Edema (water retention) is the accumulation of fluid in cavities, tissues, and the circulatory system. It causes swelling in the legs, feet, and hands, and usually affects women during pregnancy or before menstruation.
It can affect people who are not physically active, on long flights, or taking certain long-term medications.
Most causes of edema are not life-threatening, but it can be a sign of certain conditions, such as kidney disease or heart failure. If there are no underlying conditions, it is possible to stay away from the edema and eliminate the edema.
You can read about the causes of swelling in this article. It is very important to know the cause, because along these lines you can stop or refrain from doing the actions that cause swelling.
- Too much sodium
Eating foods high in salt and not drinking enough water can cause your body to go into “conservation mode” and conserve water. Water can stretch cells 20 times.
In any case, salt is not the only element rich in sodium. It is also found in processed foods and canned vegetables.
Contrary to expectations, Celtic or Himalayan salt reverses the harmful effects of table salt.
- Magnesium deficiency
Edema can be a side effect of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is necessary for all the functions of the body, and if it is deficient, the various functions do not work properly, and thus water accumulates.
One review found that taking 200 mg of magnesium reduced bloating in women with PMS. You can alleviate this by eating magnesium-rich foods and taking supplements. Foods rich in magnesium include yogurt, peas, dried fruit, dark chocolate, spinach, nuts, whole grains, avocados, and dark green vegetables.
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
Vitamin B6 is responsible for controlling various waters to adjust the angle in the body, so if this vitamin is not enough, it can cause swelling.
A review published in the Journal of Caring Sciences found that vitamin B6 was beneficial in women with PMS bloating.
B6, a water-soluble vitamin, requires multiple cofactors and is best obtained from chicken, turkey, fish, skinned potatoes, dried fruit, pistachios, bananas, and sunflower seeds.
- Magnesium deficiency
Potassium is a mineral responsible for the proper functioning of organs, cells and tissues in the body. This electrolyte is necessary to maintain water balance in the body.
Potassium levels can be reduced by eating too much salt and not eating potassium-rich foods. This leads to water conservation.
In addition, potassium deficiency can lead to weight gain and muscle cramps.
Potassium lowers sodium levels, thereby reducing water retention.
Potassium is found in many natural products, but honey and watermelon are rich in this mineral.
- Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration. When this happens, the body goes into survival mode and conserves water.
Regular consumption of plenty of water and potassium-rich juices can improve this condition.
It is important to know how much water you should drink. Coffee and soft drinks will further dehydrate your cells.
- Excessive consumption of processed foods
In addition to being high in sodium and sugar, processed ingredients are full of toxins that put a strain on the liver and kidneys.
Consuming sugar-rich foods, especially artificial sweeteners, can cause insulin and glucose levels to spike quickly.
You should reduce the consumption of manufactured ingredients. A great way to detoxify your body is to eliminate chronic diseases and keep your body fit like a fiddle.
Useful herbs to reduce swelling
These herbs act as diuretics, reducing water retention.
Roselle
Pony tail
garlic
Nettle plant
Dandelion
parsley
fennel
corn
