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Why Do I Have Salt Cravings?
There are several different reasons why you may be
craving salt. The first one is that over the years your body and
your taste buds have been accustomed to a lot of salt. If you are
trying to cut back on salt because of health reasons, your body will
crave it, simply because it is used to lots of salt.
Craving salty foods can also be a symptom of adrenal exhaustion,
especially in people who live fast-paced, stressful lives.
You could also be craving salt because your body needs the
additional minerals found in natural salt. These minerals have been
filtered out of our regular table salt. In this case eating salty
food will only satisfy your craving temporarily until your body
realizes it is still missing the extra minerals.
Is Salt Really Dangerous Or Addictive?
The average American has a salt intake of about 15 pounds a year.
This much salt can cause high blood pressure and hypertension. The
excess sodium also leaches a lot of calcium out of your bones, which
over time can lead to osteoporosis.
Your body needs approximately 500 mg of salt a day. If you are an
athlete or work hard physically, and sweat a lot, you will need
more. The FDA's recommended daily salt intake is 2,500 mg a day for
the average adult. Most North Americans' daily salt intake is over
5,000 mg. This is the processed, white, refined sodium chloride,
which is toxic to our bodies.
Salt cravings have also been linked to serious health conditions
such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia. If you
find yourself craving a lot of salt all of a sudden, it may be a
good idea to schedule a physical. Be sure to mention your salt
cravings to your physician, so he or she can administer appropriate
tests for the conditions mentioned above.
What Can I Do To Curb My Salt Cravings?
If you are craving salt as a result of being accustomed to consuming
a lot of salt with your foods or enjoying lots of salty foods like
potato chips, salted nuts etc., then slowly cut back on your salt
intake and replace it with herbs and spices to give you lots of
flavor without the salt. An excellent way to get the salt taste you
crave as well as 84 necessary minerals is to use Himalayan Salt
Crystals.
If stress and adrenal exhaustion are causing your salt cravings, try
eating food that are high in Vitamin C and Potassium.
Foods High In Vitamin C – Citrus, Pepper, Broccoli
Foods High In Potassium – Apricots, Bran Wheat, Raisins, Figs, and
Baked Potato With Skin
If you are craving salt, or just consuming a lot of salt each day,
start cutting back on your salt intake. Opt for low sodium versions
of foods and condiments. Start paying attention to the amount of
salt in certain food. Take a look at a bread label. You’ll be
surprised how much salt is in a single slice of bread.
Replace some processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables and
season your dishes with herbs and spices. Stick with it and after a
while you won’t miss the salt and will be feeling better.
Are cravings for sugar, salt, junk food, sodas, and coffee running
your life? For over 20 years, Diana Walker, the Cravings Coach, has
assisted people like you in using natural, safe options for creating
vibrant health. Check out Diana's newsletter, blog and podcast at
http://www.thecravingscoach.com/blog and at
http://www.diana2.com
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