Salt craving can sometimes be caused by a serious underlying medical condition, such as adrenal insufficiency or Bartter's syndrome.

Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) can cause a salt craving that's new, persistent and excessive.

Signs and symptoms of Addison's disease include:

• Craving salt
• Muscle aches and weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Low blood pressure

Bartter's syndrome

In some cases, salt craving is a symptom of a rare kidney disorder called Bartter's syndrome.

Seek medical attention

Your husband's salt cravings should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if other symptoms are present. In the absence of a demonstrated sodium-losing cause, such as Addison's disease or Bartter's syndrome, eating too much salt isn't good for you because it can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

• Adrenal fatigue: What causes it?

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April 12, 2017 See more Expert Answers