Tag: Sodium and water retention

According to expert consensus, drinking water during or after a meal is perfectly acceptable and can actually aid digestion. This addresses the common concern about whether you can drink water after eating fries and other salty foods without causing digestive harm. Far from hindering the process, proper hydration is key to managing a high-sodium intake.

According to the CDC, the average American consumes around 3,400 mg of sodium daily, far exceeding the recommended limit of 2,300 mg. This excessive intake is a primary reason for that puffy, swollen feeling many people experience. So, why is salt making me swell? The simple answer lies in the body's natural fluid regulation system, which relies on a careful balance that a high-sodium diet can disrupt.