5 weird food cravings and their easy fixes to try at home

From midnight cravings for ice cream to morning cravings for tea, there are many food cravings we often witness and connect with stress, anxiety, and mood swings. But, have you ever thought if the cravings are an alarming sign for something deeper? According to celebrity nutritionist Shweta Shah's post on Instagram, some of these weird cravings are a sign of some sort of deficiency in the body. In her post, she explained five such cravings, their connection with their respective deficiencies, and easy fixes one can try at home.

As per Shweta, if you are craving spicy food, it's a sign of zinc deficiency.
How to fix: She suggests drinking warm milk with 1/2 tsp turmeric and a pinch of nutmeg at bedtime. It is said that one glass of milk provides around 8–10% of the daily recommended zinc intake, making it an easy and accessible way to support the body’s natural defense system.

If you are craving raw rice, it is a sign of iron deficiency.
How to fix: As per shweta, consuming spinach squeezed with lemon can be a smart and healthy fix. Spinach is a rich source of iron (non-heme iron, the type found in plant-based foods), and pairing it with vitamin C–rich foods like lemon, tomatoes, or oranges can significantly enhance iron absorption.

For those who crave chocolate, it is a sign of magnesium deficiency.
How to fix: Shweta suggests consuming ragi banana sheera made with 2 tbsp ragi, 1/2 banana, and 1 tsp ghee. It is said that magnesium in ragi helps relax blood vessels, thereby supporting heart health and regulating blood pressure. It also contributes to better sleep, improved mood, and reduced inflammation.`

If you are craving fizzy drinks often, it is a sign of calcium deficiency.
How to fix: Shweta suggests consuming 1 tbsp sesame with 1/2 tsp jaggery and 1/2 tsp ghee. It is said that just a tablespoon of sesame seeds can provide a substantial amount of calcium, supporting strong bones, healthy teeth, and optimal muscle function.

This one is for those who crave ice cubes. As per Shweta's post, it is a sign of iron deficiency.
How to fix: She suggests consuming 1 tsp soaked halim seeds with 1 tsp jaggery. It is said that just one tablespoon of halim seeds can provide a significant portion of the daily iron requirement, making them an excellent natural remedy for iron deficiency and anemia. And in addition to iron, halim is also rich in folate, vitamin C, and amino acids, nutrients that support better iron absorption and overall vitality.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.