Water Retention / odema / body oedema :

The build-up of excess unwanted water under the skin or in the body tissues / cells is called odema / water retention. This water retention appears as swelling or a puffy look. It causes swelling of the fingers, legs, ankles, feet, abdomen & breasts. If the fluid is in the tissue under the skin it leads to a puffy, shiny appearance and a doughy feel.
The odema is often seen in the hands, in the feet and around the eyes but is may be evident in any part of the body. Most commonly, oedema is seen in the ankles or legs, as the fluid is gravity-dependent.

Usually, applying finger pressure leaves an indentation in the skin, hence the term "pitting oedema", but oedema can also be "non-pitting", when it is caused by lymphatic obstruction.
Water retention / Oedema is not a disease in itself. Rather, it is a clinical sign which may be associated with an underlying medical problem.

Disorders that can cause water retention / oedema are :

• poor kidney function
• congestive heart failure
• protein or thiamine deficiency
• varicose veins
• phlebitis
• sodium retention (poor magnesium & calcium balance)

Other oedema contributing factors are :

• food intolerance
• The Contraceptive Pill
• poor diet (high sugar & salt intake)
• abuse of laxatives
• abuse of diuretics
• abuse of drugs
• contraceptive pills
• HRT
• IBS
• poor food digestion
• PMT
• pregnancy
• allergic reaction eg. to an insect bite
• high carbohydrate diet (retains salt and water in the tissues)
• injury to an area such as a sprain

Many more females suffer from water retention - this seems to be due to their fluctuating hormone levels as required for menstruation etc.

Diet, Salt Intake and Water Retention :

The intake of mineral rich foods in your diet, such as vegetables is crucial reducing oedema.
Poor diet and therefore poor nutritional status is the most important factor in excess water retention as high salt & convenience food intake (these foods are full of sodium preservatives and other harmful chemicals) will override the body's ability to maintain the ideal ratio of the minerals that naturally maintain the balance of fluids within cells and under skin.

People who are prone to odema should try to promote good circulation by elevating the legs while resting. Exercise or brisk walking will improve the water retention too.
Many odema sufferers have found huge relief from symptoms then supplementing their diet with Vitamin B6.

Non medical oedema cannot be corrected until the mineral balance is restored within the body. Once this has been achieved, the excess Sodium and accompanying water retention will be expelled naturally.

Diuretics / Water Pills :

The short term use of diuretics or water pills to reduce excess fluid retention when the patients health is in danger is fine, but the long term use of these drugs cause a host of problems...

• The reason being is that these drugs deplete the body of potassium, magnesium, zinc, other minerals and trace elements. This applies to the potassium sparing types if diuretics too. These minerals are precisely the minerals required to maintain the correct amount of sodium and therefore fluid within the body so the condition is made worse over time by the diuretics.
• They also overtax the kidneys and could cause permanent damage in long term use.

There are many foods, vitamins and natural herbal supplements which can help to maintain the natural fluid balance within your body.

Do you suffer from Fluid Retention - click and see

Correcting dietary habits / food intake with the reduction of salt & preservatives combined with an increase in exercise, various vitamins & minerals is the alternative procedure for long term and preventative results.

WATER RETENTION / OEDEMA SUMMARY Eliminate junk foods & increase intake of mineral rich foods such as vegetables, salads and moderate fruits as high carbohydrate foods maintain water. Water retention diets must only be composed of 'real foods'. Increase activity levels Drink more mineral water Limit alcohol consumption Stop smoking BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS Dandelion Fennel seed Vitamin B Complex Vitamin B6 Magnesium Celery seed Potassium Calcium Uva Ursi Horsetail

Our Food Intake Analysis is ideal for those who wish to calculate their current Sodium intake levels.
Page deals with basics on excess fluid in the body, herbal water tablets and medicinal diuretics, oedema, causes of water retention and how to get rid of excess water retention.