Craving Chips All Day? This Hormone Imbalance Could Be The Reason (Image Credits: iStock)
That salty crunch of chips or namkeen after a long day feels oddly comforting. The instant satisfaction you get from salty snacks is hard to beat. But what if your persistent salt cravings aren’t just about taste or habit? What if your body is trying to signal a health issue?
A known dietician and nutritionist Nmami Agarwal recently took to Instagram to share an important message: craving salty food all the time might be more than a snack habit—it could be a red flag for a hormone imbalance, particularly low aldosterone levels.
Why You Might Be Craving Salt Non-Stop
We often turn to salty snacks when we’re stressed or tired. Chips, fries, and salted munchies give us a quick pick-me-up. But when your body constantly craves salt, it could mean that it’s struggling to maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance.
Nmami explains that low levels of aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate salt and water in the body, might be the reason behind these cravings.
“Your cravings are your body’s way of whispering what it needs. Start listening,” she shared on Instagram.
What Is Aldosterone and Why Does It Matter?
Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It plays a critical role in balancing sodium, potassium, and blood pressure.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Aldosterone signals the kidneys to retain sodium and water while excreting potassium. Without adequate levels, the body may lose too much salt, causing a drop in blood pressure and triggering the brain’s salt cravings as a compensatory mechanism.”
This means that if your aldosterone levels drop too low, your body can lose sodium faster than it can replenish it—leading to low blood pressure, dehydration symptoms, and a powerful urge to eat salty foods.
Signs Your Body Might Be Low on Aldosterone
Nmami outlines some common warning signs that may accompany this kind of hormonal imbalance:
- Craving salty foods constantly
- Low blood pressure
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially when standing up
- Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
These symptoms can be mild at first and easy to overlook. But if they’re recurring—and especially if they accompany a strong need for salt—it’s time to dig deeper.
What You Should Do If These Symptoms Sound Familiar
Nmami advises not to ignore these signs. “If this feels familiar, don’t ignore it. It’s worth getting your electrolytes and hormones checked,” she says.
A simple blood test can determine whether your sodium, potassium, and aldosterone levels are within a healthy range. Identifying a deficiency early can help prevent more serious health complications, such as adrenal insufficiency or chronic low blood pressure.
The Mayo Clinic also notes that conditions like Addison’s disease or other adrenal disorders can lead to low aldosterone production, which requires medical attention and often treatment with hormone replacement therapy.
Why Reaching for Chips Might Be the Wrong Response
Let’s face it—chips and salty snacks can temporarily relieve your cravings, but they’re far from healthy solutions. Most are loaded with unhealthy fats, preservatives, and refined carbs, which can worsen overall health and even increase the risk of high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity.
So while your body may need more salt, it doesn't mean it needs processed food. Addressing the root hormonal cause is far more effective than simply satisfying cravings with junk food.
Cravings Are Clues
Food cravings often get dismissed as emotional or indulgent behaviour, but sometimes, they’re physical signs of imbalance. Salt cravings, in particular, should not be ignored—especially if you’re also feeling dizzy, sluggish, or unusually tired.
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