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Home Remedy For Water Retention - Edema

Did you know that dandelion can be used as a home remedy for water retention because it supports urine production and excretion. Wild carrot and parsley may also help.

Fluid retention, water retention or edema is a condition that describes swelling caused by the accumulation of excess fluids trapped in body tissues. Normally the fluid in the body will be drained out through the lymphatic system and waste products are removed.

causes of water retention.

Eating foods that are high in sodium or salt is one of the causes of edema. Sitting or standing in one position for too long may also cause body fluid retention. Other edema causes are pregnancy, certain medications and estrogen. Fluid retention may also indicate a serious medical condition such as a heart disorder, kidney disease, problems with the blood vessels and liver problems.

In general, the common symptom of fluid retention is swelling at a specific part of the body. It normally affects the ankles, arms, feet and legs. One of the signs of edema is when your skin retains a dimple after being pressed instead of springing back. Other symptoms may include a bloated feeling. Many women might experience this symptom prior to menstruation.

Below, you can try a home remedy for water retention as a treatment for edema. But if it doesn't help reduce water retention, if the swelling affects your whole body or if it persists too long, see a doctor to find out why your body is retaining the water.


Home Remedy for Water Retention Using Herbs

Here is a list of herbs that you might like to try as a home treatment for edema. These herbs act as natural diuretics as well as have other properties such as being carminative and anti-inflammatory. As diuretics, they stimulate and increase urine flow and thus help the body excrete water and salt. You can either make an infusion and drink the herbal tea or take the herbal extracts which are available in the form of capsules, liquid extract and tinctures.

Dandelion has the ability to support urine production and excretion. And besides removing excess water from your body by increasing the flow of urine, dandelion has many other health benefits. It is beneficial for digestive and liver health.

The seeds of wild carrot or daucus carota may also help reduce water retention. The additional benefits of taking wild carrot extract include preventing and treating kidney stones, eliminating gout causing uric acid and may help in the treatment for urinary bladder inflammation and inflammation of the prostate gland.

Unless you are pregnant, you can try parsley as a home remedy for water retention. Drinking parsley tea will also benefit if you have problems such as prostrate disorders and halitosis or bad breath.

Other herbs, fruits and vegetables that have been used as a natural home remedy for water retention are butcher's broom, celery, cornsilk, cranberry, juniper berry, lemon and uva ursi.

Reduce Salt Intake

Salt makes the body retain fluids. Reduce the intake of salt and you may also reduce water retention. Try to avoid processed and fast foods because they contain a high amount of sodium.

Drink Lots of Water

If you think that drinking more water will make your body retain it, you have been misinformed. If you aren't drinking enough, your brain will give instructions to the body to retain whatever it has. Once you start drinking about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, you will encourage your body to remove the excess.

Exercise

Walking or other aerobic exercises help the leg muscles pump blood and fluids toward the heart and also strengthen the heart and leg muscles. So if your legs or hands are swollen, move instead of resting them. If that's not possible, then flex your joints by moving your arms or legs up and down.

Elevate Your Hands or Legs

Elevate the swollen leg (when lying down) or hand by raising them above the level of your heart and hold them there for as long as you can. When you do this, the force of gravity will help drain the fluids and draw out the swelling. When you sleep, prop up your arms or legs by placing a couple of pillows underneath them.

Home Remedies for Water Retention

Water plays a significant role in the human body, as up to 70% of our bodies are comprised of the liquid. About seventy-five percent of our muscles are made up of water, and our bones and fatty tissues are comprised of around 50% water. However, there is such a thing as having too much of the fluid in your body, and that is when water retention home remedies can come in handy.

22 Water Retention Home Remedies

Causes and Symptoms
Both the inside and outside of body cells are affected by water, as well as our blood, organs and muscles. Water retention (or fluid retention) involves the excessive buildup of fluid in the circulatory system, body tissues, or cavities in the body. What you eat and various conditions of the body can contribute to the retention of excessive fluids. The most typical causes of water retention include:

A Diet High in Salt – Too much salt in the body is a common cause of water retention, swelling and edema. For some people, salt produces such an immediate response in fluid retention that even a small amount of sodium can be a trigger.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – The hormonal ups and downs of the female body place women at a higher risk of retaining fluid on a monthly basis. Fluid retention typically occurs just after ovulation when progesterone levels are lowered. The dietary changes and cravings that women experience during this time also increase the possibility of fluid retention.

Pregnancy – Since excess fluid is needed by the fetus and placenta, a pregnant woman will experience fluid retention due to the hormonal changes occurring in their body. The hands, feet and ankles usually swell as a result.

Nutritional Deficiency – Nutritional deficiencies, such as an inadequate intake of vitamin B1 and B6 or having low levels of protein in the blood, can lead to fluid retention.

Side Effects of Medication – Certain medications have been known to cause fluid retention as a side effect, such as blood pressure drugs, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Other causes of water retention include kidney diseases, heart failure, hypothyroidism, liver diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes and inflammation.

If you stand for long periods of time, you could retain water in the legs. Water retention usually causes the legs, feet and/or ankles to swell. In women, they may experience a bloating effect in the stomach. Other symptoms of fluid retention include:
  • Swelling and edema
  • Pain and redness
  • Joints in affected areas may ache
  • Skin may pit, as a result of edema
  • Fluctuations in weight may occur


Home Remedies for Water Retention
In most cases, water retention does not cause serious issues, but at times, excessive fluid in the body can bring dangerous consequences. To get a handle on the situation, becoming familiar with water retention home remedies can help treat symptoms. A handful of suggestions include:

a) Cabbage:
Adding cabbage to your sandwiches, salads and side dishes will provide the body with a food known to help remove excess water from the body. Coleslaw is another good source of cabbage to consider.

b) Lemon Water:
Drinking a glass of water with added lemon juice can encourage the body to flush out excess fluid.

c) Say ‘No’ to Salt:
It is highly suggested to limit the amount of salt you use as a seasoning when cooking or eating your food as a way to avoid retaining water. You will also have to be conscious of foods known for their salty content, such as processed meats, peanuts, and your favorite bag of potato chips.

d) Ginger:
Offering a mild diuretic effect, adding fresh ginger to your foods can help ease the symptoms of water retention. Drinking ginger tea is another way to supply the body with this beneficial herb.

e) Elevate Legs:
When you are pregnant and suffering from water retention, keep your legs elevated by using a support (like a cushion, pillow or stool) when in a sitting position.

f) Choice of Shoes:
Pregnant women can lessen the discomfort of water retention by wearing flat shoes.

g) Apple Cider Vinegar:
Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water, and sip the concoction to fight water retention.

h) Smaller Meals:
Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help avoid the blood sugar fluctuations that can cause the body to retain water.

i) Parsley Tea:
For women, water retention is a common response to PMS (premenstrual syndrome). To relieve cramps and create a diuretic effect, sip cups of parsley tea throughout the day. Some people will eat small quantities of parsley to jumpstart the diuretic effect.

j) Calcium:
Whether you take 1,000 mg of a calcium supplement or increase your intake of calcium-rich foods, women can reduce fluid retention during their menstrual cycle by embracing calcium. Try drinking a glass of milk with your meals, enjoying a slice of cheese for a snack, or adding green, leafy vegetables as a side dish for dinner.

k) Get Moving:
Regular exercise and frequent activity will promote the healthy flow of fluids throughout your body.

l) Banana:
Eating bananas can aid in the regulation of the flow of fluids in and out of tissues and cells, which can prove helpful for people retaining too much water. Try adding banana slices to your morning cereal or making a banana smoothie.

m) Caffeinated Drinks:
Coffee and cola sodas with caffeine causes a diuretic effect in the body that can help eliminate unwanted fluid.When Use of Caffeine Be aware of your personal tolerance to caffeine. If you exceed your tolerance, you may experience side effects such as feeling jittery, anxious, irritable and nervousness.

n) Green Tea:
When you wish to flush out excessive fluids from the body, try sipping green tea throughout the day. This zero-calorie beverage also provides you with a boost of antioxidants that can enhance your overall health.

o) Cranberry Juice:
The diuretic effects of cranberry juice prove beneficial for a patient wishing to flush out excess water in the body.

p) Water:
Contrary to popular belief, drinking more water will not worsen your fluid retention problem. Consuming more liquid will help flush out the excess fluid in your body. If you are retaining water because of too much salt in your diet – drink a glass of cold water. Drinking more water also helps combat the water retention that occurs when tissues have become dehydrated.

q) Vitamin A and Vitamin C:
With the ability to strengthen capillaries and treat fluid retention, it is suggested to increase the amount of vitamins A and C in your diet. You can start by adding more sweet potatoes, carrots, lettuce, cantaloupe, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes to your meals.

r) Leg Lifts:
When lying down, gain relief from fluid retention by lifting your legs higher than your head.

s) Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) has a reputation for helping to ease symptoms of fluid retention. Good sources of the vitamin include brown rice and red meat.

t) Ice:
To treat puffy ankles caused by fluid retention, apply an ice pack. Don’t have one? Make your own by adding ice cubes to a Ziploc plastic bag. Wrap a thin towel around the bag, and place on the ankles for 5 to 10 minutes. In the summertime, fill a basin with ice water, and soak your legs for relief. Make sure that your ankles are covered. Using an ice bucket or bath method is not recommended for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

u) Bag of Frozen Vegetables:
Placing a bag of frozen vegetables on swollen ankles and other joints can provide soothing relief for people retaining too much water. The flexibility of the bag and its contents are convenient for easily concentrating the coldness on specific regions of the body.

v) Avoid Fried and Processed Foods:
Dietary changes can help fight chronic water retention, especially if you cut down on the amount of fried and processed foods you consume. These foods are full of the sodium and carbohydrates that can cause the body to retain fluid.

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