@jlharsh
I have tried salt subsitutes before with no luck, but have not tried them all and it was many years ago. I am willing to try again with new products. I think it is the iodine in the salt that I must be craving, because when I accidentally get the salt without it, I'm miserable. I wonder if iodine is the key to the mint here. In my line of work and with cuts quickly, ya know, being an old prune and all, I use iodine on my cuts followed by triple antibiotic ointment, not Neosporin, which has animal product in it. What does the body do with iodine to make me addicted to it, and does it help or hinder my heart and conditions? I should hear more from my doctor this week and give an update.

@jlharsh my doctor provides no info. I have never discussed salt with him. My BP is ok.

@jlharsh
Okay, now I understand why I crave iodized salt:
Iodine is a vital mineral used by the thyroid gland to produce hormones (\(T_{3}\) and \(T_{4}\)) that regulate metabolism, heart function, and body temperature. It is essential for brain development in fetuses and infants, protein synthesis, and preventing conditions like goiters. Most people get enough iodine through diet, such as iodized salt, dairy, and seafood.Key Functions of Iodine in the Body:Thyroid Hormone Production: The primary role of iodine is to enable the thyroid gland to produce triiodothyronine (\(T_{3}\)) and thyroxine (\(T_{4}\)), which control the body's metabolic rate.Brain and Nervous System Development: Adequate iodine intake is critical during pregnancy and infancy for proper brain development and growth.Metabolism Regulation: Thyroid hormones,, which depend on iodine, regulate essential biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis and enzymatic activity.Goiter Prevention: Iodine prevents the enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), which occurs when the body tries to compensate for insufficient hormone production.Supporting Growth: It is essential for healthy development, including bone and cognitive development in children.Consequences of Iodine Imbalance:Too Little (Deficiency): Can lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiter, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.Too Much (Excess): Can cause thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism or inflammation.Recommended Daily Intake (RDI):Adults: 150 micrograms (mcg) daily.Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: 220–290 mcg daily.Common Sources:Iodized salt, seaweed (kelp), seafood, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), and eggs.
Now, I have been spayed twice, partcial, and complete, so I went a long time without horemone replacement until my husband could not take it anymore and found a doctor who could give me synthetic hormone patches ( I am vegan and a hard core animal rights activist, some hormone replacements come from horse urine, draining the urine from mares impregmated over and over, I will not be part of that horror). The patch made me feel human again, the best I ever felt! Then I needed stronger and bigger patches, I was addicted. Frustrated, went cold turkey. A new form of insanity, but I am strong and survived, never replacing horemones again, or so I thought. Now seaweed tastes too fishy to me (funny coming from a Pieces), so iodized salt is why I reach for it. Yet, I bet I can find a vegan form of iodine pills, right? Dr. MsMaryMac will fix me right up! 😃