Where sodium goes, water follows. This is exactly why you feel bloated when eating salty food during pregnancy. Consuming too much sodium retains water, which can cause swelling and bloating.

An excess in sodium also predisposes you to hypertension, preeclampsia or heart problems. To reduce fluid retention, keep your sodium consumption to 3 grams or less in a day.

Avoid processed food as much as possible.
Canned food, potato chips, pickled snacks and energy drinks are loaded with sodium. Stick to whole food because it is less processed and more nutritionally rich.

Beware of hidden sodium.
Make it a habit to read food labels and ingredients. Words like baking soda, disodium phosphate and monosodium glutamate (MSG) all have salt.

Consume potassium-rich food.
Since potassium helps regulate sodium, make sure to include this mineral in your diet. Food rich in potassium include bananas, avocados, dried apricots, raisins and white beans.