Sugar and salt cravings are common among most people and are generally no apparent cause for concern. Rarely, they are the result of an underlying problem. Your cravings often mean that your body wants or needs something to take the place of a lacking nutrient or something missing from your diet. Physically, you could have a medical condition that makes you crave salts and sweets. Mentally, you could be experiencing cravings due to physical and emotional stress.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Many women report getting cravings for salt and sugar just before their monthly menstrual cycle, notes WomensHealth.gov. These cravings may be directly related to premenstrual syndrome -- a condition in which symptoms of food cravings, mood changes, energy levels and hormone fluctuations occur up to two weeks before your menstrual period. Chemical changes in your body along with stress and emotional issues can trigger cravings for sweet foods such as chocolate, cookies, ice cream and sugary soft drinks. Eating foods containing a lot of salt including processed foods, deep-fried foods and fast food can make you retain additional water during your menstrual cycle.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is a condition that affects your adrenal glands. With Addison's, your adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, which results in direct damage to the adrenal cortex, explains PubMed Health. While there are several symptoms of Addison's disease -- including diarrhea, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite and low blood pressure -- a craving for salty foods is also seen. If you find yourself wanting to eat foods that are salty, such as nuts, pretzels and pickled foods, you should talk to your doctor about being tested for Addison's disease.
Nutrient Depletion
If you find yourself craving sweets in combination with salty foods on a regular basis, it could be your body is depleted in certain nutrients. Low levels of sodium in your body could make you crave more salty foods. Sodium is an electrolyte and an important element in how your body controls blood pressure and blood volume. Low levels of sodium in the blood can directly affect the nervous system and the overall function of your muscles, explains MedlinePlus. If you are craving sugar, it could be that your blood glucose levels are getting low -- this commonly happens when you have not eaten, or do not eat on a regular basis.
Diet
Sugar and salt cravings may occur because you are used to a processed food diet. A processed food diet consists of food that may be prepackaged and contain a variety of added chemicals and preservatives. High amounts of sodium may be present in these types of foods along with empty calories that could make you crave a sweet and salty treat. Stress can also trigger emotional eating that leads to consuming foods that are salty and sweet. Emotional eating can stall weight-loss efforts and lead to weight gain, explains MayoClinic.com. Choosing foods that are from the main food groups such as whole grains, low-fat dairy, vegetables, fruit and protein will help you stay healthy and avoid consuming meals that contain excess sugar and salt.
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