why am i craving milk

Craving milk can happen for several reasons including thirst, nutrient deficiencies, emotional comfort, heartburn relief, or a response to eating spicy foods. Milk is about 87% water, so sometimes this craving simply means the body needs hydration. Additionally, milk contains many essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc, so a craving might indicate a deficiency in one or more of these nutrients. Milk can also act as a comfort food, associated with childhood or stress relief, and it helps soothe the burning sensation from spicy foods due to its fat and protein content. Finally, some people crave milk to help neutralize stomach acidity, such as heartburn. These reasons combine physical and emotional factors that trigger a craving for milk.