@therealcookingdoc: Socks leaving a dent? It’s likely the sodium, not the water. We call it "Edema," but you probably call it "Cankles" or "Puffy Feet." As a nephrologist, this is one of the first physical signs I look for to see if a patient is eating too much salt. Here is the science: Sodium acts like a sponge. It holds onto water in your blood vessels to keep your sodium levels balanced. This increases the volume of fluid in your body. Because of gravity, that extra fluid leaks out of your blood vessels and pools in the lowest part of your body. ❌ The Mistake: Many people try to fix this by just drinking LESS water. ✅ The Fix: Keep drinking water (though you may need to cut it down some), but really work too cut the sodium for 24 hours. Try this "De-Puff" Strategy: 1️⃣ Elevate: Get your feet above your heart for 30 minutes. 2️⃣ Check BP: Swelling often comes with high blood pressure. 3️⃣ Cook at home: Avoid the "hidden sodium" in restaurant food. Disclaimer: If swelling is persistent, uneven (one leg only), or comes with shortness of breath, see a doctor immediately. This could be heart or kidney failure. #Edema #KidneyHealth #LowSodium #TheCookingDoc #WaterRetention

Dr Blake Shusterman

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Region: US

Thursday 18 December 2025 14:37:05 GMT