Usually, feet swell when sitting or standing in one place for a long time. However, chronic swelling may be due to the following health problems:
1. Excessive salt consumption
When salt (sodium) is added to the food we eat, the body starts to retain more water. This causes swelling in the arms and legs.
2. Kidney problems
The kidneys remove excess water and toxins from the blood. When the kidneys fail, fluids accumulate in the body and this mainly appears as swelling around the eyes and legs.
3. Heart Failure
When the heart is unable to pump blood properly, blood accumulates in the veins. This causes swelling in the legs and lungs.
4. Liver Diseases (Liver Cirrhosis)
When the liver does not function properly, the amount of a protein called ‘Albumin’ decreases. This causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and cause fluid to build up in the abdomen (ascites) and legs.
5. Side effects of medications
Some blood pressure medications, pain relievers (NSAIDs), steroids, and some diabetes medications can cause fluid retention in the body.
6. Thyroid problems
Puffiness is commonly seen in people with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone).
3 simple ways to reduce fluid retention:
Reduce salt: Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can help reduce fluid retention immediately.
Elevate your legs: Keeping your legs slightly above the level of your heart while sitting or lying down can improve blood flow.
Drink plenty of water: It may sound counterintuitive, but it is easier to eliminate excess fluids when your body is hydrated.