POPCORN at the movies is practically an American birthright. But if you’re constantly reaching for the saltshaker, it may be more than just a typical hankering.
WHY DO WE NEED SALT?
■ Sodium plays a major role in our health: It keeps water in our bodies, helps regulate blood pressure, prevents muscle cramps, and maintains the nervous system, says Melissa Prest, R.D.N., of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Our bodies love balance, so when your sodium level drops, your body will send you a message to let you know that you need sodium to rebalance,” she says. Once you crunch that pretzel, you feel good—the brain then equates salt with pleasure and you crave it even more, adds Mahmud Kara, M.D., founder and CEO of KaraMD.
Though it’s very rare to have a true sodium deficiency (the minimum needed is 500 mg per day; most Americans hit more than 3,400 mg), an imbalance in hormones can trigger salt cravings. And then there’s the reward factor. Hormones such as aldosterone and glucocorticoids can signal the kidneys to call for more sodium and create an intense craving, Dr. Kara says.
4 Reasons You May Crave Salt
♦ YOU’RE OVERLY STRESSED: Stress levels can impact your hormones, especially cortisol, which can cause an increase in sodium cravings, Prest says.
♦ YOU’RE EXHAUSTED: Prest says lack of sleep can also impact your hormone levels, making cravings more likely.
♦ YOU’RE PREGNANT: Not only can hormone fluctuations cause salt cravings, but vomiting from morning sickness can deplete your body of fluids and cause electrolyte imbalances, making you crave salt. Or, the extra fluids you carry during pregnancy may contribute to a greater need for salt.
♦ YOU’RE ON A STRICT DIET: If you’re following a very low-carb diet, like keto, you may be cutting out too much sodium, says Laurie A. Kane, M.D., an endocrinologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
While most salt cravings are harmless, they can occasionally signal adrenal or kidney issues. If your craving is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramps, headache, or irritability, check in with your doctor as soon as possible. ■