yes it can be excess salt but it also very much depends on the individual... Having a chronic illness such as heart failure may cause fluid collection as your heart cant pump as well and your body tries to compensate by holding water in. Liver disease can cause fluid to accumulate in your abdo and ankles as your protein is low and pressures inyour vessels altered. Some drugs can cause water retention as a side effect of whatever they are trying to do. As can pregnancy and hormonal chane eg around the time of your period.............. THE LIST IS ENDLESS!