Could Salt Cravings be an Indicator of Stress?

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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.

Boosting Energy

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.

Salt Quality

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 than table salt 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). For the taste and nutritional value, I think good salt is worth the expense.

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

Miss LizzyCould Salt Cravings be an Indicator of Stress?

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  • Kristen J - December 1, 2012

    My name is Kristen- I'm a teenage girl, and I've had so many of these symptoms for so long. My parents biggest pet peeve is that I constantly have salt. I "oversalt" my food, or put soy sauce on everything. I tell them, I have to have some salt, or I don't feel good. And for years I've had other symptoms such as sudden angry outbursts, hypoglycemia, caffeine NOT keeping me awake, and not being able to tolerate cold at all. I showed my parents this blog of yours- and they don't think I'm 'crazy' anymore. They wanna take me to a doctor to get checked out. Thank you sooo much! -Kristen

  • Lizzy - December 14, 2012

    Hi Kristen, wow I am so happy to hear you found my blog, and you showed your parents! For those of us with adrenal fatigue, we very literally can crave salt and need salt. Ultimately it's a good indicator of possible adrenal fatigue. So it's great you are getting people to listen. Keep up the good work and look for a good doctor. My facebook group page has a growing list of good doctors so if your doctor tells you "its all in your head" or makes you feel that way, then look for someone else! xoxo! Lizzy

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