Common symptoms of depression are crying spells, sadness, reduced self-esteem and a lack of interest in previously-enjoyed activities. For some people, however, an additional symptom of depression may be a craving for salty foods. In fact, recent research has shown that salt may have potential antidepressant properties. Of course, you shouldn't use salt as a cure for depression, nor use any dietary supplements without consulting your doctor.
About Depression
Sadness, tearfulness, irritability, lowered mood, decreased sex drive, lethargy and fatigue are just some of the common symptoms of clinical depression. Depression affects around 121 million people worldwide, says the World Health Organization. It's no wonder that pharmaceutical companies are busy trying to come up with the next, best antidepressant medication. However, antidepressants can cause a host of unwanted, unpleasant side effects for many people. Although antidepressants can help manage symptoms of depression, it's not a cure. Underlying issues must be addressed in order for depressive symptoms to improve without medication. Researchers have examined a number of important factors that may possibly contribute to the formation of depressive disorders, such as chemical imbalances in the brain and nutritional deficits, such as a lack of sodium.
Salt and Depression
While too much salt in your diet can cause health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease, a lack of sodium can contribute to physical and mental problems as well. According to the Whole Health Center, a medical practice focusing on natural and alternative treatments to a variety of physical and mental disorders, a low potassium/sodium ratio is associated with low blood sugar levels, depression and feelings of frustration, fatigue, hostility and resentment. Potassium is the mineral that helps to balance salt levels in your body. If you experience depressive symptoms combined with salt cravings, it may be a sign that your dietary intake of sodium is too low.
Clinical Evidence
According to a study by researcher Micah Leshem, high dietary salt intakes may provide an adaptive way of coping with adversity and stress. His study, published in the July 2011 issue of the journal, "Physiology & Behavior," found that low sodium intake was found to increase anxiety-like behaviors in laboratory rats subjected to two different types of behavioral tests. Another study by University of Iowa psychologist Alan Kim Johnson and fellow researchers, published in the July 2008 issue of "Physiology & Behavior" showed that laboratory rats deficient in sodium chloride, or table salt, tend to avoid activities they usually enjoy, such as pressing a bar that stimulates the pleasure centers in their brains and drinking sugary fluids. The study suggests that low dietary salt intake may be a potential cause of certain depressive symptoms, and that increased cravings for salt may be explained by its possible mood-elevating properties. While these studies show promising results, more clinical research is needed to fully evaluate the impact of low dietary salt levels on depression.
Considerations
Salt cravings may be associated with depression. However, do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat any physical or mental problems you may be experiencing. Depression can become worse if not properly treated. Additionally, certain medical illnesses can cause depressive symptoms. Consult a qualified medical professional to obtain a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Do not use salt as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.
