Let Them Eat Salt!
Pregnancy is a beautiful time of life if you choose to partake. You’re glowing, your hair gets softer, your nails get stronger… and you may want to eat dirt. Random food cravings are one of the weirder sides of pregnancy, especially when the thing you want to eat isn’t exactly edible. Have you had any of these cravings? Read on to learn more.
1. Laundry Detergent
The fresh, clean scent of laundry detergent is pleasant enough to take a deep whiff of on a regular day, but certain pregnant people have a deeper desire to eat it. This craving, along with several others on this list, is a sign of Pica - a condition where someone craves inedible substances.
2. Pickle Or Olive Juice
Some folks like the briny flavor of these salty juices, and those with child are no exception. This may be due to a potential need for sodium, which can combat morning sickness, as pickles and olives can help with nausea.
3. Lemons And Salt
Lemons and other citrus fruits are full of Vitamin C, which is good for a developing fetus. Salt cravings, on the other hand, are likely due to the body feeling dehydrated. The two mixed can also help with morning sickness and remove the post-puke taste from your mouth.
4. Dirt
Like laundry detergent, this is likely a Pica symptom. While there’s no confirmed reason why dirt is one of these cravings, it may be the body’s way of protecting against toxins or other foodborne illnesses. However, you still shouldn’t be eating dirt.
5. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds have a similar consistency to dirt, so the body might also want to use them as a means of protection. Or it could be that coffee smells delicious, and some folks just think it smells good enough to eat.
6. Mustard
Your body undergoes massive hormonal changes during pregnancy, which include sensory perceptions. Mustard has a strong-smelling and more intense flavor, and is full of antioxidants, making it a very appealing snack.
7. Burnt Matches
Like the other Pica-related items on this list, burnt matches are a common inedible item that pregnant people want to eat. All the items on this list may be connected to iron deficiency, but again, it has not been confirmed.
8. Peanut Butter On Bacon
This odd snack is likely related to the body’s need for protein, fats, and sodium. However, it can also be a part of these hormonal influences, where a pregnant person really desires a combination of salty and smoky with creamy and nutty flavors.
Wright Brand Bacon on Unsplash
9. Baking Soda
Again, possibly due to an iron deficiency, baking soda could also be related to a potential zinc deficiency in the body. Zinc supports healthy growth for the parent and fetus, and supports cell division, DNA, protein synthesis, and the immune system.
10. Toothpaste
Toothpaste, or other minty flavors, is another common Pica craving. Luckily for anyone craving this particular flavor, it can be consumed in small amounts, as toothpaste can regularly find its way into our stomachs anyway.
1. Red Meat
Many pregnant individuals find themselves craving red meat, even if they didn’t commonly eat it before. Craving red meat means your body likely needs an increased amount of iron and protein to support the fetus, and the increase in blood volume in the body.
2. Ice Cream
Aside from just tasting good, ice cream is refreshing, sweet, and has plenty of calcium. It’s common to crave colder food items while pregnant, as you’re also dealing with an increase in body temperature.
3. Ice
While technically a Pica symptom, ice is perfectly safe to eat. Eating ice could be due to an iron deficiency, but it can also help with hydration, stress, fatigue, and morning sickness. It’s also why ice chips are so popular in hospitals.
4. Fruit
Fruits are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and sugar, all of which are needed for the healthy development of parents and babies. Vitamin C, folate, and potassium all help with a baby’s cognitive growth, and the fiber in fruit can also help with pregnancy constipation.
5. Chocolate
Craving chocolate could be a sign that your body needs a little energy kick or is low on magnesium. However, chocolate and other sweet treats are also comforting and mood-boosting, which can be a great help when your body is undergoing so many changes.
6. Spicy Food
Craving spicy food also comes down to your body’s hormones, like anything else. As your body changes, you’re craving something a little more intense. The best part is you get to eat some really good food, and also enjoy some anti-inflammatory properties to boot.
7. Cheese
Cheese is full of calcium, which is something both you and your fetus need to grow healthy bones and teeth. This means you also need to eat a little bit more cheese than you normally would to supplement two bodies, but who’s complaining about that?
8. Cereal
Cereal is a common craving when your body is looking for carbohydrates, nutrients, or to bring up its blood sugar. However, whole-grain cereals are recommended when dealing with this craving, as they’ll have more fiber and nutrients than the sugary ones.
9. Potato Chips
Potato chips have salt, starch, and carbs - and they’re absolutely delicious. If you’re craving potato chips, you’re probably needing some sodium, carbohydrates, or you really want that satisfying crunch that only chips can bring.
Esperanza Doronila on Unsplash
10. Fast Food
While not specific to any particular type of vitamin or nutrient deficiency, craving fast food while pregnant likely means you are looking for salty, sweet, and starchy foods. As eating is also linked to emotional stress, fast food is a common comfort method when you’re feeling down.
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