Edema is not a disease, but a symptom of some other disorders in the body. The main causes of this are as follows:
1. Excessive consumption of salt
Excessive salt (Sodium) in the diet causes the body to retain more water. This causes swelling in the hands and feet. Consumption of processed foods and pickles can increase edema.
2. Kidney Issues
The kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid and salts from the body. When the kidneys function slowly, sodium builds up in the body, which causes swelling in the legs and under the eyes.
3. Heart Problems
When the pumping capacity of the heart decreases (Heart Failure), blood does not circulate properly and blood accumulates in the veins of the legs and feet. This can cause severe edema.
4. Liver Disease
When the liver fails, the production of a protein called ‘Albumin’ in the blood decreases. Due to the deficiency of this protein, fluid leaks out of the blood vessels and causes fluid to accumulate in the abdomen (ascites) and legs.
5. Sitting for a long time
Sitting or standing for a long time while traveling or at work can reduce blood flow to the legs. Fluid accumulates in such people due to gravity.
6. Hormonal changes
Women often experience fluid retention in the body due to hormonal changes before menstruation and during pregnancy. Fluid retention is also a common symptom in people with thyroid problems.
3 simple ways to reduce fluid retention:
Potassium-rich foods: Including bananas and sweet potatoes in your diet will help eliminate excess sodium from the body.
Elevate your legs: Elevating your legs slightly above your heart level while resting can help prevent fluid retention.
Drink plenty of water: If you are properly hydrated, your body will avoid retaining unnecessary fluids.