Salt is an addictive element. Our brain and body, in fact, are designed to research it because they deem it necessary to survive. Although this is true, it is good to remember that abusing it can lead to unpleasant consequences for health.
According to the World Health Organization, an adult should not consume more than 4-5 grams of salt per day, equivalent to 1.5-2 grams of sodium, or a teaspoon.
Many people, however, exceed this level and in some cases not only because they love foods that are particularly rich, but because they are driven by a real need.
The intense craving for salt, however, can be the indicator of a non-optimal health condition and not to be underestimated.
you might start craving salt. This effect is the body's way of encouraging more drinking.
Electrolyte imbalance
Fluids in the body carry vital minerals, which help make it function properly.
Sodium, which is found in common table salt, is one of these minerals. If these elements, also called electrolytes, are not balanced, you may experience headaches, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or loss of energy, irritability and mood swings, confusion, headaches and seizures. The craving for salt is one of the ways to push us to drink.
Addison's disease
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing vital hormones for survival.
Addison's disease is a rare disease that can reduce the amount of hormones produced by these glands. People with this disease experience cravings for salt, as well as severe fatigue or lack of energy, pale slimy skin, low blood pressure, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, constipation, dark spots on the skin, especially on the face, ulcers of the mouth inside the cheeks.
Stress
The adrenal glands are also responsible for releasing cortisol.
This hormone helps regulate blood pressure and the body's response to stress. Several studies have found that people with higher sodium levels release less cortisol during times of stress. The craving for salt could therefore be one way the body is trying to cope with unusual stress.
Bartter's syndrome
People with Bartter's syndrome are unable to reabsorb sodium. Everything they eat is lost through the urine and as they are constantly deficient, they feel the need more.
Pregnancy
Expectant women often have to deal with vomiting and constipation. Both conditions can easily lead to dehydration and, as a result, an intense craving for salt.
Premenstrual syndrome
Several days before their period begins, many women find themselves dealing with a variety of unpleasant situations such as mood swings, sleep loss and even cravings for specific foods. Among these, it is not rare that it concerns the salty.
each of them, even the smallest, which may seem insignificant at times, but is not.This helps direct the doctor to a specific diagnosis or narrow down the types of tests that may be needed to further research.
, for example, it can provide a higher intake of salt than the total recommended daily amount, but many dishes that you prepare in your own kitchen also have it in abundance.
If the goal is to limit its intake, however, there are some elements that can replace it.
black pepper
Black pepper has a pungent flavor that can partially compensate for that given by salt, even better if consumed freshly ground, more intense than pre-ground pepper.
Garlic
Roasted or fresh garlic gives a great flavor to foods, from vegetable side dishes to salad dressings. Adding it to dishes therefore reduces the use of salt.
Vinegars
One of the most effective ways to drastically reduce the use of salt is to rely on vinegars. There are many different types and this variety makes them suitable for almost all recipes. The most common are: red wine vinegar, rice , apples, balsamic and flavored.
Citrus fruits
Like vinegar, the tart flavor of lemon, lime, or orange can make your brain think you are eating salty foods when you aren't. A splash of citrus can make a chicken or fish dish perfect, without adding to it a gram of salt.
