Question:
What to do about salt cravings?
I am 12 days post-op and have a horrid craving for something salty. I am not on a low salt diet, but can think of nothing salty in my limited pureed food regime. I have been very digently following my program and am content with the amount and types of foods eaten. I am a little afraid of this craving as I have no clue how to satisfy it. Any suggestions? — Alisa M. (posted on December 12, 2003)
December 12, 2003
For a low carb snack that satisfies the urge to crunch something, try pork
rinds. And, the added benefit is that once you realize what it is you're
eating, you really can't ingest more than a couple of them. Actually, they
worked for me early on to satisfy that need to crunch something salty.
— SteveColarossi
December 12, 2003
I used to chew beef jerky and then spit it out. I also used to suck on
pickles and olives too. I craved salt like a mad woman!!!!
— Haziefrog
December 12, 2003
I really enjoyed beef bouillion early post op (The cubes dissolved in
water). You can add as much hot water as you like, increasing the saltiness
accordingly. Also, what about V-8 Juice-obviously NOT the low sodium
variety. If nothing else works, a friend of mine licked the salt off of
Dorito's-worked for her! Good luck! Shelley
— Shelley.
December 12, 2003
I crave salt too- way more than sweets. I like pickles and olives the most.
— kultgirl
December 12, 2003
If you're not totally sick of it by now, I'd try broth.
— mrsmyranow
December 12, 2003
Guess I look at this different than the other posters. When I'm craving
anything (EXCEPT carbohydrates) I figure my body is telling me I need it.
So I eat it. Crave salt? Why avoid it???? You must need it. Eat some and
move on. At least this attitude works for me with ANYTHING EXCEPT
carbohydrates. Just a thought.
— Danmark
December 12, 2003
On another online message group, this same question appeared. I have salt
cravings too. I usually eat Pumpkin Seeds. Someone on the other message
board said there may be an iron deficiency. Check it out. I plan to have
my iron level checked at my next lab work. HTH
— doubleh
December 12, 2003
I also crave salt - I have for as long as I can remember. I've often
wondered if it was due to my hypothyroidism (not diagnosed until I was in
my late 20's) since the thyroid gland requires iodine (found in salt) to
function properly. They say you crave what your body needs and while
growing up, my parents always used the "no salt" or 1/3 sodium
products which contain little iodine.
Oh well - I'm rambling and not really answering aren't I??
Like most have said, with the exception of carbs - I pretty much go with
the cravings. Most soups contain a fair amount of salt and you can always
add more. Even though you're on pureed, and I'm not recommending going
against Dr. orders, I found that saltines, which disolve to nothing, cured
my salty needs. You can also salt scrambled eggs or suck on pickles (I
wouldn't recommend eating them at this point because of the skin/rind)
Good Luck.
— Carolyn M.
December 13, 2003
I agree with the other poster who suggested broth. It's considered a clear
liquid, so I know it's fine for Pureed stage, I am 9 days post op myself
and have been enjoying swanson chicken broth the last few nights. Yummy...
— Patricia T.
December 13, 2003
I was in your same boat a few weeks post op and wanted SALT and all I could
have was broth. I also discovered you need to pay attention to your body
and some Dr. say not to but mine said in moderation it was OK was to try to
kick up your Electrolites with poweraid. I deluted it and did not have
trouble and the salt craving was gone. I dont know if it was just me or
would work for others too. Good luck!
— danab
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