What causes food cravings? And what can be done about them?

Harvard psychiatrist explains just why we tend to crave junk food

Why do we crave junk food? Harvard psychiatrist explains what to do about it

What causes food cravings? And what can we do about them?

Dr. Uma Naidoo from Harvard Medical School explains that modern diets are filled with ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and bad fats.
Consuming junk food can damage the gut microbiome, increase inflammation, lower mood, and increase anxiety.
Food cravings are an intense desire to eat specific foods, often triggered by environmental cues such as advertising.
High-fat, sugar-rich, and salty foods activate the brain's reward system, making them enjoyable to eat.
Strategies to resist cravings include acknowledging them, having healthier alternatives available, and avoiding shopping when hungry.

Dr. Uma Naidoo, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, explains that modern diets are heavily influenced by ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to cravings and negative health outcomes. These cravings are often triggered by environmental cues, such as advertising, and can result in a cycle of unhealthy eating that damages the gut microbiome, increases inflammation, and lowers mood. To combat these cravings, individuals are encouraged to acknowledge their desires, seek healthier alternatives, and avoid shopping when hungry, among other strategies.

Dr. Uma Naidoo discusses the reasons behind junk food cravings and their negative effects on health, while offering strategies to manage these cravings effectively.

Understanding Food Cravings and Their Impact

Score	Value
Scale	6
Novelty	3
Positivity	7
Reliability	8
Actionability	7
Society	7
Journalism	3

Understanding Food Cravings and Their Impact

9/11/2024

[0]Salon.com

[1]CBS News

[2]CBS News

9/10/2024

[3]Medical Xpress

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