 |
|
Home >>
Ask a question >>
Health Advice |
|
Home remedies for water retention
Ways to treat water retention
(21 Aug 2007)
|
|
|
Water retention is also known as edema, and is a condition that is caused when body parts swell up on account of fluid retention. It is simply the collection of excessive fluids either in cavities or cells of the body. Edema normally affects the lower parts of the body, such as the feet and ankles.
This condition can hamper blood circulation and can also be rather painful. It is however not a disease, but rather a signal that there is an underlying disorder in the body. The manner in which the fluids are regulated in our body is complex. When there is fluid leakage by the blood vessels (capillaries), into the tissues surrounding them, it tends to accumulate there leading to a swelling of the tissue. A fluid leakage may be due to several reasons such as; excess pressure or force in the blood vessels, an external force that is causing the fluid to leak out or the walls of the blood vessels have been compromised and hence they can’t maintain equilibrium.
Edema can be cause due to multiple reasons. Liver disease, kidney problem, anemia, thyroid disease, pregnancy, medications, reduced protein levels in the blood, weak veins, immobility can all cause edema. However this condition can be treated with a few simple home remedies. Mustard oil is a highly effective remedy for edema. Take 2 tablespoons of this oil and warm it a little, after which massage the oil gently on the swelling. One can also use mustard seeds instead of the oil. Take a tablespoon of mustard seeds and soak them in a cup of water for an hour. Apply this solution on the affected area; it will help reduce the swelling. Apple cider vinegar also works in the same manner. Applying it on the swollen area 2-3 times a day should bring it down considerably.
Bananas work beautifully on this condition. Include them in your daily diet. You can add them to your morning cereal, have them plain or just blend them and have them in a milkshake. Bananas are rich in potassium, an mineral which helps in getting rid of the excess fluid. If you are not too keen on bananas you can supplement them with raisins instead. Herbal tea and cranberry juice are natural diuretics. Make sure you have at least a glass of cranberry juice daily and 3-4 cups of herbal tea. If none of the remedies work, then it could be a more serious problem such as a liver or kidney dysfunction. Seeing a doctor in this situation is highly recommended.
|
|
answered by M W on 22 Apr 2010, 5:44:29
|
|
|
Lower your salt intake and get more exercise, if that doesn't work see your doctor
|
|
answered by o f m on 23 Aug 2007, 8:41:59
|
|
|
|
Read more questions in Health Advice
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
