Sodium, found in salt, is an essential nutrient that helps regulate the body’s fluid balance, transmit nerve impulses and maintain proper muscle function.

However, consuming too much salt can lead to various health problems such as high blood pressure, kidney disease and stroke. In fact, The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day for most adults, but ideally no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.

If you’re wondering if you’re consuming too much salt, here are 10 signs that your body is craving less salt.

1. You experience bloating

Consuming too much salt can lead to water retention, which can cause bloating in your stomach and other parts of your body.

If you feel like you’ve gained weight or your clothes feel tighter, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. By reducing your salt intake, you can reduce bloating and feel more comfortable in your clothes.

2. You have high blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other health problems.

Consuming too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure, as salt causes the body to retain water, which increases the volume of blood in the blood vessels. If you have high blood pressure, reducing your salt intake can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of health problems.

3. You experience frequent headaches

Headaches can be caused by many factors, including dehydration, stress, lack of sleep and consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can lead to dehydration, which can cause headaches.

If you experience frequent headaches, try reducing your salt intake and see if your headaches improve.

4. You experience excessive thirst

If you’re constantly thirsty, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can lead to dehydration, which can cause excessive thirst.

By reducing your salt intake, you can help your body maintain proper fluid balance and reduce thirst.

5. You have frequent urination

If you’re urinating more than usual, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can lead to dehydration, which can cause the body to produce more urine.

By reducing your salt intake, you can help your body maintain proper fluid balance and reduce urination.

6. You have a metallic taste in your mouth

If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can alter the taste of food and cause a metallic taste in the mouth.

By reducing your salt intake, you can improve the taste of food and reduce the metallic taste in your mouth.

7. You have dry skin

If you have dry skin, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can lead to dehydration, which can cause dry skin.

By reducing your salt intake, you can help your body maintain proper fluid balance and improve your skin’s hydration.

8. You feel fatigued

If you feel fatigued, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue.

By reducing your salt intake, you can help your body maintain proper fluid balance and reduce fatigue.

9. You have muscle cramps

If you experience muscle cramps, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can alter the body’s electrolyte balance, which can cause muscle cramps.

By reducing your salt intake, you can help your body maintain proper electrolyte balance and reduce muscle cramps.

10. You have a strong craving for salty foods

If you have a strong craving for salty foods, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much salt. Consuming too much salt can alter the body’s taste preferences, causing a craving for salty foods.

By reducing your salt intake, you can improve your taste preferences and reduce your craving for salty foods.