The American diet is generally too high in sodium, which can lead to a number of health complications. In addition to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, a diet -- or even a meal -- high in salt can cause water retention, a symptom of which is bloating in the extremities, including your fingers.
Water retention, also sometimes known as dropsy, fluid retention or edema, is swelling that occurs in your body, occurring most commonly in your feet, ankles, legs, face and hands. Even slight water retention can lead to slightly swollen fingers. Excess sodium causes your body to hold onto fluids in an attempt to restore balance to your system. Other causes include high temperatures, hormonal changes, standing for long periods and certain medications.
Edema is a symptom, and in general, it can often be treated easily at home. However, long-term or severe water retention can be a sign of a more serious health complication that requires medical attention. Treating water retention in the fingers as a result of too much sodium requires you to consume less salt, drink more fluids and exercise.
Water in Your Diet
The easiest way of treating swollen fingers due to too much salt is to immediately reduce the amount of salt you eat and drink more water to flush the sodium out of your system. While it might seem counterintuitive, drinking extra fluids will cause your body to release the water it is holding onto, as your body is no longer at risk of dehydration. While there is no specific amount of water required daily, between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day are recommended. However, you may require more water if you have a high-salt diet, live in a tropical climate or have been engaging in strenuous physical activity.
Watch Your Sodium Consumption
Limiting your sodium consumption can reduce the likelihood that you develop water retention, in your fingers and elsewhere. Keep your sodium intake to around 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day, which is the recommended adequate intake for adult men and women. The upper limit is 2,300 milligrams per day, and 1,500 milligrams per day for those who are over 51, have a history of heart disease or are African American.