Taste preferences, of course, each person has their own. But from time to time it happens that some taste quirks are literally overcome. For example, you constantly want salty. Why is this happening? After all, you usually want it so that there is simply no strength to fight. And then any dish seems under-salted, and then it pulls on a pickled cucumber, then on a tomato, then generally on a herring.
The functions of salt in the body
To begin with, we will understand why our body needs salt. After all, somehow newborn children do without it. Does our body really need it?
Need, and even more than each of us thinks. And the kids simply have enough of the salt that is present in mom's milk. We will analyze its chemical composition. The salt molecule consists of two atoms: sodium and chlorine, which together and separately each ensure the functioning of almost all organs and systems of our body.
With a lack of one of the elements, I want salty.
Why does our body need sodium?
It is responsible for acid-base balance. When sodium is contained in sufficient quantities, red blood cells are stable, regularly deliver oxygen to tissues. In addition, it is involved in the penetration of amino acids and glucose through cell membranes, and therefore affects the normal nutrition of cells. It is also important for the stable functioning of the nervous system. Sodium helps transmit impulses through the fibers.
He is responsible for the normal absorption of many nutrients in the kidneys and small intestine. That's why with a lack of sodium you want salty.
Why then do we need chlorine, because in a free state it is a poisonous gas? He is responsible for the secretion of gastric juice, is involved in ensuring the stable functioning of the central nervous system, genitals. Chlorine is part of muscle and bone tissue, intercellular fluid, and blood.
The normal salt content in the human body is very important. Its lack is as dangerous as an overabundance.
What happens due to lack of salt in the diet? Why do you think it happens that a person suddenly becomes stupid right before our eyes? This is due to the fact that impulses from nerve endings do not enter the brain well. Due to the weakening effect of electrolytes, memory, mood deteriorates in people, in rare cases inappropriate behavior may appear, a desire to sleep, weakness may arise, coordination of movements may be impaired . Dehydration occurs in the body, blood thickens, and as a result there is a risk of heart and vascular diseases.
A pregnant woman wants salty: why does she have such a desire?
Fortunately, the desire to eat something salty does not always mean that a person begins to have health problems. This desire may be pathological, or it may be temporary, for example, if you are waiting for the baby to appear. This is a completely normal phenomenon, because the body is being rebuilt, and many useful substances and trace elements from the mother’s body go to the construction of the tissues and organs of the child. Why do you want salty during pregnancy? This is very easily explained.
Here are the circumstances that affect in this case the water-salt balance of the body:
- The blood volume in a pregnant woman gradually increases almost twice, therefore, the amount of water increases proportionally. And, as we already know, sodium is simply necessary for a normal fluid balance. This is only one of the reasons why you want salty during pregnancy.
- The growing body of your baby needs blood, which means that salt is also needed, which plays an important role in this system.
And although the craving of the fair sex for salty during pregnancy is very logical, at the same time there is a great danger in this desire. A woman eats constantly. She wants pickles, and, of course, she cannot deny herself this. Gradually, an excess of salt is formed in her body and edema appears, which is dangerous in itself, and at later stages of pregnancy can lead to gestosis.
Increased sweating
In addition, cravings for salt can be caused by increased sweating. Indeed, together with the liquid, the body loses both sodium and chlorine.
Excessive perspiration may be caused by:
- rest in hot countries with high humidity;
- physical activity;
- work in complex production (in a hot shop, etc.).
The last two points are features of the profession or lifestyle. To prevent a lack of sodium and chlorine in the body, you need to constantly replenish them. That is why such people want pickles . Then you should not deny yourself, however, you do not need to eat salty foods daily. In this case, replenish the lack of salts (not only NaCl, but also others) due to mineral water, fruits and vegetables.
Just a habit that can be harmful
Finally, sometimes we want the salty just out of habit - and yet they take years to form. For example, since childhood we eat rather salty soups, and after a while it seems to us that this is normal. And then we begin to add all the dishes. Thus, sometimes we are completely imperceptible to ourselves at risk, which can subsequently lead to serious health problems.