Can you crave something that is bad for you?

Question

I have a wierd craving for a cigerette. I have never somked in my life....Can i crave a cigerette even though i have never even tried it?

Answer 1

Yes you can.... its those crazy hormones... I dont know how you could crave those nasty things when your pregnant, but anything can happen when you are. I craved a beer for a few days, but you just have to say no, for the wealth of your baby.

Answer 2

It isn't uncommon to crave something that is bad for you. SOme women crave strange things like soap, dirt and other nasty things.


While some pregnancy cravings can certainly seem a bit odd, in most instances, they don't represent any real threat to mother or the baby. This, however, can change dramatically, when the craving is for a nonfood item. The condition, known as pica, can lead to an overwhelming desire to consume any number of substances, some of which can be extremely harmful to both mother and baby.

"During pregnancy a woman can crave -- and eat -- things like dirt, laundry starch, crayons, ground up clay pots, ice scraped from the freezer. As bizarre as it seems, the desire can be overwhelming," says Peter S. Bernstein, MD, MPH, medical director of obstetrics and gynecology at the Comprehensive Family Care Center of Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y.

While pica -- eating non-nutritive substances -- is not well understood, Bernstein says sometimes these cravings represent a nutritional deficiency, particularly a need for iron, though he says there are no studies to prove this is always the case.

In some instances, Bernstein tells WebMD that the cravings can also have a cultural or ethnic component, one which actually fosters eating these dangerous nonfood items.

"The craving is there, and then fulfilling it is encouraged within certain cultural communities," says Bernstein.

Among the most dangerous aspects of pica is the consumption of lead -- particularly when women eat dirt or clay. This can lead to infant and child developmental problems with low verbal IQ scores, impaired hearing and motor skill development. Other research has shown an increased risk of learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders in infant exposure to lead before birth.

"I've had women and their babies develop lead poisoning from eating dirt during pregnancy; the neurological damage can be overwhelming," says Bernstein.

If you do find yourself craving any nonfood item, experts say see your doctor immediately and be tested for iron deficiency anemia or other nutritional deficiencies such as zinc, which has also been linked to pica.

Answer 3

Yes, because the people around you smoke cigarettes an you inhale the smoke so the body craves it from time to time but don't give in to it the craving will go away plus smoking is bad for you.

Answer 4

Yes you can crave it, but don't act on the craving. Let your dr know when you go in for your next visit. There is a term for this, but I can't remember the name. I am not sure if they can do anytning for it, but at least thely will know. Remember cravings are not always best followed through with.

I think I found a website for you to check out. Good Luck.

Answer 5

I craved the smell of rubbing alcohol and crushed ice. It had to go hand in hand...sniffing rubbing alcohol can't be good for you!! If the craving is so strong that it's making you nuts, you should try it, because chances are you're not going to like it. If it's not that bad then try to overcome it. Good luck!

Answer 6

Umm well yeah I've been craving sweets, chocolate, crisps, MaccyD's, cakes, take aways you name it.

I think the problem with cigs though is that they are REALLY bad for you as opposed to just "not very healthy" as in the above foods. I just gave into my cravings when I had them but I wouldn''t advise you to give into a craving for cigs.

Answer 7

It's possible. My mom craved dirt when she was pregnant with my brother. I also had a friend who craved soap. I craved the smell of bleach when I was pregnant with my son. It's weird, I know, but you shouldn't give into it.

Answer 8

Normal. Your brain and body are making chemical adjustments...it's like an hallucination. You may even smell stuff that isn't in the air. See it as an illusion and fantasy. Do not give in to the radical stuff, but a fried pickle dipped in chocolate won't hurt you too bad lol.

Answer 9

yes you can crave anything. But be aware you are not suppost to eat smell or smoke tobacco. I ate rocks. I liked the ones by the train tracks.

Answer 10

that's normal, i've heard of weirder cravings. oh by the way dont' smoke it (not that u would)! my teachers daughter loved the smell of road kill while pregnant and i've heard of pregnant women eating dirt and bark and strange things like that so ur cigarette this is weird but not abnormal.

congrats on the baby!