Could Salt Cravings be an Indicator of Stress?

Remember all the talk about how salt is so bad for our health? And the low-sodium, flavor-less diets that ensued?  For years I ate bland, tasteless meals thinking I was doing the healthy thing. But get this: For people with Adrenal Fatigue salt is actually good for us! According to EIR, Sodium is an essential nutrient for fluid balance which in turn affects Cortisol and Aldosterone. Low sodium contributes to a range of related Adrenal Fatigue conditions including low-pressure and fatigue (which I totally have).

According to James L. Wilson, Adrenal Fatigue The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, some people are able to assess their adrenal function simply by their desire for salt, as in salt cravings. See, our bodies are pretty smart.  Wilson suggests to boost energy in the morning and before the mid-afternoon crash, drink salted water (1/8 - 1/4 tsp., more or less to taste). If the salted water tastes bad, or makes you nauseated its a good indicator you don't need it or need less salt. But if the salted water tastes good that's how you know you need the salt.

The quality and taste of the salt is a really important detail  Table salt is wretched stuff, even Kosher Salt tastes a little yucky to me now.  Instead, I use the brands Real Sea Salt and Celtic Sea Salt which can be purchased online, at Whole Foods, or many health food stores. These brands cost more (as in way more) so be prepared for sticker shock. But the best way to understand  the difference is doing a taste-test against regular old table salt (the caveat: be forewarned, you will never go back to Morton's). But for the taste and nutritional value I think its worth the expense.

So next time you have a craving for salt, grab that shaker with confidence! Your body could be telling you something.