Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine‍

Causes of cravings‍

There are several situations and certain foods which promote indefinite cravings that can cause unrest and unfulfilled longing, and sometimes result in irrational behavior. Alterations in the lifestyle can prevent much of the distress.

Following is a list of certain causes of cravings:

• Sugar, refined grains
• Too little exercise
• Dehydration; keep urine pale by drinking water
• Milk, all dairy products
• Meats, sometimes eggs
• Salty foods
• Stomach irritants
• Preoccupation with food
• Overeating in the past
• Inadequate work experience
• Eating too fast
• Eating between meals
• Caffeine, nicotine, and other alkaloids
• Tension or interruption during meals
• No set time or place for meals
• Failure to eat with dignity and certain form

Magnesium deficiency:‍

A magnesium deficiency can develop as a result of overuse of refined carbohydrates, as well as excessive alcohol intake. Multiple symptoms are involved in the deficiency syndrome. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency come on insidiously and may not be noticed until they are well developed.‍

Symptoms

Physical:

• Slow recovery after effort
• Muscular cramps
• Habit tics
• Digestive disorders
• Colitis

Mental:

• Intellectual dullness
• Mental confusion
• Anxiety, sense of dread, or unexplained anguish

Biochemical:

• Carbohydrate malabsorption
• Calcium and iron imbalances

Sources of magnesium:

• All nuts and seeds
• Whole grains (wheat, oats, rye, rice, etc.)
• All common legumes (including peanuts)
• Carob
• Greens
• Beets
• Squash

Criteria to judge nutritional excellency:

• Growth and maturation in a proper length of time
• Reproductive record
• Length of life
• Freedom from signs of dietary deficiency or excess
• Freedom from infectious diseases
• Mental development, personal organization
• Emotional stability
• Freedom from disciplinary problems
• Freedom from accidents
• Glossy hair and healthy skin
• Normal body configuration and development
• Strength and endurance