What Causes Salt/iodine Craving?

Posted on Mon, 9 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : During the past few days i've been craving for foods that are rich in iodine such as low fat ice cream, seaweed including kelp, kelp caviar and etc. Could this mean that I'm iodine deficient? I do have gotten which is a sign of iodine deficiency, i've had it for about eight years now, maybe it'll go away if I increase my iodine intake?

Thanks

Bye

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Salt/iodine craving can happen in iodine deficiency , more so in hypothyroidism.
Salt craving is a well established symptom of adrenal fatigue as well.
Some people gets habituated to a high salt/iodine diet. Since you have it for 8 years now, it is good to find a cause. Do you have a goitre ( enlarged thyroid)?

It is best to meet a GP/Endocrinologist who can examine you and find out a cause. I feel that you must also do a thyroid function test and tests for electrolytes ( sodium and potassium). If your bood sodium level is low and if potassium is high, you should consider doing tests for adrenal fatigue.

Another way of identifying iodine deficiency is to do urine iodine test ( which is done mostly in research settings).

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (15 hours later)

Yes I do have an enlarged goitre. I've had it for eight years now but it's been only few days that I crave a lot for iodine reach foods. I just had my thyroid checked three weeks ago in my checkup and it was fine. My doc probably checked my electrolytes aswell in my checkup.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Goitre may be due to iodine deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,

Good day.

Enlarged thyroid ( goitre) may reflect iodine deficiency ( not always) even if the thyroid function test is normal. If the electrolytes are noramal and if your sitting and standing blood pressure is normal, then adrenal fatigue is unlikely.

Since you have a goiter, repeat thyroid functions after 6 months. You may also require an ultrasound of thyroid to look for nodules. Increase your iodine in diet by usuing iodised salt and by seafood.

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar