Could salt make a difference?*
(Image From Addison's Disease Self-Help Group)
With climate change and impending heatwaves, those with Long Term Health Conditions need to be well prepared. Whilst the standard guidelines and simple tips remain as per an average person, extra precautions will be needed. How much depends on the condition, the temperature and the activities to be undertaken.
Simon Pearce is a Professor of Endocrinology at Newcastle University and an Honorary Consultant Physician at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle. In a blog post with The Addison’s Disease Self-help Group (ADSHG), he shared some overhead conversations in his clinics:
“I could only eat very salty gravy”
“I peeled and ate a lemon dipped in table salt”
“I crave the juice left in the jar after the pickles are finished”
“I found the wrappers for 3 family bags of salt & vinegar crisps under her bed. Can you tell her to eat more healthily” (mother of a teenager).
Note the common theme that is ‘salt’. So what difference does this make? Well, quite a lot and cravings should never go unheard. Despite the fact that we are often being told to reduce our salt intake this is not a sensible option for Addison’s Disease management.
It is the body's way of letting us know that something is wrong. In the case of someone with pituitary insufficiency or Addison’s disease, this could be life-threatening. Heat is not yet mentioned!
Professor Pearce said: ‘If the weather is very hot, or you are working in a hot environment or exercising vigorously, you will lose more salt from your body through sweating’.
For those with Addison’s disease, this leads to the advice that salt intake or an increase in fludrocortisone doses will be needed when you go on holiday or through heatwaves in the UK.
Something additional that we know needs to factor into our already difficult health conditions. Salty snacks can be enjoyable. Crackers and soup are recommended. So are sodium tablets. Lo salt products should be avoided as they contain potassium which will affect salt deficiency.
On a personal note, I find it helpful to carry/have close to hand the following items when the weather heats up!
Cooling mist spray (Can be purchased cheaply from pharmacy shops)
Diluted fruit juice with a pinch of salt and a bottle of water
A fan — make one —small ones with batteries — hand-held ones work well
Spare medication
And of course a salty snack.
If you need some more ideas the ADSHG HQ reach for the Co-op Irresistible Sea Salt Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Crisps. Cup a Soup with soy sauce, salt sachets in lemonade and the classic gherkin!
It’s important to remember that the symptoms of low salt levels in the body match the signs of an adrenal crisis and can be the reason for repeated crises. Good management makes for better outcomes. Less confusion and ultimately fewer emergency injections and/or trips to the hospital.
The Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group - Why salt blog
*Please remember that these blogs are very real to us. We are on the same journey. It’s tough, slow and frustrating. Most of the Scenarios we face ourselves. Sometimes we find what we print useful. Other times we don’t. It’s included because everyone's journey is different. We have passionate perseverance to help others. To dispose of all content would be a waste and a disservice to our readers.