Ever wonder what causes food cravings? It happens to each one of us at some point. It might be a comfort food when you are stressed, or something you reach for when you are tired in the afternoon. Maybe it’s the smell of bread toasting or a salty bag of chips in the pantry. 

Understanding the causes of food cravings can help you manage them effectively. Food cravings can be a frustrating and overwhelming feeling that you might think you can’t control. But, more often than not, you can control a food craving if you spend some time understanding what causes cravings.

Find the source

The first step in tackling a food craving is understanding why it’s there. One of the best tools to do this is to use a “food-mood” journal, which can be as simple as keeping some notes (on paper, on your cell phone, anywhere) about what you were craving, the time of day you had the craving, how you were feeling, and what you did about the craving. If you do this for a week or two, then you should begin seeing an emerging pattern of behavior associated with the craving.

6 common causes

1. You are stressed, anxious, or sad

Chronic stress increases the level of the hormone cortisol, which increases appetite – especially for sweet carbs. If we are feeling sad, then we eat because it’s pleasurable and triggers the release of endogenous cannabinoids that can soothe our mood naturally. 

Learn more about stress or find out the levels of your stress hormones here or here: stress resources on Take 5 Daily.

2. You are tired

Our bodies renew our energy when we sleep. The other way we obtain energy is by eating foods that provide the calories the body turns into energy. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, or you have poor quality sleep, then your body can drive you to eat more to keep up energy levels. Poor sleep quality also tends to increase cortisol levels, which will increase your appetite.

Learn more about sleep cycle here and here: sleep resources on Take 5 Daily.

3. Your blood sugar is low

We really do need energy to maintain us throughout the day – and this energy comes from food. If you don’t eat enough, then your blood sugar can fall to a level that triggers cravings because your body needs energy. This craving is most often for sugar, because sugar raises blood sugar and improves energy the fastest. 

Learn more about how to maintain healthy blood sugar at Take 5 Daily.

4. Your hormones are out of balance

Cortisol has already been mentioned as one hormone that drives hunger, but other hormones also play a role. This is especially true in women who are still menstruating, because cycling hormones throughout the month can drive cravings and hunger.

Promote a balanced cortisol rhythm with Thorne’s Craving and Stress Support formula, featuring two plant extracts combined with optimally absorbed B vitamins to help reduce stress-related eating habits. Support healthy sex-hormone metabolism with Thorne’s Hormone Advantage.*

5. You are dehydrated

Hunger and thirst are closely related, although sometimes telling the difference is hard. The easy check? Drink a glass of water and wait 20 minutes to see if the craving goes away.

To help your body stay hydrated and rebalance fluid levels, try Daily Electrolytes – available in three flavors and a variety pack.*

6. You have a nutrient imbalance

One fundamental reason we eat is that there are essential nutrients our bodies need to keep functioning. If you aren’t giving your body enough protein, fat, B vitamins, magnesium, or other nutrients, you can experience specific cravings because your body wants something it lacks. One great place to start is to make sure you are taking a good multi-vitamin/mineral supplement to cover your essential vitamins and minerals.

Thorne has a full suite of multi-vitamins, including: 

Take control of your food cravings

Understanding the root causes of food cravings is the first step toward managing them in a healthy, sustainable way. From hormone fluctuations and nutrient deficiencies to sleep quality and stress, there are many factors behind what causes cravings. By identifying what causes food cravings for you and supporting your body with the right diet, hydration, and lifestyle habits, you can take control of those urges and make more mindful choices. 

If you're still struggling with persistent cravings, consider exploring nutritional supplements that support balanced energy, blood sugar, and mood, key players in craving control. With the right tools and awareness, it’s possible to reduce unwanted cravings and support your overall well-being.