Craving Sugar or Salt? What Your Summer Cravings Really Mean

Let’s talk about cravings. Summer brings a shift in routines. More sun, more activity, more heat… and for many people, more cravings—for sugar, salt, or both. These cravings aren’t just random or a sign of “lack of willpower.” In naturopathic medicine, they’re signals. Your body is trying to communicate something. When we learn to listen instead of fighting it, we can actually give our body what it needs—without swinging between overindulgence and restriction.

Craving Sugar? Here’s What Might Be Going On

1. Blood Sugar Imbalance
Hot days, light meals, and longer gaps between eating can cause dips in blood sugar. When this happens, your body will push you toward quick energy—hello, sugar.

Fix it:

Eat regularly, especially protein at breakfast
Avoid skipping meals
Pair fruit or carbs with fat and protein to slow the spike

2. You’re Low on Energy or Sleep-Deprived
Cravings go up when you’re tired. Period. It’s your body asking for fast fuel.

Fix it:

Prioritize consistent, quality sleep
Get natural light in the morning to support circadian rhythm
Focus on hydration before reaching for sugar

3. You’re Not Getting Enough Nutrients
Sometimes sugar cravings are really a need for magnesium or chromium—both important for blood sugar regulation.

Fix it:

Include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains
Consider a high-quality multivitamin if your diet has been off lately

Craving Salt? Pay Attention to These Signals

1. Mineral Depletion from Sweating
You lose sodium, potassium, and magnesium through sweat. Salt cravings in summer often mean your electrolytes are off.

Fix it:

Add a pinch of sea salt to your water
Try coconut water or an electrolyte powder without added sugar
Eat mineral-rich foods: avocado, bananas, leafy greens, sea salt

2. Adrenal Fatigue or Stress
Your adrenal glands help regulate sodium levels. If you’re stressed or burned out, your body may crave salt as a way to compensate.

Fix it:

Build in rest time and natural breaks during your day
Support adrenals with foods like seaweed, bone broth, and healthy fats
Avoid overdoing caffeine—it drains your adrenals further

Cravings Aren’t the Enemy

In naturopathic care, we look at cravings as data. Your body’s way of flagging a need, not a weakness.

Instead of suppressing or judging cravings, we want to ask:
What am I missing right now?

When you start thinking this way, cravings become a guide—not a trap.

Final Thoughts

This summer, don’t fear your cravings. Use them.

With the right foods, rest, and support, your body can find balance—without needing to reach for another iced coffee or salty snack just to feel okay.

You don’t have to be perfect. Just tuned into your body

Watch our YouTube video on the most common nutrient deficiencies—and how to spot them before they turn into fatigue, cravings, or mood swings.

And if you missed it, check out our last blog:

Gut Health in the Summer: How to Prevent Bloating on Vacation

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