Fluid retention, also known as edema, occurs when there is an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it is most common in the feet, ankles, and legs. There can be several reasons for this, including daily habits, genetics, or health issues. If it is not caused by a serious medical condition, fluid retention can usually be treated easily with home remedies and healthy habits. However, if you experience water retention that lasts more than a week, we recommend seeking advice from an expert. What are the causes of water retention? What are its main symptoms? What can be done to reduce it? Below are the answers you need!
Signs of water retention…
The human body is made up of around 60% of water. Sometimes, one or more of our body systems that help to maintain fluid levels might retain an excess of water.
Water Retention can be generalized, which means that it affects the whole body, or localized when it affects particular parts of the body. The main symptoms may include:
Thicker skin
Skin that “dimples” when pressed
Clothes that feel tighter than usual
Ankles, feet, and legs that feel puffy or look swollen
A general feeling of being bloated or heavier than usual
Although fluid retention isn't always caused by serious health issues, it can be a result of a bad diet, inactivity, or hormonal changes. It can also be caused by a medical condition. For this reason, it is essential to seek advice from an expert who can determine the cause of fluid retention and the most suitable treatment.
Ten causes that may lead to water retention:
A sedentary lifestyle. Inactivity can be one of the main causes of fluid retention in the lower legs. Standing up or sitting down for long periods of time can also be a cause of water retention, so it’s important to do some physical activity or to move around often, as it’s a way to keep blood circulating and to keep our muscles strong.
Sunburn or other burn injuries.
Medications. There are some medicines, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications, that might cause fluid retention as a side effect.
Weight changes during pregnancy.
Hot weather, as during the summer our body usually retains higher levels of water.
The menstrual cycle or hormonal changes.
Air travel can also cause fluid retention. This is due to changes in the cabin pressure.
Eating too much salt. This can include table salt and different types of processed food, for example.
Water retention can also be caused by protein or vitamin deficiency.
Deep Vein Thrombosis, which can cause leg swelling
How to reduce water retention
In order to determine the best treatment for each person, it is really important to find what is causing it. Some causes might need medical treatment, but mild fluid retention can often be treated at home by changing certain aspects of our daily routine. These habits are useful not only to treat water retention but also to prevent it.
Reduce the amount of salt that you eat
Adding less salt to your meals, or avoiding foods that contain a high amount of salt, such as chips, will help you to reduce water retention. Processed meals also tend to be high in salt.
Increase your magnesium and vitamin B6 intake
Another way to reduce fluid retention symptoms is by eating more foods that contain magnesium (such as nuts, beans or green vegetables) and vitamin B6 (meat, fish, bananas and eggs are a few examples).
Drink a lot of water
If you keep hydrated, your body will be less likely to retain excess fluid.
Eat foods that contain potassium
This mineral does not only help to reduce sodium levels, but it also has a lot of other benefits. These are some of the foods that contain potassium: avocados, spinach, watermelon, edamame and tomatoes.
How can Endosphères help to fight fluid retention?
Endosphères Therapy offers a treatment that uses the most innovative technology to tone muscles, firm tissues and improve circulation, amongst many other actions and benefits as anti-ageing and scar treatments. It can also be used as rehabilitative physiotherapy, athletic preparation and many other therapy treatments.
Our beauty treatment can be used to address water retention, as well as to sculpt the body, smooth the skin and fight the feeling of heaviness in the legs.
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