craving salt by the spoonfuls, what does this mean? - General Health Message Board

gorgee · 07-11-2008, 07:32 AM

My sister is 29, and craving salt by the spoonfuls. She was eating it last night from my salt shaker, and was asking me if I had any coarse salt, like rock salt that she could eat. I am worried about her, and I am trying to get her in to see my doctor. I would love any help and advice anybody could give. What could this mean?

Thank you,

Kassandra

twokatss · 07-11-2008, 07:40 AM

She could be dehydrated. Has she been ill lately or sweating alot.

Sometimes if you have had a "BUG" you crave salt.

And then some people crave salty and not sweet things.

pinkpixies · 07-11-2008, 12:38 PM

When I'm purging a lot...I start craving salt bad...will eat things I don't normally eat...

midwest1 · 07-12-2008, 01:02 AM

Salt craving can indicate something as simple as various mineral deficiencies, but it can also be from very serious disorders like adrenal exhaustion. Salt cravings have also been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia. If she hasn't always craved salt to this degree and if it's a more recent thing, she needs to see a doctor to rule out the serious stuff.

Seraph · 07-12-2008, 02:22 AM

If it is sudden and a big issue, she may have Addison's disease. See a doctor ASAP. Sera