According to Laurie A. Kane, M.D., an endocrinologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center, if you consume a really low-carb diet, you may be eliminating too much sodium.
According to Prest, stress levels can have an effect on the hormones your body produces, sometimes increasing your cravings for sodium. The "fight or flight" reaction is triggered by the stress hormone cortisol, which is released by the adrenal glands, according to Kara.
One of the most frequent causes of persistent sodium cravings is adrenal dysfunction. Kara adds that the hormone that controls the balance of fluids and electrolytes is one that the adrenal glands are vital in controlling.
According to Kara, Barter Syndrome affects the kidneys and makes it harder for them to reabsorb sodium, which can disrupt the balance of your electrolytes and make you want salt more. It is the job of the kidneys to keep the body's fluid levels balanced, particularly when it comes to sodium and potassium.
Lack of sleep, like stress, can alter hormone levels and increase the likelihood of cravings, according to Prest. She advises setting a goal of getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
According to Prest, hormone fluctuations can cause cravings for salty or sweet foods, so if you notice a sudden increase in your desire for salty foods around the time of your menstrual cycle, it may be due to PMS symptoms.
Prest continues, "Hormonal changes during pregnancy might also trigger distinct salty or sweet cravings." This is especially true if your desires for sodium appear more suddenly and you have missed your last period.
Electrolyte intake and proper hydration are crucial for maintaining bodily functions. You can discover that you begin to crave sodium if you sweat a lot due to heat or exertion, or if you haven't had enough water throughout the day.
According to Prest, the first step in reducing salt consumption for someone who has been eating a lot of salt in their diet is to change their taste preferences and start eating low-sodium foods.
According to Kara, salt is a natural human want because it is essential to our life. But if you notice that you crave sodium all the time, you might want to talk to your doctor.