Why Do I Crave Junk Food When I Am Sick?

I recently picked up some sort of biological warfare-grade stomach virus that literally and figuratively kicked my behind. It started with cold chills on a Tuesday evening. By bedtime, I was destroying the toilet- a pattern of unfortunate and foul behavior that spanned the next four days. By Saturday morning, I had lost eight pounds. It was brutal. As I explained to my close friends, I gave anal birth nearly 100 times. I know, that's probably TMI.

However, as disgusting as a I was feeling, I was still having my usual bizarre food cravings. Why is that? Why do we crave weird foods when our bodies are telling us that we should absolutely not eat?

See that Sonic cup in the photo? How random is that? On Wednesday afternoon, I was CRAVING a Sonic lemonade. So, in between bouts of severe toilet trauma, I hopped in my car, drove to Sonic and got one. But, why? I mean, I love lemonade, but why then?

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Honestly, I was quickly reminded about a couple of similar 'stomach bug' instances from my childhood. I remember getting a stomach virus once in high school. All I could think about was eating spaghetti with marinara and playing tennis. So, what did I do? I made it. Ate it. Barfed it. WHY??

I remember another time. I was probably in middle school. I came down with a stomach virus on Christmas Eve (every child's nightmare). I was so sick and miserable, but was craving, for some inexplicable reason, Ruffles potato chips and French onion dip. Wait! What?? Again, WHY??

Apparently, I am not alone. My recent stomach virus caused me to miss just my 4th day of work in 27 years due to illness. Yes, it was THAT bad. But, when I went back to my morning radio show, I polled the crowd.

Okay. Did you see some of those responses? Let's highlight a few of the most bizarre (and nauseating).

Brandy Cockerell- Cool ranch Doritos, and Dr Pepper

Christy Weddin- Chow Mei Fun from Hong Kong and Long John Silvers

Alex Carlton- Ruffles potato chips & Kroger orange juice.

Jennifer Atherton- Old Hickory burgoo, or an Arby's roast beef sandwich.

So, why is this? What's wrong with us?

As it turns out, there are a few reasons- all based in psychology and biology- that help explain these weird cravings.

There's a great article from Chef's Resource that dives in. Quite simply, when you're ill, your body is in a state of stress. Think about this. Many people 'stress eat' and those cravings for foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt are historically comforting to us. So, even when our stomachs are upset, this particular defense mechanism persists.

Also, these types of foods can stimulate pleasure response. While that relief we feel may be temporary, it can be worth it for some. Trust me when I tell you. The relief I got from my plate of spaghetti and marinara was WAY too temporary if you know what I mean.

The folks at Food Drink Talk add one more explanation to the mix. From a very early age, we start to develop conditioned responses to certain types of foods. For example, maybe your mom made you chicken noodle soup when you were ill as a child. Maybe you have warm, fuzzy memories about your grandmother's apple pie. Those types of foods bring immediate feelings of security and love- even if you're simultaneously battling the bubble guts.

Today, on Day 5 of my recent bout with intestinal death, I am finally starting to feel better. I think I may be able to finally have a meal today. I'm just trying to decide how I'm going to celebrate my return to the living and what kind of tasty, fatty, salty or sweet food I am going to shovel into my mouth to celebrate.