Don'r know about the salt cravings, but chewing ice cravings often means anemia. Have your blood counts checked.

Jan

I often get cravings and just go with it. It seems to be salt-related too. I recently went through the sunflower seed craving. Or a salad craving. I figure that my body is telling me something. The cravings then pass.

Jan, I didn't know that ice chewing was an indication of anemia. I'm assuming that doesn't mean an occasional chomp on ice, correct?

kathy

Well, it is not necessarily an indication of anemia, but if it is a true craving that persists and is unusual, it is a reason for testing for irondeficiency anemia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagophagia

Jan

I have craved salt ever since I started eating after the J Pouch. I do not have any use for celeries or pretzel, though. The foods I really salt are meats, eggs and salads.

Since being on the Paleo diet people have asked me if I crave pasta. The answer is NO. The only moments of weakness I have is when I am at a restaurant, fresh bread is brought out, and I can inhale the smell of the bread. In these situations I have to look away from the bread.

I don't think the salt craving is anything you need to worry about but don't overdo it. I was put on a high sodium diet right after takedown and was eventually taken off, but still salt my food heavily.

My daughter will eat salt like crazy when she actually is dehydrated and really needs to increase her fluid intake. She's gotten constipated not reading her thirst cues correctly.

Craving salt is a strong indication of dehydration. It's your wonky way of trying to retain what water you do have. Increase your fluids, GOOD fluids, and see if that helps. It's likely the issue.

Jan -- I didn't know that about ice. My body doesn't produce enough ferritin to store iron properly -- so I need frequent infusions and am almost always anemic. I am an iceaholic -- and had no idea that was a sign of my condition (and we know that is really odd as I know everything! ).

I go from salt to sugar to dairy and back..I have always followed my cravings ( not always a good thing for my weight) but storngly believe that they indicate true dietary needs and it has proved me right (artichokes and lemon for galbladder problems...)If it does not interfere with either weight, digestion or lifestyle then go for it but check with your doctor if it is causing you problems.
Sharon