You may be craving a certain food for a number of reasons. Cravings could be psychological or physical. Various situations that trigger an emotional response can kick-start a craving you associate with stress relief. To normalize an imbalanced metabolism, your body may crave a specific food group to compensate for a deficiency. Sodium is an important mineral in the body, and a craving for salt can indicate a number of physical conditions.
Fluid Balance
A hormone secreted by your adrenal glands called aldosterone regulates the accumulation of salt in your kidneys. According to Analytical Research Lab, when your aldosterone levels are low, you excrete excess sodium in your urine, creating an imbalance. You need to maintain a sodium balance because it is a key mineral used for regulating body fluid and maintaining joint movement and blood pressure. Symptoms of low aldosterone levels include cold hands and feet, fatigue and low blood pressure. You can alleviate symptoms by eating salt.
Addison's Disease
A more serious complication that occurs after prolonged adrenal fatigue is called Addison's disease. Once the illness develops, you have a persistent and excessive salt craving that cannot be satiated. In addition to the salt craving, you may develop low blood pressure, weight loss, fatigue and muscle weakness. Addison's disease can affect anyone and can be life-threatening. In addition to low aldosterone levels, your adrenal glands do not produce sufficient cortisol that can eventually lead to lower back pain, severe diarrhea and vomiting and unconsciousness. Hormone replacements and corticosteroids typically are used to treat the condition.
Hormones
A number of hormonal imbalances, in addition to aldosterone, can lead to salt cravings. According to the Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology Center, thyroid disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, pituitary disorders, osteoporosis and impotence all may be related to hormonal imbalances in your endocrine system. Dizziness, excessive perspiration, excessive thirst and low or high calcium levels also may accompany your salt cravings if you have a hormonal imbalance. Treatment usually consists of hormone replacements. If you can't find a cause for your cravings, your doctor may need to refer you to an endocrinologist for hormone testing.
Kidney Disease
A specific disease called medullary cyst kidney disease often presents in the early stages with salt cravings, weakness and excessive urinating, especially during the night. The condition is hereditary and causes cysts to form in the kidneys that eventually lead to their inability to operate properly. Your kidneys can't hold and process urine, which causes you to lose vital sodium. Medullary cyst kidney disease can occur in childhood or develop in adulthood, depending on the gene mutation. Fluids and salt supplements are needed to control symptoms, as there is no cure for the disease. A kidney transplant may eventually be required.
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