Cravings

I think I have talked about cravings quite a bit on this blog.
Cravings are usually a symptom of an underlying deficiency. Usually.
Of course, cravings are affected by medication, dietary changes, over-consumption of various foods, and hormonal imbalances.
When it comes to things like Vitamin C and the like, cravings often have a ulterior motive.

I have recently learned that I am currently Vitamin D deficient. Although a common problem for people with malabsorption issues due to illness, it can still cause severe symptoms.
I had been feeling off for months. A little bit more pain (especially in my ribs), a little extra fatigued, a little more down, a little bit more tired and more trouble sleeping.
Now, these can all be easily explained away. Rib pain - that is common in someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and the rib pain has been there for a long time, just a bit more intense. Fatigue is very very normal. I thought I had simply pushed myself too hard. Feeling down was probably the only standout symptom. Surprisingly enough, I do not feel down very often. Once in a while, like while watching This Is Us or some other emotion-inducing film or show, or after spending time with friends and their children, I will be down for a few hours. HOURS, not days, and certainly not months. But when you are dealing with multiple illnesses that just seem to have all worsened just a touch at the exact same time? It is difficult to avoid feeling sad. The sleep issues have always been issues. They cycle between sleeping way too much, not sleeping enough, and (either way) not having much energy very often.
All believable explanations.
Then there were the food cravings.
French Toast, Monte Cristo, Chocolate Mousse, Custards.... what do these have in common? EGGS. Eggs are a major source of Vitamin D. I was getting stir-crazy in the house - trying to soak up any sunshine I could. I craved fish every day.
Just makes me wonder if this was just me, or whether it was a chemical imbalance subtly telling my body that I needed to consume some of these foods.

I may never know.

This Vitamin D deficiency has me mildly concerned. I take Vitamin D drops almost every day. Definitely every second day. And I use about 5 or 6 drops each time (5000-6000IU). I also have no idea how long I have been deficient.
I have been prescribed a 50,000 IU pill once a week for 16 weeks. Then I will do repeat bloodwork and see if that has topped me up.
If it hasn't - that is when we may need to look at an underlying cause of the deficiency. I am trying not to think about that though. For now I will take my Vitamin D, up my Calcium intake as well (as suggested), get out in the sun whenever I can, and continue eating healthy foods. (Fish and fish oils are great for my Macular Degeneration anyways).

This is just another reminder that food cravings may have an underlying purpose.