If you’ve got a “salty tooth,” you’ll want to keep reading.

Key Takeaways

Craving salty foods can be common, so when should you be concerned?

Dehydration

Do youdrink enough wateror eat enoughhydrating foods, like fruits and vegetables?

And oddly enough, it’s easy to confuse hunger for thirst.

Drink water before or during your salty fix to avoid confusing your hunger and thirst cues.

Or, try a salty snack that’s also hydrating, such as celery sticks andhummus.

“This results in your body craving more salt to replace the lost sodium.”

Unless you’re really overexerting yourself, this definitely doesn’t mean you should exercise less.

Drinking an electrolyte drink after a sweaty workout can help accomplish both electrolyte replenishment and hydration.

Remember, though, that drinking sports drinks all the time isn’t the healthiest way to balance electrolytes.

The best source of electrolytes is eating a balanced diet full of whole foods, fruits, and veggies.

Stress

When you’re overwhelmed, stress can noticeably impact your appetite.

It makes you crave comfort foods because of how it affects your hormone levels.

For some people, stress silences hunger signals, while for others, it amplifies them.

“Stress may impact your adrenal glands and their ability to regulate sodium.

This can often lead to increased cravings for salt.”

During periods of heightened stress, cortisol may be driving your salt cravings.

This means it’s much easier to say yes to that plate of nachos or bowl of ramen.

Like stress, this is your hormones at play.

It’s easier said than done, but do everything in your power to get enough sleep every night.

Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night, according to the CDC.

you might also replace high-sodium processed snacks with healthier choices.

It can be tough to tell if you’re hungry or just bored.

But true hunger is usually characterized by stomach growling, low energy, and difficulty concentrating.

Maybe you tried to cut out all added salt in your diet.

While this seems logical in theory, too many dietary rules and restrictions can have the opposite effect.

If you set an unrealistic goal, you may feel discouraged if you don’t meet it.

Start slow and gradually reduce your sodium intake instead of cutting it out cold turkey.

And don’t be afraid of indulging from time to time.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Your menstrual cycle could also be a factor in your salt cravings.

“We all have our preferences,” Poulson says.

“Genes play a big role in those preferences by way of our taste buds and taste sensitivity.

People who are more sensitive tasters may be more likely to add salt to their food.”

This effect can happen both when you start a new medication or when you stop taking an existing one.

But there are some instances where salty cravings may be less within your control.

Cartlidge says that health conditions like Addison’s disease could be the culprit.

“These hormones play a role in balancing fluid and sodium levels in the body.

Serious salt cravings could indicate an underlying health issue, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance.

How Much Salt Is OK to Eat Daily?

So, how does reality compare to these official nutritional recommendations?

Here’s how you’ve got the option to put this into action.

Specifically, look for labels with a 5% or less daily value of sodium per serving.

2017;25(4):713-720. doi:10.1002/oby.21790

CDC.How Much Sleep Do I Need?

Arab, A. et al.

“Beneficial Role of Calcium in Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Literature.

“International Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Benko, R. et al.

“Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials.

“Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Boer, M. et al.

“American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

USDA.2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“How much sodium should I eat per day?”

USDA FoodData Central.Snacks, potato chips, plain, salted.

USDA FoodData Central.Peanut butter.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About sodium.

FDA.Eating Too Much Salt?

Ways to Cut Back…Gradually.