the body from getting pregnant while trying to meet the...
A woman's menstrual cycle can oftentimes leave her feeling zapped of energy, motivation, positive emotions and nutrition. But that monthly period does not have to be detrimental to your health. In fact, only one nutrient is significantly impacted...
There are many reasons that can make you crave sweets and finding the cause is the first step to get rid of them. Sweets include all sugar-containing foods, such as candies, desserts, honey, maple syrup and molasses. Cravings may be difficult to...
A variety of conditions may cause you to crave salt. Mild salt cravings may not even be nutritionally related, and could stem from previous experience or the desire for crunchy texture found in many salty snacks. If you experience sudden,...
Sugar cravings are the intense desire for sweet foods. Such cravings may evolve from conditions such as hormonal changes, restrictive dieting or psychological illnesses, such as depression. Mild sugar cravings are common, temporary and rarely...
One of the biggest challenges of dieting is resisting the urge to binge when cravings strike. People have different triggers--some people get cravings when they're feeling stressed, others when they're out with friends and still others when...
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is needed by the thyroid gland for production of thyroid hormones. TSH is made in the pituitary gland and a feedback loop exists between the pituitary, thyroid and the body's cells, all which work in concert to...
Herbs can support women through their reproductive years and beyond. Women's health herbs may contain molecular structures that are similar to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This allows them to occupy estrogen and progesterone...
Women with diabetes have special nutrition requirements that they need to pay strict attention to every day. Since people with diabetes cannot use insulin to move blood sugar into the cells, out from the blood stream, eating too much of certain...
Vitamin C and calcium are nutrients all people need in their daily diets for optimal health. Deficiencies of either of these nutrients may result in serious health consequences, and women may find vitamin C and calcium -- beyond the additional...
Salt cravings and frequent urination can signal underlying health problems. If you have both symptoms at the same time, you may have a problem with your kidneys. Giving in to your salt craving, however, might not always be the best approach....
While most women are aware that missing a menstrual cycle is the first sign that you might be pregnant, many are not aware of the other early signs of pregnancy. While a home pregnancy test (or a visit to your doctor) is the surest way to confirm...
Vitamin E is an oily, fat-soluble substance. In fact, some of the foods that provide good fats and oils -- almonds, sunflower seeds and olive oil -- are sources of this nutrient. Unless your doctor determines a need and recommends supplementation,...
Your body's preferred source of energy is carbohydrates. If you don't give it enough carbs to keep it going, it will ultimately resort to burning fat for energy instead. The Atkins Diet two-week induction phase limits carbohydrates to 15 g a day,...
CRON, or Calorie Restriction with Optimum Nutrition, is an acronym given to a diet or lifestyle by Dr. Roy Walford, UCLA professor and doctor of pathology. Walford began his experiments in the 1960s and, along with Dr Richard Weindruch of the...
Sugar and salt cravings are common among most people and are generally no apparent cause for concern. Rarely, they are the result of an underlying problem. Your cravings often mean that your body wants or needs something to take the place of a...
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too few hormones. Without sufficient amounts of these hormones, you may experience lethargy, body aches, depressive moods, menstrual abnormalities, sleep difficulties, food...
Women often have specialized health concerns. Childbirth and pregnancy may cause many health issues to arise. The hormonal changes encountered monthly by women also add to the medical conditions they commonly face.
Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Known as the "sex hormone," it is responsible for preparing the lining of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. Progesterone is crucial to the development of the...
Your menstrual cycle is one of the reasons why women have different nutritional needs than men. During your period, the loss of blood can contribute to iron loss that can make you feel weaker or fatigued. In addition, certain foods may help to...
Migraine headaches are neurological problems that can cause very severe symptoms. A migraine headache can strike at any time but typically occurs regularly--whether it's once a week or once a month--and can be debilitating. Menstrual migraines are...