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September 15, 2006 by erin.
I’ve been asked several times recently about what causes salt and sugar cravings. There are several different reasons one might crave one or the other. Let’s explore them.
Let’s start with salt (sodium) cravings. Sodium is a very important mineral in your body. It is necessary for regulation of blood and body fluids, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity, and certain metabolic functions (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). When your body is depleted of sodium, usually due to sweating, it will cause you to crave salt. But, craving salty foods doesn’t always mean that your suffer from sodium depletion. There’s a possibility that your body tries to improve your insulin sensitivity by making you get more salt: sodium chloride (table salt) enhances insulin response to carbohydrates. This is why many people crave salty foods after eating a large carb-rich meal. Also, sodium and potassium deficiencies commonly go together and can be associated with cardiac arrhythmias (Tanya Zilberter, PhD). Sodium deficiency can be a serious condition. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms you should consult with your physician.
Salt cravings are also associated with low energy, inability to taste food properly, PMS, adrenal exhaustion, and diabetes. (Mary Kurus)
Often, athletes suffer from sodium depletion through sweating during vigorous exercise. Lost sodium should be replaced with a natural, quality mineral ,such as sea salt, which contains more than 80 minerals. The stuff you find on tables… finely ground, white salt is very refined and has lost most of its mineral and nutrient values. I caution you to keep in mind that the American diet typically contains way too much sodium. Experts say a safe minimum of sodium consumption per day is 500mg. 2400-4500mg a day is acquired easily in one or two fast food meals. So, use that salt shaker sparingly.
Sugar has a addictive quality to it. The more we consume sugar, the more we want it. It tastes good and is quick energy; but, energy boosts are short lived and cause you to crash with increased fatigue and depression. It’s like a vicious cycle. This explains the majority of sugar cravings, but there are other causes as well. Sugar cravings can also be a symptom for parasite and worm infestation as well as candida overgrowth. These types of invaders feed on sugar and actually set up a craving that demands satisfaction. And the cravings they set up are very very strong (Mary Kurus). A deficiency in Vitamin C or other vitamins can be the cause of a craving for sugar. Also, cravings for sugar can also be caused by emotional factors, addictive behavior, and difficulties with insulin. It’s important to slowly identify the cause of your cravings so you can deal with whatever is causing you to eat sugar on a daily basis (Mary Kurus).
The American diet also contains an excess in sugar. Sugar is hidden in many foods. You would be surprised at the sugar content of a fast food meal (as well as the above mentioned salt). Often, sugar is added to low fat and fat free foods to replace the taste of fat. So, be careful when shopping and read your labels. The USDA has these recommendations for sugar consumption.
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