Sodium and Bloating

Bloating occurs if you have an excess buildup of gas that is not released through belching or flatulence. Eating gas-producing foods, such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, is one cause of bloating, but consuming too much salt can also contribute to this uncomfortable condition. Examining the relationship between sodium and bloating can help you make dietary choices that ease this problem.

Importance of Sodium

The average diet contains far more sodium than the recommended 2,300 mg or less per day. You need some sodium in your daily diet because it contributes to important functions in your body, including proper fluid balance, transmission of nerve impulses, and muscle contraction and relaxation. It only takes a small amount of sodium each day to provide your body with enough to carry out these functions. Too much sodium can lead to health problems, including high blood pressure and kidney problems.

How Sodium Causes Bloating

A diet too high in sodium can lead to uncomfortable bloating, Elizabeth Somer notes in her book, "Nutrition for Women: How Eating Right Can Help You Look and Feel Your Best." If you consume too much salt, your body holds onto more fluids to help you maintain the proper sodium balance in your body, which can lead to bloating. Your body will hold onto the fluids until the sodium has been diluted back to normal levels.

Foods High In Salt

Many packaged and processed foods contain high amounts of sodium. Canned soup, pasta sauce, frozen dinners and luncheon meats are among the worst offenders. Snack foods, such as potato chips, crackers and pretzels, can also be high in salt. Bacon, cheese, pizza and soy sauce are additional foods high in sodium. Read food labels and watch for ingredient labels that have sodium, monosodium glutamate, baking soda, disodium phosphate, sodium nitrate or nitrite high up on the list because they all indicate salt.

Tips for Treating and Preventing Bloating

Drinking more water is the best way to treat bloating because it will help rebalance your fluid and sodium. More water will help dilute the amount of sodium in your blood, which might help resolve your episode of bloating. Continue drinking plenty of water to help keep your body in the proper balance of fluid and sodium. Lowering your sodium intake will help prevent future cases of bloating. Choose low-sodium foods and increase your intake of naturally low sodium foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid beverages with caffeine, as well as alcohol, because they cause dehydration, which can contribute to bloating as well.