Common cravings uncovered

:: Salt

If you love the taste of salt and habitually sprinkle it over your food or add an extra pinch to your cooking, then it makes sense if you find yourself hankering for it and this in itself probably isn't a symptom of an ailment. However, it's important to remember that eating too much salt could lead to a host of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke, as too much of it raises blood pressure. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 6g for adults, but much of the salt we consume is already 'hidden' in the foods we eat, particularly things like bread, cereals, cheese and processed meals and sauces, so lots of us aren't aware of just how much we're taking in each day.

Too little salt can also be a health risk, but it's extremely rare for blood sodium (salt) levels to become dangerously low based on dietary intake alone, and usually there will be other factors and underlying conditions at play, though it can be a problem for people with anorexia or bulimia, or endurance athletes who don't replace lost salts during training. Sodium is an electrolyte and helps regulate the body's fluid levels, which is why salt cravings and dehydration can be closely linked - especially after exercise or a bout of vomiting. Dehydration, muscle cramps and spasms and dizziness could be signs your sodium levels are low.

Unexplained salt cravings over a period of time could be a sign of a rare but serious condition called Addison's, which occurs due to a lack of the hormone aldosterone. As well as salt cravings, symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, low moods, hyperpigmentation (dark discoloured skin patches) and increased thirst. Over time, complications can develop so diagnosis is crucial. Book an appointment with your GP if you are concerned.

:: Sugar

Do you find yourself battling irrepressible urges to reach for a large slab of cake, chocolate or pudding? Sugar cravings are very common, and usually aren't a symptom of any serious illnesses.

It's a common concern that sugar cravings could be a sign of diabetes, but this isn't the case - increased and excessive thirst, needing the loo a lot, tiredness and blurry vision are key things to watch out for here.

For a lot of people, sugar cravings may simply be an indication of a poor diet - which could eventually impact your health in numerous ways. If you tend to eat a lot of foods which give you quick energy bursts, rather than a steady release of energy, it's easy to fall into a cycle of craving sugar at certain points of the day. To tackle this opt for complex carbs instead, such as potatoes and wholegrains, and don't leave huge gaps between meals. Plus, healthy snacks, like a portion of unsalted nuts or a banana, will help curb cravings.

Binging on sugary foods could also be a sign of depression or anxiety. Chocolate, the favoured sugary comfort of choice for many, also contains magnesium and B-vitamins which help us produce energy, hence why you may crave chocolate when under pressure or stressed at work, and lots of women crave chocolate before or during their period.

While weight gain and the associated risks of comfort eating is one thing, it's very important to address any psychological needs triggering sugar cravings. Speak to your GP for advice or visit the mental health charity www.mind.org.uk for information and support. Exercise can also be hugely beneficial for tackling low moods and boosting spirits - and improving general health at the same time.

:: Bread and pasta

Similarly to sugar, carbs like bread and pasta are common comfort foods that people may crave when feeling down. These types of carb can increase levels of the mood-boosting hormone serotonin.

Again, if comfort carb cravings are becoming all too frequent, think about what the possible psychological triggers may be and don't ignore them - stress and anxiety may be a common and normal part of life for lots of people but there are coping mechanisms which may help bring them under control, meaning you'll feel better and your comfort food cravings can be tamed.

Heavy carb cravings can also be a sign that you have low blood sugar and your body is in need of some calories - fast. Sound familiar after a night out? This is the effect hangovers often have, hence those undeniable urges for a juicy bacon sandwich, or big stack of toast, the next morning.

:: Ice

It may seem odd, since ice is merely frozen water, but it's believed that ice-cube cravings can sometimes be a sign of anaemia, which means a person's iron levels are too low. The ice itself won't increase iron levels, of course. But anaemia can cause inflammation, and often the tongue and gums may be affected. The theory is that people with anaemia may crave ice-cubes to suck to relieve soreness in the mouth. If you frequently find yourself raiding the ice tray in the freezer, and are also experiencing unexplained increased fatigue (the most common symptom, though others include hair loss, ringing in the ears and shortness of breath) ask your GP to check your blood iron levels. Untreated, symptoms will worsen and your immune system will suffer. Anaemia may also be a sign of more serious underlying health conditions that will need to be addressed.

:: Soil, chalk, crayons...

Sometimes people crave non-edible items and common examples are soil, chalk and crayons. The name for this condition is pica, and it is most often experienced by pregnant women (dogs can be prone to pica too - ever wondered why your pooch can't stop eating socks, for instance?).

Although rare, there have been some cases of extremely unusual cravings, such as soap or sponge, and acting on these cravings, though sometimes harmless, could have serious effects on health and lead to poisoning or blockages.

While in some cases it's believed the root cause of the cravings is probably psychological, it has also been suggested that they could be linked with mineral deficiencies - particularly during pregnancy. Soil, for example, can be rich in magnesium, iron and zinc. Ask your GP or midwife for advice on more traditional food items that may satisfy these needs!

:: Meat

If you suddenly find yourself craving meat more than usual, it could simply be that you are desperate for a good meal. Meat provides a substantial meal but, unlike bread and chocolate, isn't thought of as a comfort food in the sense that it fixes a psychological urge.

Also, however, craving meat could be your body's way of telling you that you need more protein.

Meat isn't the only means of consuming protein but it is an obvious one. People who do a lot of exercise will need increased amounts of protein, in order to help the body repair and build muscle and provide vital fuel for work-outs. So if you've recently embarked on a new fitness regime, or taken up running, it's likely you'll find yourself hankering after more chicken.

Cravings for red meat could be a sign of anaemia, though this isn't necessarily the case. As previously stated, if accompanied by unexplained fatigue, speak to your GP.