What Causes An Increased Appetite For Salty

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Anyone who has ever eaten a large portion of chips, popcorn or french fries knows that it is difficult to resist.

Many people consume too much salt in their food and appetite for salty it is still a common problem.

Some people believe that the desire for a certain food is a sign that the body is deficient in something, but this is usually not the case. Most appetites are associated with unhealthy foods that offer little or no satiety.

The appetite for salty foods is common and is usually the result of factors such as boredom or stress. Sometimes the desire for something salty can be linked to a medical condition or a lack of sodium.

In this article, we look at seven reasons why you may feel inexplicable hunger for salty foods - including lack of sleep, excessive sweating and some major illnesses.

1. Stress

When stress levels rise, many people crave their favorite comfort foods. The foods that people want at such a time are often rich in fat, sugar or salt.

The habit of consuming such products can reduce a person's overall health. An article in the Journal of Health Psychology found a significant association between levels of chronic stress, appetite, and higher body mass index (BMI).

Another study showed a link between stress and higher levels of the hormone ghrelin, which increases hunger. The results of the study show that ghrelin can increase appetite and lead to weight gain.

2. Lack of sleep

People who do not get enough sleep may experience hunger for salty snacks more often. A study in the journal Sleep found that people deprived of sleep are less able to resist the appetite for their favorite junk food, which leads to weight gain.

Because sleep deprivation can be linked to other health problems, people who are constantly unable to rest may want to discuss this with their doctors. Sleep disorders, stress and busy schedules are often to blame, but a healthcare professional can offer a clear diagnosis and a potential treatment plan.

3. Boredom

Eating out of boredom is an emotional eating, similar to eating under stress. To determine whether salt cravings are due to boredom or hunger, it is useful to look for signals of hunger in the body. True hunger occurs when the human body needs food. If a person has not eaten for several hours, there may be a real hunger.

Other signs of hunger include:

• noisy stomach;

• desire to eat almost any food, not specific;

• desire to eat, which becomes stronger with time.

These signs indicate that it may be time to eat. High-fat salty foods are rarely a good food choice.

Instead, one should look for something healthier such as raw fruits or vegetables. These solutions can minimize salt intake while soothing cravings for crunchy, satisfying foods.

4. Excessive sweating

Sweat contains salt, so when a person sweats, sodium levels decrease. For most people, light sweating is not a cause for concern. Sodium levels do not decrease significantly with daily sweating and usually only water is needed to restore lost fluids.

Athletes, active athletes, or people who work in very hot environments may need more salt to replace what is lost through excessive or prolonged sweating.

When a person loses too much sodium, his body may begin to crave salt. One study found that people who work in hot conditions for 10 hours can lose up to 15 grams of salt, although this can vary widely.

Electrolyte drinks or sports drinks may be recommended for people who exercise too long or spend long hours in a hot environment. These drinks contain sodium and other electrolytes that can replace what is lost through sweating.

5. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

A woman can undergo various physical and emotional changes on the days leading up to menopause. These changes are known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The desire for food, including the desire for salty foods is a common symptom. These appetites may be related to hormonal fluctuations.

Women who experience PMS-related appetites may take:

• Calcium and vitamin B6: A 2016 study found that women who took 500 mg of calcium and 40 mg of vitamin B6 had fewer symptoms of PMS than those who took only vitamin B6;

• Acupuncture and herbs: A review of studies showed that women who used acupuncture and herbal medicines had a 50% reduction in PMS symptoms;

• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Birth control pills improve the symptoms of PMS, according to a recent study in 2016. However, birth control pills can have side effects and risks that should be discussed with your doctor.

6. Addison's disease

Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. These hormones control the body's response to stress and regulate blood pressure. As a result Addison's disease can cause very low blood pressure and sudden desire for salt.

In addition to salt appetites, people with Addison's disease may experience:

• weakness;

• prolonged fatigue;

• low appetite or unplanned weight loss;

• stomach pain;

• nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;

• dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure;

• low blood sugar, called hypoglycaemia;

• depression or irritability;

• headache;

• irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Addison's disease can be caused by:

• autoimmune disorder;

• tuberculosis;

• HIV and AIDS;

• certain bacterial or fungal infections;

• problems with the pituitary gland;

• stopping long-term steroid medications.

Addison's disease requires medical attention to replace hormones that the adrenal glands do not produce. In severe cases, a person can get an adrenal crisis. This happens when cortisol levels in the body drop to dangerous levels. The adrenal crisis requires urgent medical attention.

7. Barter's syndrome

Bartter's syndrome is a genetic disease. People with Barter's syndrome cannot reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. As a result, they lose too much sodium in their urine, which also leads to a loss of potassium and calcium.

Due to low sodium levels, people with Barter syndrome may crave salt. They may also experience:

• slow weight gain observed in children;

• constipation;

• need to urinate frequently;

• kidney stones;

• low blood pressure;

• muscle spasms and weakness.

This syndrome is usually diagnosed in early childhood by examining urine and blood.

Very often salty passions are just food cravings due to stress, fatigue, boredom or PMS. However, a constant craving for salt may be an indication of certain medical conditions.

If the obvious cause of your salty appetites cannot be found or risk factors for kidney or adrenal problems are possible, then one should talk to his doctor.