The Real Psychology Behind Cravings It’s Not Just a Lack of Willpower
Brain
Joe Kryszak began hearing the buzz about methylene blue a few months ago.
Do you ever find yourself reaching for chocolate late at night or suddenly craving salty chips in the middle of the afternoon? You’re not alone and definitely not “lacking willpower.” Food cravings are a complex mix of biology, psychology, and emotional cues, and understanding them can help you respond in healthier, more intentional ways. CRAVINGS ARE A UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE. Studies show that over 90% of people experience food cravings, with women more likely to crave sweet foods like chocolate, and men more often craving savory options like meat or pizza. So, if you’ve ever thought you were alone in your cravings, know that this is a near-universal human experience.
The century-old drug suddenly began surfacing in influential podcasts. Joe Rogan interviewed Mel Gibson about the actor’s claims that it helped cure his friends’ cancer. Then, Stanford University professor and podcaster Andrew Huberman interviewed Dr. Chris Palmer, a Harvard Medical School professor, about small pilot studies on methylene blue’s potential anti-aging or cognitive benefits. These mentions kindled a viral surge in the medicine’s popularity. “There was a lot of excitement about it,” Kryszak says. “After speaking to chiropractors nationwide who had heard of it and were very interested, we did some research. Some studies examine the potential benefits of methylene blue for cognitive functioning. Also, it does a good job of helping hemoglobin transport oxygen throughout the body.” For patients who feel lethargic or lacking in energy, he says, “the answer is not more Red Bulls and sugary caffeine.” Instead, Kryszak sees chiropractors recommending methylene blue for a cognitive boost or increased energy.
YOUR BRAIN’S REWARD SYSTEM IS DRIVING THE URGE. Cravings often originate in the brain’s limbic system, responsible for behavior, emotion, and long-term memory. When you’re stressed or low, your brain searches for a quick hit of dopamine, the “feel- good” chemical. Foods high in sugar, fat, or salt can deliver that boost quickly, which is why comfort foods are hard to resist. PROCESSED FOODS FOSTER ADDICTION. Research from the University of Michigan has shown that highly processed foods can stimulate the brain’s reward centers in ways similar to addictive substances. That’s why stopping after one cookie or chip can feel nearly impossible — the brain is wired to want more.
CRAVINGS MAY SIGNAL PHYSICAL NEEDS. Not all cravings are emotional. Sometimes, your body is genuinely trying to tell you something. For example, craving chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency, while craving salty foods can indicate dehydration or a lack of electrolytes. That said, it’s essential to pause and assess. Not every craving means your body needs that exact food. MEMORIES AND EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS PLAY A ROLE. Many food cravings are tied to learned behaviors and emotional associations. If you were rewarded with sweets as a child, your brain might now associate ice cream with comfort or safety. These conditioned patterns are powerful, but you can reprogram them. Food cravings aren’t just about what’s in the pantry. They’re about what’s happening in your brain, body, and emotions. When you understand the drivers of your cravings, you can make choices that support your well-being instead of fighting these urges blindly.
But users should read the label carefully. If taken with certain antidepressant medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs, methylene blue may contribute to a potentially serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Otherwise, it can often serve as “a great natural compound that helps the body run more efficiently.”
To gain approval to sell pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue, Stirling Professional had to pass a rigorous four-month approval process, including an audit and examination of its business model
and target buyers. As a result, chiropractors now
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