salt cravings?

[oreille]

So, I'm a relatively new runner.  I did C25k a while ago (spring 2012 maybe?), 5ks here and there since then.  I've been sticking to 4-5 days a week of running since about February 2014, and doing pretty well (ran a local 10 miler yesterday).

After I run (worse after long runs, but pretty much after every run) I could seriously eat every salty food in sight.  Pickles, chips, mexican food, salted potatoes, whatever.

I run with gatorade for runs over 5 miles or so (I'm slow, running between a 12:00 and 14:30 mile depending on distance).  Is this salt thing something that will dissipate with time?  Do I need to fuel with something else?

I'm so excited about my running success, but don't want to replace couch potato status with high blood pressure from too much sodium.

Thoughts?

[AAM2012]

I wouldn't think you would need that much fluid unless you are sweating a LOT. How is the rest of your diet? I know I crave salt when my diet isn't as wholesome/nutritional as it should be.

[Deleted]

'eh the blood pressure/salt link is weakening in the medical community (not at all totally debunked, there's a clear link, but there's more to the story). Here's a decent article on it: www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/04/03/298745563/time-to-relax-the-sodium-guidelines-some-docs-say-not-so-fast

Mostly what I'm saying here is that you're healthy, don't fret the salt too much.

I crave salt constantly, but I also work out 1-2x/day 6 days a week. I don't think you're abnormal, but if you're craving salt choose things like salted nuts and sunflower seeds.

[starburst]

When I was running a lot, I craved salt like crazy. I loved eating the salt off of pretzels. When I stopped running due to an injury, the craving went away. I'm running again now, but a lot less than I used to and the craving has not returned.

[runaways]

I always eat a lot of salt when I'm running a lot, especially as the weather starts getting warmer. Aside from the Gatorade and post-run, do you normally eat much sodium? If not, I might try to add a little more salt to your meals regularly and that will probably help you feel better. If you are craving it after every run, I'm inclined to think you need more of it.

[Wines Not Whines]

I'm a salty sweater and I often crave salt. I think it's normal. I roll with it and eat extra salt.

[Susie]

My mom (who is an RD) has often quoted to me the statistic that only 30% of the population is salt-sensitive, i.e., salt affects their blood pressure. Since my bp is relatively low I merrily assume myself to be in the majority, and eat as much salt as tastes good.  I really only notice a significant uptick in the summer though, when I really sweat a ton.