Cinnamon: A Body's Calling or Craving?

[Guest guest]

Sonja,

You wrote, " Question, my docs have laughed at me when I have described my urge

for

cinnamon, over a year now. "

The body knows what it needs. Now, this said, there are many things that can

trick the body in thinking something is needed, when it isn't, ie; an addictive

substance. Most persons with chronic disease are very in tune with their bodies

and can hear its needs and wants. The most obvious example is when the body is

tired, you yawn, have 'sleepy eyes', become drowsy. When the body needs to be

hydrated it has symptoms of thirst, as it does with hunger.

Taking that a step further, many nutritionists believe that the body left on its

own, knows what nutrients it needs as much as it knows that it is simply hungry.

I remember when I had gallbladder disease, before I was diagnosed; I started

craving apple cider vinegar. I found out later that this is an alternative

therapy for treating gallstones.

It is important to always live with the principles of moderation. By not

overdoing things or over indulging we can sensitize ourselves to what the body

wants / needs, and the amounts. An example of this is the inclusion of a daily

'handful' of nuts. That is exactly how much 'good' fat the body needs. Now, they

may taste good and we may want to consume several handfuls. When we do, however,

our bodies will also tell us that was not a good idea, as we probably will have

a stomach ache.

Once we can adapt the practice of eating only to meet the nutritional needs of

the body, we will be able to differentiate between the body’s food cravings

and the body’s calling for nutrients. One way I do this is to look at the food

I cam craving. Take cinnamon, for example. Since I do like the taste of cinnamon

and am at risk for over eating, I use the real cinnamon in my food as a

complimentary source for managing my blood sugar. For the food craving I use

natural cinnamon tea, cinnamon stick, cinnamon oil, etc.

I will look for my resources to support this theory.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Pancreatitis Association International