The following tips will help you reduce your sodium intake during pregnancy: Now, let’s address some more questions/ concerns related to salt and its intake during pregnancy. When that level drops during pregnancy, women may be inclined to seek out foods that will raise it again. A normal cup of. They reach out for a big bag of chips, nachos, salty savouries to comfort their cravings. 70 Arthurian Legend-Inspired Names for Boys and Girls. According to various theories, it is seen that pregnant women crave for salt because their bodies are hinting that there is a requirement of more fluids in the body to support the growing baby. Breakfast Cereals. She covers many legal topics in her articles. But eating more salt means she also needs to take care to brush and floss so the gums and teeth stay healthy without too much plaque buildup. Your body needs to retain more water during pregnancy and your cravings may be your body’s way of cuing you to help that process along, since sodium tends to make you retain fluids. Salt craving is common during pregnancy. As you become pregnant, you may find yourself craving for food, which you cannot even imagine. Trailing (at 10 percent) were those who craved citrus fruit, green apples, and other lip-puckering tart or sour foods. Salt cravings. Slightly fewer (33 percent) chose salty snacks. Craving salt during pregnancy? Cravings for salt are also often a clue of chronic stress and/or adrenal insufficiency [2]. Satisfying your cravings within reason is probably fine unless you kill your appetite for other nutritious foods by focusing on one high-sodium product. Whether it’s off the wall like ice cream with pickles that get you through the first trimester or an insatiable hunger for raw tomatoes with salt during the final weeks, cravings hit just about every pregnant woman at some point. Cravings usually begin in the first trimester. "Whilst sodium requirements may slightly increase during pregnancy to help maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve transmission, care should be taken not to overeat the salty foods, especially if high blood pressure is an existing problem." Pregnancy cravings can be caused by a number of things, including hormones, a heightened sense of smell and taste, and nutritional deficiencies. A normal cup of cornflakes or oatmeal may easily pep your sodium intake by 200 mg. Should Pregnant Women Consume Propranolol? Salt is the main source of dietary sodium for us. If your taste buds have gone haywire, join the club. If you suffer from morning sickness, that could deplete your sodium levels as well. Always opt for fresh fruits and vegetables for snacking as packaged snacks may contain high amounts of sodium. A slice of bread can fetch you around 150 mg of sodium. Healthy Options to Satisfy Your Salt Cravings. Read on to know how much salt you can have during pregnancy. 3. However, overconsumption of salt can lead to a series of health issues, especially during pregnancy. Edamame with Sea Salt. The top 9 delicacies that will put your tongue’s salt sensation to rest are listed below. There are other foods that have considerable amounts of sodium and yet are healthy to consume. A woman’s blood volume goes up markedly during the last two trimesters. Yes, you can consume black salt during pregnancy as it may help in providing relief from stomach disorders, heartburns and constipation. Try and eat home-cooked food. Here’s What You Can Do! You get about 200 calories from these low-fat whole-wheat crackers. However, it is suggested that going overboard with the consumption of salt may increase your chances of having various health complications. A yen for salt is one of the more common cravings of pregnancy. If you are not imposed any restrictions regarding consumption of salt during pregnancy, you may indulge in various savoury dishes. In the above section we have established that salt is an important part of your pregnancy diet, but in adequate quantities, which means neither too much nor too less. Theories abound as to why women crave salt during gestation. Salt helps in this water retention process. Whether you already like eating salty food or not, there are chances that pregnancy may make you crave for it. Salt. We surveyed BabyCenter moms, and almost 40 percent said, "Give me something sweet." Seek medical attention. The information on this website is of a general nature and available for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice from a medical professional or health care provider. Here are some side-effects of high sodium intake during pregnancy: Now, let’s take a look at some of the foods that contain excessive amounts of salt and can pose the risk of health issues during pregnancy. Let’s take a deeper look at why it is important to consume salt during pregnancy. On the other hand, if your doctor has advised you to restrict your salt intake, it is suggested that you adhere to it and make healthier dietary choices to avoid fatal health complications during pregnancy. When you’re dehydrated, your body craves salt as a way to help you right the imbalance. The sudden, irresistible, and intense urge to eat something specific is referred to as a food craving. Yes, you can consume black salt during pregnancy as it may help in providing relief from stomach disorders, It is okay to crave for salty food during pregnancy. Bear in mind not to exceed 5.8 grams as that is the permissible upper limit for pregnant women. So, the next time you gobble down a doughnut or bagel, be careful not to go overboard with it. That one seems to be more of a permanent change During your first trimester, an increase in your progesterone level can also cause you to lose … Your use of this site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. Read the labels of food items that you wish to consume because sometimes even sweetened snacks and drinks contain high amounts of sodium in them. Suddenly, foods you haven’t thought about in years may dominate your lunchtime fantasies. "I had the most bizarre craving during pregnancy — sand.Like, straight from the beach, sand.I just wanted to grind salt between my teeth. Beware of getting your hands on energy drinks or sports performance drink as they may have up to 200 mg of sodium in them. Here are some healthy sources of sodium: It is quite normal to crave for certain foods during pregnancy. Cravings typically begin during the first trimester and peak in the second trimester, but can happen anytime during pregnancy. What Causes Increased Salt Craving in Pregnant Women? Are you curious to know how much salt intake is allowed and also our take on salt cravings during pregnancy? All rights reserved. A few pickles or pretzels don’t become problematical unless you allow them to substitute for well-balanced meals. Your best bet here is to make sure you get some unrefined salt in your diet. Added salt can help with that process. But, the mothers-to-be cannot really consume all that they want as it may not be healthy for them or their baby. Craving for salt is also a common symptom of Addison’s disease (decreased production of hormones by the adrenal glands), dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Sweet treats A sweet tooth can become even sweeter in pregnancy, whether that means a bar of chocolate, or a more virtuous juicy nectarine. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. How Much Salt Intake is Safe During Pregnancy, Side Effects of Consuming Excessive Amounts of Salt During Pregnancy, Tips to Reduce Salt Intake During Pregnancy. 4. However, if you have health conditions that may require you to limit your salt intake, then it is suggested that you cut down your excess salt intake. The presence of iodine in table salts is essential for the development of your baby’s brain and the nervous system. Your baby’s skin is a delicate barrier protecting them from the outside world. After that, they may disappear entirely, or they may taper off to a more manageable level. Should you have any concerns about your health, or of that of your baby or child, please consult with your doctor. During pregnancy, your body’s blood volume increases, so salt cravings could be linked to your body’s demand for higher sodium levels. As your baby grows, your body is demanding much more than usual, which is why the sudden craving for salty potato chips and pretzels can feel so extreme. Most of the times, it becomes difficult to cut down on the table salt. Beverly Bird has been writing professionally since 1983. Your body wants chloride. Eating due to boredom is an emotional eating behavior, similar to stress eating. While cravings for pickles during pregnancy does make sense, not all women crave pickles when pregnant. It is suggested that you satiate your cravings in a healthier manner that is by consuming vegetable soups or. However, there's no scientific evidence to back up any of these beliefs. Theories abound as to why women crave salt during gestation. It is absolutely normal to have a salt craving during pregnancy; however, the only concern is to regulate and monitor its consumption to the prescribed limits only. Swelling of the face, hands, legs, ankles and feet — called edema — is already a very common pregnancy symptom. © 2010-2020 Parenting.FirstCry.com. But in some women, salt cravings increase as pregnancy progresses. To determine whether a salt craving is due to boredom or … Pregnancy Today recommends against trying to cut back on sodium while you’re pregnant, unless your physician advises you to. Salt holds an important place in our diet because it is rich in sodium which helps maintain the fluid levels and pH balance of our body. In fact, 50 to 90 percent of expectant women may have a sudden urge for a particular food or dish, while many others are suddenly turned off by foods they used to like. Fans of Mexican food and other spicy cuisine came in third (17 percent). Pickles and ice cream are much more common purchases in the U.S. than in Tanzania. Salt cravings can also be an indication of low blood pressure, which can be common in the early stages of pregnancy. Wheat Crackers with Olive Spread. If a woman craves sour, salty, spicy or protein-rich foods, some people claim that she must be having a boy. 1. Learn more: Symptoms of dehydration during pregnancy » 7. In pregnancy, your body’s fluids increase in order to support your growing baby and sodium plays an important role in that. Is It Safe to Eat Pineapple During Pregnancy? But there are some women who find it difficult to suppress their salt craving during periods. Bird also has extensive experience as a paralegal, primarily in the areas of divorce and family law, bankruptcy and estate law. All these food items have high contents of sodium (approximately 150 to 200 mg per serving). BabyCenter; Food Cravings and What They Mean; BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board; October 2009, Parenting.com; First Trimester Symptoms; 2010, University of Maryland Medical Center: Signs of Pregnancy. Also Read: Is It Safe to Eat Pineapple During Pregnancy? Did you know that low sodium during pregnancy may be dangerous for you or your baby? "Sometimes you can't get a food out of your mind. Some of the most commonly reported craved foods in the United States are: . Let’s get on to it. See healthy snacks: trimester by trimester for alternatives to high-sugar options. Basically wanted to stay in bed and eat ready salted crisps. It is suggested that you satiate your cravings in a healthier manner that is by consuming vegetable soups or pickles. Check out our Zodiac Center! The daily sodium intake of table salt during pregnancy should be around 3.8 grams per day. But overdoing the … It is observed that salt craving may be more prevalent in the initial stages or the first trimester of the pregnancy. Sea Salt and Sunflower Seeds. Potato Chips: The number one foodstuff that tops the list is a packet of potato chips. It is okay to crave for salty food during pregnancy. Food cravings and eating during pregnancy in general should be about feeling good, feeling strong, staying healthy, and nurturing your growing bundle of love. I have a fairly positive relationship with food, but found myself curious about the wild feelings and cravings we have during pregnancy, and whether they signify anything on … Many pregnant women love to eat bread for breakfast or sometimes as a mid-morning or an evening snack. Ice cream, chocolate, and candy means you're having a girl. Unless your doctor recommends against it, you shouldn’t deprive yourself when your body craves a certain kind of food, but some sodium sources are better than others. It is also suggested that you talk to your doctor and know what your healthier eating options are. Raising an Introvert Child – Tips to Bring Out the Best in Your Kid, Sweet Baby Shower Cake Sayings and Wordings, 75 Pregnancy Jokes That Are Great Stress Relievers, Everything You Need to Know About Paternity Leave in the US. The mother of two revealed during an interview with Latina magazine back in 2011 that her top craving during pregnancy was fruit. Well, this article will provide you with all the information you need about salt craving and intake during pregnancy. Plain rice with a tiny bit of soy sauce is a good option, as it's a complex carbohydrate that'll keep you fuller for longer. If you are struggling with eating in any way, help is out there. Ever wondered how much sodium you can get from your ketchup, soy sauce or barbeque sauce? Though having a random salt craving is fine and some extra sodium may not cause harm to your baby, if you feel an excessive craving for salty food during pregnancy, it is recommended that you discuss it with your doctor before loading yourself with salty food. What You Should Do When You Have Salt Cravings, In the absence of salt, your nerves, muscles and organs would not be able to function properly during pregnancy, as not consuming enough salt leads to fatigue and weakness. When an expecting mother craves, these cravings can range from hunger for sweet delicacies to spicy, salty, or sour foods. Pregnancy cravings and aversions are incredibly common. Sweetened Beverages. 4. Well, we have some tips that could help you reduce your intake of salt. This idea is supported by some research that suggests that salt sensitivity is decreased during pregnancy and bitter sensitivity is increased. In any case, if your salt cravings are persistent and intense, check in with your GP. For example, if a pregnant woman primarily craves sweets or dairy products, it is said that she will have a girl. "My cravings have been so unhealthy. As mentioned earlier, salt is not the only way you can pep up your sodium levels during pregnancy. Pregnant women are likely to experience the loss of sodium through urine. For example, vegetable soup and pickles can satisfy your need for a salt fix while still providing your body with other essential nutrients. Potato chips, however, have less nutritional value. Parenting.Firstcry.com accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or misrepresentations. Or maybe two. Vegetables such as beets, celery, carrots. The salt cravings went away with the nausea and then the sweet tooth kicked in. It may sound strange but sweetened beverages also have a high content of sodium, which may cause complications during ... 2. You also acknowledge that owing to the limited nature of communication possible on interactive elements on the site, any assistance, or response you receive is provided by the author alone. Let’s find out what they are. Use salt-free seasonings when preparing your food. However, if you have hypertension or any other medical condition, which requires you to restrict your salt intake, then it is advised that you consume black salt only after consulting your healthcare practitioner. Foods That Contain High Amounts of Salt. There are other factors that influence food cravings at play! 10 Trendy Hairstyles You Need to Rock This Year, Figs for Babies – Health Benefits and Quick Recipes, Going Out with Your Kids – Ideas for a Family Outing, 10 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches from Your Home. Bread and Buns. A little extra sodium probably will not hurt you or your baby. A statistic reveals that more than 50% of the women crave for excess salt during pregnancy. Need a little something sweet? Potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn means a boy is on the way. Then, what do you do? You deserve to enjoy this time—and all the yummy delicacies your heart desires. Into astrology? As long as you check with your doctor first, you can indulge yourself. Parenting.com indicates that as many as 80 percent of pregnant women experience some cravings. Salt While craving for sugary foods are related to baby girl, salty foods are considered as pregnancy cravings for boy child. If you do go for crisps, try the lighter varieties that are lower in saturated fat and salt. Processed meats, such as luncheon meats and bacon, are usually high in sodium as well, but they’re not particularly healthy. So, even if you're craving chocolate cake your entire pregnancy, you could still be having a boy, an… One of the theories associated with the instinct is that the body desires more water retention capacity during this stage. The cravings are different, but if you are craving salty food, it is usually because of changes in your hormones. My first trimester felt like a 12 week hangover. Here are some food items that contain high amounts of salt/sodium, making them unsuitable for you to have, especially during pregnancy: It may sound strange but sweetened beverages also have a high content of sodium, which may cause complications during pregnancy. That feeling is due to all the extra water your body is holding to try to flush out the excess sodium. Your body needs to retain more water during pregnancy and your cravings may be your body’s way of cuing you to help that process along, since sodium tends to make you retain fluids. Here is why it is important to consume salt during pregnancy: Therefore, salt is essential for your body during pregnancy; however, only in adequate quantities. Consuming these foods in excess can easily exceed your daily sodium intake. Why Is Salt Intake Important During Pregnancy? Salty Foods during Pregnancy: 1. Diaper Rash Troubling Your Little One? Interesting, a theory about why women crave salt during pregnancy is because the body needs to retain more water during pregnancy, and salt is one of the best vessels to enable this. The presence of sodium in salt helps in retaining the fluid in the body, which is why pregnant women may crave salty food. Theories. As the famous proverb states, an excess of everything is bad, and the same holds true for the consumption of salt. Learn how to curve salt cravings and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of this element. Most pregnancy cravings are personal, harmless, and can even be kind of funny. This way you will not only be eating healthy meals, but you will be able to monitor your salt consumption. Some people believe that abnormal cravings during pregnancy are caused by the sex of the baby. Many of us love the tasty flavor of salty food, but when it becomes a constant craving, it could be an indicator of a serious health condition. You'll likely want to have a doctor evaluate your husband's salt cravings, especially if he has other symptoms. You might need as many as 2,000 to 8,000 mg of sodium a day during this time. Salt craving can sometimes be a symptom of a rare kidney disorder called Bartter's syndrome. Craving for salt results from a decrease in sodium in the body either from inability to retain salt or the excess loss of sodium from the body. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may lead to stillbirths, abnormal brain development, In the above section we have established that salt is an important part of your, High salt intake may lead to water retention and may cause excessive, Increased amounts of salt in your diet may lead to, Consuming more amounts of salt may lead to loss of, It may sound strange but sweetened beverages also have a high content of sodium, which may cause, Most breakfast cereals have high levels of sodium in them. Also, because of increased levels of progesterone and morning sickness, pregnant women may lose sodium through urine and vomiting, and thus may crave for salty food. Salt gives food flavour, and we certainly cannot do away with it. 1. Salt cravings are the same. Pickles, pie, ice cream, oh my! So wait for a baby boy if you always demand for extra salt in your food. During your first trimester, an increase in your progesterone level can also cause you to lose more sodium in your urine, so your body may be trying to replace that. She is the author of several novels including the bestselling "Comes the Rain" and "With Every Breath." Truth – Research proves that craving has nothing to do with the gender of the fetus. Myth – If you crave for salty food then its a boy and if you have a craving for sweets then its a girl. The crackers help satisfy your craving for ... 2. 3. 9. Under the stress response, you lose more sodium, and naturally want to consume more to compensate for the loss. This function of salt is equally important in pregnancy as it helps in the development of the baby in the womb. Sauces. Most breakfast cereals have high levels of sodium in them. Many women may crave for salt during pregnancy. All this information may worry you a bit, but salt is not the only food item that provides you with the sodium you need during pregnancy. Both conditions can easily lead to dehydration. Too much can cause detrimental effects on our organs, while too little can also result in health problems. This feeling gets intense during pregnancy due to hormonal changes (1). Craving is the word we are looking for here.