Which factors may contribute to food cravings according to FDN?

Food cravings can be understood through a multifaceted lens in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN), where various factors interplay to influence an individual's desire for certain foods. Hormonal imbalances and emotional factors are significant contributors to food cravings, as they can disrupt normal biological rhythms and trigger responses in the brain that lead to cravings.

Hormonal shifts, especially related to stress, menstrual cycles, or thyroid function, can lead to increased appetite or cravings for specific types of foods, particularly those high in sugar or fat. Similarly, emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, often lead individuals to seek comfort in food, resulting in cravings that are not solely based on nutritional needs.

Other options that suggest limited causes, like only environmental factors, exclusively genetics, or strictly dietary restrictions, fail to capture the broader complexities at play. While these can influence cravings, they do not encompass the holistic view that FDN promotes, where a combination of biological, psychological, and lifestyle elements come together to shape an individual’s relationship with food. Therefore, acknowledging hormonal imbalances and emotional factors provides a more comprehensive understanding of why individuals may experience food cravings.