Sodium is known to raise blood pressure (and sometimes greatly), so doctors generally recommend limiting it. Check with your healthcare professional before you up your intake -- if you consume an amount that's not good for you, it can lead to heart failure (especially if you're older).
Other possible causes for foot, leg, and ankle swelling include certain medical conditions or body changes, such as: Natural hormonal changes: Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause reduced circulation in the legs, resulting in swelling.
Causes of Foot and Ankle Swelling. Swelling of the feet and ankles is normally caused by a serious condition of either the heart, kidneys, of blood vessels. Other causes include: Eating a lot of salts and carbohydrates. Overusing laxatives. Overusing diuretics. Overusing drugs. Taking birth control or hormone therapy drugs. Pregnancy or PMS.