Edema (water retention) is the accumulation of fluid in cavities and tissues and in the circulatory system. It can lead to swelling in the legs, feet, hands and, as a rule, affects women during pregnancy or before menstruation.
It can affect individuals who are not physically dynamic, during a long flight or individuals who are taking certain long-term medications.
The bulk of the causes of edema is not life-threatening, however, it can be a manifestation of some medical conditions such as kidney disease or heart failure. If there are no hidden conditions, you can stay away from the edema and reduce the swelling caused by it.
You can read about the causes of edema in this article. Knowing the causes is crucial, since through these lines, you can stop or refrain from doing the thing that is causing the swelling.
- Too much sodium
Eating foods rich in salt and not drinking enough water can cause your body to go into “conservation mode,” and in this way it retains water. Water can make cells stretch up to 20 times.
In any case, salt is not the only element that is rich in sodium. It is also found in processed foods and canned vegetables.
Despite what might be expected, Celtic or Himalayan salt reverses the damage caused by table salt.
- Magnesium deficiency
Edema can also be a side effect of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is essential for all abilities in the body, and if it is deficient, the various capacities will not function as they should, resulting in water retention.
According to one review, 200 mg of magnesium can consistently reduce edema in a woman with PMS. You can relieve this condition by eating foods that are high in magnesium or by taking a supplement. Foods rich in magnesium are yogurt, peas, dried fruits, dark chocolate, spinach, nuts, whole grains, avocados, and dark green vegetables.
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
Vitamin B6 is responsible for controlling different waters to adjust angles in the body, so if this vitamin is not enough, it can be a cause of edema.
There was a review, circulated in the Journal of Caring Sciences, that showed that women with edema from PMS have changes due to vitamin B6.
Being a water-soluble vitamin, B6 requires many potency cofactors, and it is best obtained from eating chicken, turkey, fish, and potatoes with the skin on, dried fruits, pistachios, bananas, and sunflower seeds.
- Magnesium deficiency
Potassium is a mineral responsible for the proper capacity of organs, cells, and tissues in the body. This electrolyte is essential for maintaining the water balance in the body.
Potassium levels can be lowered by excessive salt intake, and by not eating potassium-rich foods. This can lead to water conservation.
Besides, potassium deficiency can lead to weight gain and muscle cramps.
Potassium lowers sodium levels, thus reducing water maintenance.
Potassium is available in many natural products, but honey and watermelon are especially rich in this mineral.
- Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration. When this happens, the body enters its survival mode and holds water.
Consuming plenty of water and potassium-rich juices all the time can improve this condition.
It is essential to know how much water you should drink. Coffee and soft drinks will dehydrate your cells even more.
- Excessive consumption of processed food
Aside from being high in sodium and sugar, processed ingredients are full of additives that act as toxins and put a strain on the liver and kidneys.
Consuming rich in sugar, and fake sweeteners in particular, leads to a rapid increase in insulin and glucose levels.
You should reduce the use of manufactured components. A great way to detox your body is to eliminate chronic diseases and make sure your body is fit as a fiddle.
Useful herbs to reduce edema
These herbs act as diuretics, thus reducing water retention:
Roselle
Horsetail
garlic
Nettle plant
dandelion
parsley
fennel
corn
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