6/3/2024 2 Comments Why do we have food cravings?Our brains are complicated... but our needs are simple. We respond to fatty, sugary, salty foods with immediate, short-term feelings of pleasure, and this can present itself as cravings for unhealthy foods. Unfortunately this can have a serious impact on our health.A food craving usually means a desire for food which is unrelated to any nutritional need or hunger. Food cravings are more tied in with habits, pleasure and emotions, than with nourishment. We don’t crave vitamin tablets... we crave donuts
Several studies in 2022 on mice have produced interesting results. A study from Columbia University discovered that craving fatty food is not just about taste; it appears that the gut can ‘tell’ the brain what the body wants or needs. Another study from the University of Pittsburgh found that microbes in the gut of animals may affect their food choices by making substances that create cravings. These findings suggest that although we can influence our thoughts about food, we have less control over how our gut guides cravings. It’s uncertain how this will help fight obesity, but gaining insights into the reasons behind cravings may lead to advances in weight management and disease prevention. The gut-brain connection is complex and further research is needed. Until we have those answers, there are some practical ways food cravings can be controlled:
Mindfulness – taking the time to consider whether you’re actually hungry, whether it’s a habit (like a cake with coffee), emotional, or other reasons for choosing unhealthy food.
2 Comments
Have you ever felt a tight ‘knot’ in your muscle - a spot that feels tender and solid to touch? When pressed, it may cause pain, tingling, or burning in another area. These are called trigger points, myofascial trigger points, or TrPs for short.TrPs are generally defined by some common features: a taut band of muscle, a hypersensitive spot, and referred pain. In other words, that tender point that sits within a firm muscle and when pressed, sends pain or other sensations to other areas in your body. And they can be nasty! But how and why do they happen?
What causes TrPs? Many activities can strain muscle fibres, causing contraction over time, and leading to the development of trigger points. These actions include: • sudden injuries such as falls or sprains • small repetitive movements like typing • long-term high-impact activities like jogging and running • everyday actions like consistently carrying heavy items • poor posture, and staying in the same position for prolonged periods. Where do TrPs commonly occur? TrPs are common and often affect the muscles in your neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, as these areas often bear the impact of repetitive movements and tension. These trigger points are associated with shoulder issues, neck and back pain, as well as headaches, including migraines and tension-type headaches. They can also develop in arthritic knees, and tend to increase after a stroke. Can TrPs be prevented or treated? Yes, absolutely! Trigger points may be treated in a variety of ways: these typically include manual techniques like massage, trigger point compression, and targeted stretching exercises. Relaxation techniques are also used to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. From a chiropractic perspective, minimising or removing the cause or causes is essential. If your posture is poor, we’ll work with you to improve it. If your occupation carries risks, we can advise you on how to lessen them. We may adjust your spine and, if needed, other joints. An improvement in nerve function may help your muscles to relax. "Pull your shoulders back!” “Stand up straight!” You’ve probably heard these words before, but is there any wisdom in them? Or are they from a bygone era fixated on a prim and proper appearance? It’s an important question in today’s world where we spend hours hunched over computers and sitting. |
AuthorAdam's Back is a team of dedicated complimentary health professionals. Our aim is to support you in finding drug-free solutions for better health. Archives
May 2024
Categories |