A variety of conditions may cause you to crave salt. Mild salt cravings may not even be nutritionally related, and could stem from previous experience or the desire for crunchy texture found in many salty snacks. If you experience sudden, excessive salt cravings, discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine whether a more serious cause may be to blame.
Addison's Disease
Adults typically have two adrenal glands located above the kidneys. These glands are responsible for hormone production and play an important role in fluid regulation. When the adrenal glands are destroyed or damaged, a variety of functions are affected, including salt regulation. Excessive amounts of salt are excreted from the body, resulting in severe salt cravings. Other symptoms of Addison's disease include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness and weight loss. The disease may be caused by infection, tuberculosis, cancer and severe fungal infections.
Nutrient Deficiencies
A chronic salt craving may indicate a mild or more serious nutrient deficiency. Magnesium deficiency may cause salt cravings, as well as other symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, irritability and, in women, menstrual cramps. Low calcium or protein intake may also result in salt cravings. Low sodium levels may cause salt cravings; low sodium levels in the blood, or hyponatremia, can cause lethargy and confusion, followed by muscle twitching, seizures, stupor and coma. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Menstruation
Women may crave salt more during their menstrual cycles. Salt cravings are especially common in the two weeks that precede menstruation, and result from changing estrogen levels. Increased water weight is also common during menstruation, which increases the body's need to balance water levels with sodium. Avoid excessive sodium intake during your period, since high sodium levels may contribute to bloating.
Bartter's Syndrome
A rare disorder known as Bartter's syndrome may cause salt cravings. Bartter's syndrome is actually a general term for several closely related diseases that cause similar symptoms. Bartter's syndrome is usually diagnosed during childhood and adolescence, and usually causes slow growth, fatigue, increased thirst and urination, dehydration, muscle weakness, vomiting and general weakness. With early treatment, children and adolescents can recover from Bartter's syndrome, but extended lack of treatment may result in kidney failure.
References
- Elizabeth Somer; "Food and Mood: The Complete Guide to Eating Well and Feeling Your Best"; 1999
- National Adrenal Diseases Foundation: Addison's Disease
- Schacter Center for Complementary Medicine; The Importance of Magnesium to Human Nutrition; Michael B. Schachter; 1996
- The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Sodium
- Columbia University Go Ask Alice!; Bloated and Sick Around Period; 1993
- The Bartter Site: Bartter's Syndrome; 2008
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