salt cravings?

Question

my 5 yr old has developed a craving for salt. she was mad the other day cause i gave her plain popcorn, so i put a little salt on it. when she was done eating she licked the salt from the bottom of the bowl. since this happened i've realized that she's done this before. asking for salt and licking up salt. could this be something medical that needs attention or does she just like the way it taste?

Answer 1

I dont know why, but when I was younger, I remember putting salt in my hand and licking it. I didnt remember I did that until you put your daughter's situation on here. I dont think that requires medical attention, It was just a phase for me, so hopefully its just a phase for her. My mom used to just put the salt in the cabinet above the stove so that I couldn't reach it and eventually I forgot about it! Hopefully this helps, even a little.

Answer 2

This may be just a phase, however it is also a sign of Addison's disease in children as well as adults. Below are some links with some information. There was a documentary that aired in the past year or so (Diagnosis Unknown or Medical Mysteries?) of a child with Addison's and one of his symptoms was intense salt craving, he would literally cover his food with salt and eat it. At other times he would poor little piles on the table and lick it up. Doctors told family not to worry, however he was eventually diagnosed.

Answer 3

to me salt seems to make the way everthing tastes better its also in everything like canned foods I as a parent however would be careful and curb that craving for health reasons you know!