Try these simple tricks to deal with water retention…
Edema is the fancy name for “swelling caused by water retention”. The truth is that it’s a surprisingly common problem, one that all of us face at some point in our lives. Water retention can be caused by heart problems, kidney problems, lymphatic system problems, poor circulation, and many, many other things. Thankfully, there are a number of home remedies you can use to deal with the issue. Try these DIY edema treatment ideas to eliminate that water:
- Stay hydrated – Your body often clings to the water it has for fear that it won’t get more. Edema is common among those who don’t drink enough water. Sadly, that means most of us! Your body needs at least 3-5 liters of water per day, in addition to all the other fluids from your diet. Make it a point to drink more water, and you’ll reduce the risk of water retention.
- Eat garlic – Garlic is a diuretic, meaning it flushes water from your body. You’ll find it’s also good for weight loss, heart health, and circulation. Add a few chunks of raw garlic into your meals, and it will effectively prevent water retention.
- Try parsley – Parsley contains a lot of chlorophyll, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. But what makes it truly effective is its ability to prevent sodium re-absorption. Sodium causes your body to store more water. By preventing the re-absorption of sodium, you can prevent edema.
- Eat more diuretic foods – There are a number of foods that help to flush water from your body: grapes, cranberries, asparagus, beets, pineapple, watermelon, lemon, and artichokes, to name a few. Eat more high-fiber foods, and they’ll seriously decrease your risk of edema and water retention.
- Get more potassium – Potassium is responsible for balancing out your body’s electrolytes. Essentially, it keeps sodium (the mineral that stores water) in check. Increasing your potassium can help to reduce the risk of water retention and edema. Eat more bananas, raisins, strawberries, oranges, apricots, spinach, melons, and other potassium-rich foods.
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- Drink more tea – Not only will tea provide you with more water, but it will help your body eliminate waste water. Teas, particularly herbal teas, are natural diuretics. Drinking a cup or two of herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint, bilberry, dandelion leaf, lemon, etc.) will help to reduce water retention.
- Eat coriander seeds – Coriander seeds are an amazing spice, one that will bring the flavors of your food to life. However, they’re also a natural diuretic that will flush water from your body.
- Add a spritz of lemon – Lemon juice can eliminate wastes and prevent water retention VERY effectively. Drink a glass of warm lemon water every morning, and your risk of edema will drastically decrease.
- Cut back on salt – Remember how sodium causes your body to retain water? Salt is one of the most common sources of sodium, so it’s time to cut back on salt intake. Try to add less high-sodium ingredients to your meals!
- Eat more yoghurt – Yoghurt contains protein, which prevents water from leaking out of the blood vessels. Essentially, it can prevent edema and water retention before it becomes a problem. A cup or so of yoghurt per day will do wonders for your circulation!
- Apple cider vinegar – ACV is an amazing remedy that can deal with A LOT of health problems. Edema is no exception! The vinegar helps to increase potassium levels, reducing the risk of water retention. Just a tablespoon or two of the vinegar per day can help to prevent edema.
