If you’re like me, then you’ll definitely have a strong craving for sweets during the day. Of course, there are also many who crave salty food from the moment they wake up. But, have you ever wondered why you crave salty or sweet foods?

What does it mean when people crave sugar and sweet foods?

Certified Holistic Nutritionist Jennifer Hanway says there are many factors that can contribute to sugar cravings. “These include blood sugar imbalances, neurochemical aspects, low magnesium levels and even the makeup of our gut microbiome,” she says.

“Imbalanced blood sugar levels can trigger sugar cravings,” explains Hanway. “When blood sugar levels rise rapidly after eating foods high in sugar or carbohydrates, the body releases insulin to help regulate the influx of glucose. However, this rapid insulin response can lead to a subsequent drop in blood sugar. As a result, it creates a feeling of low energy and causes a craving for quick fuel sources such as sugar. This cycle of fluctuating blood sugar levels can contribute to a pattern of repeated sugar cravings.” Low magnesium levels can also lead to blood sugar imbalances and subsequent sugar cravings.

The drop in blood sugar can also happen when you have gone a long time without food. “This is called hypoglycemia,” says registered dietitian Elizabeth DeRobertis. “In that case, you feel like you need something sweet as a pick-me-up to reverse low blood sugar.”

Another cause of sugar cravings is the consumption of sugar itself. “People crave sugar once they’ve had some in their system,” says DeRobertis. “This activates the addictive element that some people feel when they consume it.” Hanway adds: “When sugar is detected by our taste receptors, signals are sent to the brain’s reward centers, which release dopamine, one of the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters. When we have excessive amounts of sugar in our diet, this can lead to decreased sensitivity to dopamine. As a result, more sugar consumption is required to achieve the same pleasurable response.”

Hanway also points to an imbalance in the gut microbiome as a culprit for sugar cravings. “Certain microorganisms found in the gut microbiome can affect the hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate appetite. They can also alter signaling pathways in the gut-brain axis. This affects the desire for foods high in carbohydrates and sugar.”

What does it mean when you crave salt and salty foods?

According to DeRobertis, salt cravings can come from dehydration. Or, it could mean that your body lacks some of the trace elements it needs. “The body needs calcium, magnesium, zinc and other minerals for its systems to function properly,” he says. “Many metals have a salty taste. So when you get the message to eat more salt, your body may be telling you that you need more minerals. Also, when you’re dehydrated, you need a little more salt to restore your electrolytes and continue to retain the water you need. Dehydration can be caused, among other things, by exercise and alcohol consumption.

Hanway says there’s also “some evidence that dysregulated cortisol—the body’s stress hormone—may also play a role if you’re craving salt.” A standard blood test can determine if your cortisol levels are out of balance. According to the Mayo Clinic, an uncommon condition called Addison’s disease causes the adrenal glands to malfunction and the body produces too little cortisol. People with Addison’s disease may experience “new, persistent and excessive” cravings for salt.

How do you stop those cravings? “Make sure you drink plenty of water every day and extra water when you drink alcohol or exercise,” says DeRobertis, who notes that salt cravings can also be due to habit.

Read more:

Ask the Locals: Visual artist Myrto Psychaki takes us to Aegina

Relationships are constantly transforming – And we really like the shape they’re taking now