The Real Reason You're Craving Raw Fish

Food cravings hit all of us at some point. Whether it's the thought of chocolaty cake and ice cream that has you salivating or crunchy tacos from Taco Bell, we can all relate to that sudden urge that takes over and tells our mouths, "Get in my belly!" And whether they last a few minutes or a few hours, food cravings can be hard to resist. 

A number of contributing factors can trigger your cravings. These can range from hormonal imbalances to emotional stress to our bodies lacking certain nutrients (via Medical News Today).

While most of us can empathize with the craving for a salty, crunchy pickle or a need to give in to our sweet tooth, a craving for raw fish might not have us all on the same page. But it does happen, and more often than you think. An NPR story noted many people find raw fish delectable for its tasty texture. Still, the thought of munching on the likes of Nemo and Dory has to mean something more than a primitive hunger setting in, right? What does it mean if you find yourself craving raw fish?

One theory, which may be hard to swallow, suggests a craving for raw fish might be specifically connected with the texture of this uncooked food. Raw fish has a "creaminess" to it that can harken back to the comfort foods we ate as children like macaroni and cheese or even banana cream pie (via Live, Play, Eat).

Still, others believe that it is more likely because your body is lacking some nutrient it desperately needs. One Instagram user who shared her raw seafood craving with her followers said that she had developed a "weird" craving for raw fish which she believed suggested her body needed more iodine. She noted, "I tried to quench that craving with lots of raw, wild fish, but it just wasn't enough. So, I added an additional iodine supplement which has helped."

But there is also evidence that suggests craving raw fish might mean you need to boost your omega-3 intake to help stave off depression. Researchers have found that some people who experience depression are lacking in fish fats, and by simply consuming this nutrient, your mood could vastly improve (via The Daily Mail).

However, if you're concerned with your craving, getting looked at by a doctor isn't a bad idea, just in case there are underlying conditions that are causing it.