Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Swati on 07/02/2011 04:30:03

Title: Why do I crave salt?
Post by: Swati on 07/02/2011 04:30:03

Swati asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I was a patient of diarrhea for two years and now I feel need for licking/eating dry salt.  Why i feel so and what can be the solution?

What do you think?

Title: Why do I crave salt?
Post by: Karen W. on 16/02/2011 07:02:17

I am no expert and am surprised no one answered this but I do know that diarhea for that long and even far less of a time can really delapitate you by dehydration and with that comes a loss of potassium.. I do have some experience3 with that.. my guess is that your doctor should be informed and you could ask to have your potassium level checked.. It could be very low and may need a doctors assistance to get it back to the right place... Keep in mind that potassium either too low or two high can be potentially dangerous if not fatal so please do make sure and get it checked before trying to self medicate... make sure that is the problem it could very well be many different things.. I am no doctor but that is at least one of the possible causes ... Would love for one of these lovely scientists/ doctors to give more information...but in the mean time careful with the salt and see your doctor! Wait for someone more educated in these matters to come along and offer their educated opinion...eh...

Welcome to the forum Swati!