What is a common cause of edema?

High salt intake is often a common cause of edema due to the way sodium affects fluid balance in the body. When the body consumes a significant amount of salt, it leads to a retention of water to dilute the excess sodium in the bloodstream. This process increases fluid volume in the tissues, which can result in swelling, or edema, especially in areas like the legs, ankles, and feet. Additionally, high sodium levels can trigger mechanisms that lead to further fluid retention by the kidneys, exacerbating the swelling.

In contrast, while dehydration typically leads to fluid loss and may not directly cause edema, excessive exercise can cause temporary fluid shifts but is not a primary cause. Insufficient protein intake can lead to edema, especially in cases of severe malnutrition, but high salt intake is generally a more prevalent and recognized cause in the context of everyday dietary habits. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for identifying and managing conditions related to fluid balance in the body.