Re:

yes, sodium (Na) is the body's main inter-cellular electrolyte, that is, sodium ions are present in the fluid BETWEEN the cells, whereas potassium (K) is the body's main intra-cellular electrolyte, the electrolyte INSIDE the cells. I saw a Yale university study once that concluded that over 90% of americans are chronically deficient in potassium, and this is of concern to some who subscribe to the pH theory of cancer - when potassium is low the cells are supposedly at a lower pH (more acidic). Our diets are so very overloaded with Natrium and low in Kalium. It could also have to do with what the person's recent diet was, if high in sodium we might expect more water retention.

Another thought is that in the lower extremeties, gravity pulls the water down into the legs and the valves in the walls of veins are not functioning properly, due to some dietary intake or lack of nutrient, and correcting the intake or adding the nutrient makes the valves function correctly again, enabling the fluid to circulate back upwards. I like that theory, its easy to imagine some dietary factor inhibiting the venuous valve's functioning. Then again, what the H do I know ? :) Tweet