Salt craving: A symptom of Addison’s disease?

Date Updated: 04/21/2020

Answer Section

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.