Find Safe, Natural Remedies for Fluid Retention and Get Rid of Discomfort and Swelling

Causes of Fluid Retention

There are many causes of fluid retention, including poor nutrition, too much salt in the diet, inactivity, the menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy, medications and medical conditions such as high blood pressure, venous insufficiency, thyroid problems and kidney disease. The following natural remedies for fluid retention can be helpful, but it is important to talk to your health care provider, especially if you have a serious medical condition or the problem persists.

Natural Remedies

Diet

Diet plays an important role in regulating fluid in the body. Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Include adequate amounts of protein from sources like fish, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds. Consume a variety of fruits (2-4 servings) and vegetables (3-5 servings) each day to help prevent deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Flavonoid-rich berries such as cherries, blueberries and blackberries improve the integrity of support structures of the veins, and fiber-rich foods prevent straining when having a bowel movement, which increases pressure in the abdomen and obstructs blood flow up the legs. Eat healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Choose whole grains over enriched, and low- or fat-free dairy products over whole-milk products. Avoid or limit processed foods, junk food and saturated fats. Trans fats (hydrogenated oils) should be avoided.

Salt

The body needs sodium, the main ingredient in salt, but too much can cause fluid retention. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sodium is 2,400 mg. If you have a medical condition like high blood pressure, the amount should be less. Many processed foods are loaded with salt, so read all labels carefully. Avoid or limit table salt. One teaspoon of salt has 2,325 mg of sodium. You can replace salt with spices such as garlic, onion, cayenne, cilantro, chives and ginger.

Diuretic Foods

Certain foods act as a diuretic due to their water content. These include watermelon, celery, cucumber, cabbage, watercress, asparagus, artichoke, onion, eggplant and cranberries. Diuretics increase the amount of water excreted from the body, relieving fluid retention and swelling.

Diuretic Herbs

Dandelion is one of the best herbal diuretics. Not only does it help remove fluid from the body, it naturally replaces potassium lost in the urine. Other diuretic herbs include corn silk, uva-ursi, parsley and hawthorn. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking medications or have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before taking any herbs.

Exercise

Staying active and exercising a few days a week improves blood flow, preventing fluid from accumulating in the tissues. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps bring fluid back into the bloodstream.

Other

Avoid wearing tight clothing and crossing your legs, which can restrict blood flow. If you sit a lot throughout the day, elevate your legs and periodically get up for at least a few minutes to move your legs. Smoking impairs blood circulation, so do not smoke. Although alcohol has a strong diuretic effect, it is not a good choice when seeking natural remedies for fluid retention.

References

Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/187978.php

Weil: https://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA106639/Natural-Diuretics-for-Fighting-Fluid-Retention.html

How Stuff Works: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-water-retention.htm

Photo by Adele Claire / Flickr

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