salt

RevCO30

Any nurses/dieticians/really smart people here? I have been craving salt like crazy for about a week now. I try to use it in moderation and I try to purchase items that are low or reduced sodium, however some foods like luncheon meat and cheese tend to have higher sodium content. My blood pressure has always been well within the normal range even at my heaviest but I try to watch the sodium just to be on the safe side. As I said I have been craving salt alot for about a week, any theories as to why?

Firefox7275

Dehydration (note drinking water alone does not hydrate you)/ very low carb diet? Over exercising/ excessive sweating/ adrenal fatigue? Not eating a diet containing a balance of all the minerals your body needs?

RevCO30

Thanks for the response. Perhaps it is due to increased exercise in the last couple weeks. But I eat a fairly balanced diet with lots of veggies and fruits and drink at least 64 oz water(sometimes over 100oz) a day but maybe need to up that with the increased activity.

taso42

Any nurses/dieticians/really smart people here? I have been craving salt like crazy for about a week now. I try to use it in moderation and I try to purchase items that are low or reduced sodium, however some foods like luncheon meat and cheese tend to have higher sodium content. My blood pressure has always been well within the normal range even at my heaviest but I try to watch the sodium just to be on the safe side. As I said I have been craving salt alot for about a week, any theories as to why?

maybe your body just wants some salt. since you are well within normal, go right ahead and have some.

RevCO30

Thanks Pu and taso for the imput. I believe that sounds reasonable, a little salt can't hurt that much, right?

NaomiJFoster

TMI warning:


I always crave salt right before my period starts. It's just a thing with how my body works, it's always been this way. Heck, I've been known to pour salt into the palm of my hand and lick it up.

While we all know that too much sodium is bad for your arteries, it's really OK in moderation. The sodium that's in processed foods is a very high content. That's where you need to be careful. And you can't even taste that sodium like salt!! But table salt that you shake on your own food, that's a minute amount and it's not a harmful level. And that's salt that's up front and personal and you can taste it.

I'd suggest still limiting your processed foods. But when that salt craving comes, go for it with the salt shaker. Sprinkle it all over some good healthy veggies, or something.

Firefox7275

Thanks for the response. Perhaps it is due to increased exercise in the last couple weeks. But I eat a fairly balanced diet with lots of veggies and fruits and drink at least 64 oz water(sometimes over 100oz) a day but maybe need to up that with the increased activity.

As I said just drinking water does not hydrate the body, you need carbohydrates, electrolytes and to a lesser extent proteins and fats for the body to hold onto that water. In fact too much water can flush out electrolytes. Fruits and vegetables are super healthy but don't supply a balance of all the minerals your body needs, are you eating plenty of nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, cocoa or canned oily fish with bones in? Oily fish and reduced fat cheese should be supplying a reasonable amount of salt, even if you have cut back on salty processed stuff.

RevCO30

Thanks for the feedback all...

Pu...read that article, thanks for that. I think I side with that guy and will go on the hunt for less processed salt.

Naomi...yes, trying to cut out the processed foods but sandwiches are just so easy for work. And I too have licked a smidge of salt from my hand too

Firefox...will look at upping the nuts, seeds, beans etc. I eat plenty of R.F cheese, lean meats but no oily fish, don't eat fish.

WeatherGirl8

Sometimes I get salt cravings when my blood pressure is low... which usually just happens when I've been sitting around or haven't been eating as much as my body wants. But getting a bit more salt is no problem! Neither is eating a little extra when you contront a craving.

Firefox7275

Thanks for the feedback all...

Pu...read that article, thanks for that. I think I side with that guy and will go on the hunt for less processed salt.

Naomi...yes, trying to cut out the processed foods but sandwiches are just so easy for work. And I too have licked a smidge of salt from my hand too

Firefox...will look at upping the nuts, seeds, beans etc. I eat plenty of R.F cheese, lean meats but no oily fish, don't eat fish.

Are you taking a supplement containing long chain omega-3s? These can be beneficial in weight management, general health including cell membranes (transport and regulate water and electrolytes amongst many other tasks). Low magnesium can cause salt cravings, it's critical to take in a balance of this mineral with calcium (dairy) and much is lost in sweat - some of the best sources are pumpkin seeds, cocoa powder and green veggies. Potassium deficiency is another possibility - if you have that eating more table salt will worsen the issue. If you are eating bread, cheese and processed foods I honestly doubt you need more sodium in your diet.