Too much salt in the diet can cause swelling of the feet, ankles and legs, referred to as edema. Chronic edema, a symptom rather than a disorder in itself, may point to a condition such as high blood pressure, perhaps the best-known risk of a high salt intake. Most Americans consume seven times more sodium every day than the body needs, and more than twice the recommended amount, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have swelling that does not go away, consult your doctor.
Symptoms
Too much salt causes your body to retain fluids as it tries to keep the proper sodium balance. As gravity exerts its force, the fluids tend to pool in the lower extremities. The subcutaneous fluid stretches your skin and reduces its elasticity, causing it to remain indented when pressed. More serious symptoms, including chest pain and labored breathing, may indicate an overabundance of fluid in your lungs; if you have those symptoms, seek emergency medical aid.
Effects
Research has shown that blood pressure increases with the intake of salt and decreases as hypertensive patients reduce the amount of salt in their diets, according to the CDC. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart disease, kidney disease or stroke. If your edema is not brought under control, it may grow more painful, cause stiffness and make it harder for you to walk. Internal changes include damage to your tissues, muscles, joints and vascular system. Skin ulceration becomes more likely, and your blood circulation decreases.
Treatment
Treatment for mild edema includes things you can do for yourself, such as elevating your legs above your heart several times a day, using compression hosiery and keeping your legs on the move to help push the fluids out of the lower body. Lasting treatment for chronic edema, however, will address the underlying condition that's causing it. This may include medications, surgery to correct vascular problems or simply eating a more nutritional diet, with less salt.
Considerations
High salt intake is only one of the possible causes of edema. Other possibilities include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, vein insufficiency and a damaged lymphatic system. It also could be caused by certain medications. If you have edema that does not respond to self-treatment, including the limitation of salt, see your doctor.
Member Comments