What is the physiological basis for the craving of salty foods?

Sodium is not only involved in action potentials in neurons, but also in muscular contraction initiation, maintenance of the resting membrane potential of somatic cells, regulation of blood pressure/ blood volume, and pH balance.

Chances are you are experiencing a salt craving during your menstrual cycle due to the increase in water weight your body is experiencing: a result of estrogen on the anti-diuretic hormones.You crave salt because your body is trying to maintain homeostasis and adjust back to a normal salt concentration.