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 stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Low blood pressure
Bartter's syndrome
Salt craving can sometimes be a symptom of a rare kidney disorder called Bartter's syndrome.
Seek medical attention
You'll likely want to have a doctor evaluate your husband's salt cravings, especially if he has other symptoms. Without a demonstrated sodium-losing cause, such as Addison's disease or Bartter's syndrome, eating too much salt generally isn't good for you because it can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Show References
- Adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease. Accessed March 14, 2017.
- Bartter syndrome. Genetics and Rare Diseases Information Center. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5893/bartter-syndrome. Accessed Dec. 18, 2019.
- Nieman LK. Clinical manifestations of adrenal insufficiency in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 14, 2017.
- High blood pressure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure. Accessed Dec. 17, 2019.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/expert-answers/salt-craving/faq-20057988