Salt Craving

Hi Bearbear,
I still have my colon (for now) but have suffered with severe constipation/possible CI since I was a baby. The past few months I've been going through many tests, and recently had a colonoscopy, for which my prep lasted 3 days and involved many different laxatives. Needless to say I was very dehydrated, and like you, was craving salt like there was no tomorrow. I called my doctor about it because I was very worried about getting too dehydrated, and I hadn't eaten solid foods for 3 days, and he said to drink something like gatorade because sometimes water is all you need, but occasionally your electrolytes can get a little out of whack, and gatorade helps replace some of them. He also said some people drink pedialyte. You could try an occasional glass of it when you're craving salt.

I also had to post just to tell you that I drink hippie water too, delicious stuff!

Hope you are feeling great with your new ileo,
best wishes,
Ali

Right after surgery I craved salt. In fact the day that I was readmitted to the hospital because of an obstruction, when I went to Steak n Shake that day, I almost poured the whole bottle of salt on my fries.

I haven't craved salt since then though.

The large intestine is primarily responsible for absorbing water and salt. Since we don't have one we hardly absorb any salts so we need a lot more than 'bowel intact' people. Never skimp on salt at meal times.

I've sometimes reached the point in my salt cravings where I've, literally, poured salt into the palm of my hand and licked it up! I know when I'm severely lacking salt because I tend to get excruciating cramps in the calves of my legs.

My salt craving directs me to potato chips. I eat them by the bag. I also salt everything I eat. My wife used to be on me constantly that I use too much salt......but no more. I have not tried salt straight. Have to try it.

Dan

I've never had gatorade but grew up in India where we continuously battled extreme heat and dehydration through most of the year. We didn't drink water but "nimbu pani" (lemon water) made of lemon, salt, sugar (use honey if you prefer) - about a spoon of honey and a quarter-a half spoon of salt per glass of water. you'll know when it tastes right (very yummy). You can put some mint in there too if you want. Make it by the jug and leave it in the fridge.