Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease?

My husband constantly craves salt. What causes this?

- Liz / Texas

Answer

Salt craving can occur due to dehydration. It can also be due to a serious underlying medical condition such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) — especially if the salt craving is new, persistent and excessive. Other signs and symptoms of Addison's disease include muscle weakness, fatigue, weight loss and low blood pressure. In some cases, salt craving is a symptom of a rare kidney disorder called Bartter syndrome.

Your husband's salt cravings should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if other symptoms are present. Regardless of the cause, eating too much salt isn't good for you because it can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.

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