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Discover How to Fight Food Cravings with These Supplements
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Today at 03:05
by: Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) It's easy to make the mistake of viewing food cravings as an
enemy, but in many cases these urges to eat a particular kind of food can
provide specific insight into where your diet may be lacking. Cravings can
also point to underlying emotional and psychological issues. It's important
to find the root of your cravings before trying to fight them, but once
you've made the decision to go head to head with your food cravings, there
are a few supplements that can help.

Chromium

This mineral can reduce cravings by regulating your blood sugar. If you
experience low blood sugar, you could crave foods with carbohydrates, sugar
and caffeine to counteract the feeling. Chromium works to balance your blood
sugar so these types of cravings are greatly reduced. In addition, the
Journal of Psychiatric Practice published a study in 2005 which showed
chromium was effective in relieving carbohydrate cravings for individuals
with atypical depression.

L-Glutamine

Like chromium, L-glutamine can be used to combat cravings related to blood
sugar levels. L-glutamine stabilizes the brain's blood glucose and acts
quickly to eradicate cravings right where they start. Taking a 500-1,000 mg
dose of L-glutamine at the time cravings occur most can be especially
helpful. Many people notice cravings diminish within moments of taking this
amino acid.

Magnesium

Frequent, intense cravings for chocolate is often a sign of magnesium
deficiency. And since magnesium is necessary for many vital functions in the
body, getting enough is important for everyone. Increasing your magnesium
intake can also help you handle stress and get a better night's rest, both
of which will curb those cravings. Magnesium citrate is the most common form
of supplemental magnesium, although topical magnesium oil is steadily
gaining popularity as well.

Phenylalanine

Often we indulge in unhealthy comfort foods because we are craving the
sensation of elevated brain chemicals. Phenylalanine is an amino acid which
raises endorphin levels naturally. Taking this supplement can be especially
beneficial to those who struggle with emotional overeating.

Trace Minerals

One set of nutrients commonly missing from our modern diet is trace
minerals. Our body requires these minerals - even if just in minute amounts
- to perform a variety of functions. Processed foods and produce grown in
poor soil simply won't carry the same mineral content as wholesome, natural
food choices. When we are deficient in these important nutrients, we can
crave salty or sugary foods. High-quality unrefined sea salt is an excellent
source of trace minerals, and there are also supplements available to make
up for any deficiency of these important nutrients.

Tryptophan and 5-HTP

Serotonin is a powerful neurotransmitter which provides feelings of
well-being and satiety. Low serotonin levels can be caused by stress,
dieting, lack of rest, poor nutrition, and certain medications. A lack of
serotonin can cause an increase in appetite as well as carbohydrate and
sugar cravings as the body tries to replenish this crucial brain chemical.
In addition to correcting lifestyle habits that may be causing low serotonin
levels, you can also supplement with the amino acid tryptophan and its
derivative 5-HTP. Both of these are precursors to serotonin, and have been
shown to naturally increase serotonin production. Calcium, magnesium and the
B-vitamin complex are also helpful for boosting serotonin levels naturally.

For More Information:

http://www.naturalnews.com/026332_s...

http://www.alive.com/1799a5a2.php?s...

http://www.thedietchannel.com/Healt...

http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2000/1...

F. Ceci et al. "The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on
feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects." Journal of Neural
Transmission 76 (1989): 109-17

J Psychiatr Pract. (2005): 11:302-314

Ross, Julia. (2000) The Diet Cure. Published by the Penguin Group.