There are several other factors that may occur by themselves or they are frequently found in addition to allergies/sensitivities that may also contribute to weight gain, cravings, or intense hunger. 1. Hypoglycemia Low blood sugar is a common problem that many people are not aware of. It can create intense hunger and cravings. By finding a hypoglycemic diet that is appropriate for your body type it is possible to improve or correct your blood sugar imbalance and remove your intense hunger and cravings.

2. Thyroid Disorders Hypothyroidism (low thyroid functioning) is a very common disorder and often goes undiagnosed. Conventional blood tests for thyroid often fail to detect a problem. Weight gain is one of many symptoms that may accompany hypothyroidism. The most accurate way to determine if your thyroid is functioning properly is through Barnes Basal Temperature Test. ( Another very common symptom of Low Thyroid function is fatigue and depression.) For more details on Low Thyroid function and symptoms see my other article with that title.

3. Candida Albicans Overgrowth Candida is a yeast that naturally occurs in all of our bodies. It is supposed to be there in balanced amounts. Due to factors such as a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, chemicals in our environment, and overuse of antibiotics this yeast can begin to grow in excess amounts and create numerous problems in our bodies. Intense cravings and hunger for sweets or carbohydrates is one of most common symptoms.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies Up to 50% of population fails to ingest recommended daily allowances of minerals and vitamins. Certain imbalances such as low levels of chromium can create hunger and cravings. Low chromium is also a factor in hypoglycemia.

Find a health care provider who is knowledgeable about issues I mention in this article and work with them.

Read my list of recommended readings at my website. These two books in particular. “It isn’t Your Fault You’re Fat” by Marshall Mandel and “Your Hidden Food Allergies are Making You Fat” by Rivera & Deutsch.

Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed., writer, educator, therapist/advisor/coach and Holistic Health Consultant Specializing in Life Management and Support for Living with Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, and Disability as well as Sexuality and Sexual Intimacy. http://www.holistichelp.net

Some strategies that have been helpful for others in coping: Mental Renovations, Companionate Activity Modification and Network Remodeling. (1) Mental Renovations consist of cognitive and emotional strategies used to change expectations of what is usually thought to be normal. An example of this would be (adjusting ones mind to think it’s ok if you can’t do something “normal” way but you can find another way to do it that fits your needs.) Companionate Activity modifications consist of making modifications that include activity adaptation and substitution and changes in timing, location, and intensity of companionate activities. An example of this might be (you’re physically unable to attend an outing with your child so you find another alternative activity of having quality time such as a dinner at home and reading together. Network remodeling consists of carefully allocating times and energy around your network. Carefully ration your energy. Prioritize and make lists of what’s important and what must be done and what can be put off for later.

Living with your Chronic Illness is not easy. It is a lifelong process that will require ongoing appraisal and reappraisal of every day and each situation. Understand and accept that it is nature of your illness to be unpredictable, intrusive, interfering, and erratic. Expect unexpected and make adjustments accordingly. As you are sure to go through periods of exacerbation of symptoms and periods of improvement it is natural for you to move back and forth in your level of acceptance and adjustment. Understand that acceptance and adjustment occur in ebbs and flows. Reference: 1. Duck S. & Wood J.T.: Confronting Relationship Challenges 1995

Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed., writer, educator, therapist/advisor/coach and Holistic Health Consultant Specializing in Life Management and Support for Living with Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, and Disability as well as Sexuality and Sexual Intimacy. FREE Newsletter and FREE 30 minute Consultation http://www.holistichelp.netl