How to Curb Salt Cravings

Excess salt in the diet can cause high blood pressure, hypertension and an array of other health problems. Unfortunately, our daily diets are packed full of salt. You may find that food not flavored with salt seem bland and boring. If your mouth is watering for salty snacks, there are several ways to curb your cravings.

Instructions

1. Replace your standard table salt with unrefined sea salts. Often the body doesn't actually want the salt, but the mineral content found in salt. Because unrefined sea salts have a stronger flavor and higher mineral content, you can use less and give your body exactly what it is craving.

2. Cut back on salt slowly to help curb cravings. Your body becomes accustomed to your regular dose of salt, so your taste buds and body may fight back if you cut the amount of salt you use drastically.

3. Increase your intake of foods high in potassium and vitamin C. Often salt cravings are due to emotional and physical stress and exhaustion which are countered by vitamin C and potassium. Foods rich in potassium include figs, raisins, apricots, wheat bran and potatoes when baked with the skin. To get more vitamin C in your diet, include a variety of citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and peppers.

4. Substitute a squeeze of lemon juice in your favorite recipes instead of adding excess salt. Just like salt, lemon helps to bring out the natural flavors of food, but does not carry the health risks. While it may take some getting used to, before your know it, you won't even miss the excess salt.

Tips & Warnings

• Craving salt is a symptom of a few different medical conditions. If efforts to curb cravings fail, discuss the problem with a doctor.