Are you drawn to shashlik like a magnet, but vegetables seem tasteless?
This is not just a whim - your body may be signaling hidden problems.
Scientists and nutritionists have named five non-obvious reasons that make you dream of steaks.
Iron deficiency: hidden anemia
Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. When there is a shortage of it, the brain looks for a quick source - meat, rich in heme iron (absorbed 20-30% better than plant iron).
Symptoms: fatigue, pallor, dizziness.
What to do? Get tested for ferritin. Include liver and seafood in your diet, but if the deficiency is severe, your doctor may prescribe supplements.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: The Silent Saboteur
B12 is found only in animal products.
It supports the nervous system and is involved in hematopoiesis. Deficiency is common in vegans and people with gastrointestinal diseases.
Symptoms: weakness, tingling in the limbs, memory impairment.
What to do? Check your B12 levels. If they are low, add eggs, fish or fortified foods to your menu. In critical cases, injections are needed.
Thyroid Problems: Energy Hunger
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) slows down your metabolism. Your body requires more protein to produce energy, hence your craving for meat.
Symptoms: chills, dry skin, weight gain.
What to do? Take a TSH and free T4 test. If hypothyroidism is confirmed, the endocrinologist will select a therapy.
Microbiome Imbalance: Manipulative Bacteria
Gut bacteria influence food preferences. Some pathogens (for example, when Firmicutes are abundant) “demand” high-calorie foods, including meat.
Symptoms: bloating, unstable stool.
What to do? Add fiber (vegetables, whole grains) and probiotics (kefir, sauerkraut). Eliminate sugar - it feeds harmful bacteria.
Emotional Triggers: Meat as 'Comfort'
Stress activates the production of cortisol, which increases the desire for fatty and high-calorie foods. Meat is also associated with satiety and safety (childhood habits, cultural traditions).
Symptoms: overeating due to anxiety, nighttime snacking.
What to do? Find alternative ways to relieve stress: sports, meditation, hobbies. Replace fatty meat with turkey or fish.
When is it time to see a doctor?
The cravings are accompanied by a loss of strength, dizziness, or weight loss.
You suspect anemia, hypothyroidism, or B12 deficiency.
Gastrointestinal problems do not go away after dietary adjustments.
How to reduce cravings without harm?
1. Add plant-based alternatives. Mushrooms, lentils, spinach, and tofu are rich in iron.
2. Combine foods. Vitamin C (peppers, citrus fruits) improves the absorption of non-heme iron.
3. Control your portions. Eat meat 3-4 times a week, choosing lean cuts.
Conclusion
A constant desire for meat is not a death sentence. Often it is a signal of deficiencies or hidden diseases. Get examined, adjust your diet - and you will regain control over your tastes.
News materials should not be equated with a doctor's prescription. Consult a specialist before making a decision.
Author: Dmitry Bobrov
