In May, the good weather begins, spring sets in and gives way to higher temperatures. We change the wardrobe and wear fresher and looser clothes. However, we can also have problems related to swelling or the annoying feeling of having a bloated body.
Fluid retention affects women more, especially in times related to hormonal imbalances, such as the days before menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. However, it can also be suffered by men.
In this article, we will tell you why we retain fluids, the causes that cause that retention, how to combat fluid retention and what are the home remedies that we can do to avoid this annoying swelling.
Fluid retention affects many people, for different reasons and at all ages. The parts of the body that are most affected are the abdomen and the extremities, feet and ankles especially.
It is an annoying ailment that affects people's quality of life. When water does not circulate well, and is deposited in the body, different problems begin to appear. The causes must be known to avoid this possible fluid retention.
Why do we retain fluids?
When our body detects a low level of fluids, either because we have not ingested a good amount of water or because we have too much sodium in the body, this causes a defense mechanism to be activated and closes the doors to retain all kinds of liquid that it considers necessary to maintain balance.
When we have eaten a meal copiously, it is normal for us to get up with swollen hands, ankles, lips or eyelids, it is the mechanism used by the body to level the excess partner through retention.
We do not have to be alarmed, there are methods to fight fluid retention, at least, that allow us to mitigate it. A correct diet, a healthy lifestyle and a little willpower will be enough to see the first results.
Causes of fluid retention
We have to take into account that if despite improve our diet and do physical activity we do not see a difference in terms of fluid retention in our body, it would be advisable to go to the family doctor so you could determine the deeper cause that performs it.
Depending on the cause, the doctor should prescribe a certain type of treatment or another. It is important to determine the cause first so that the best treatment can be established.
Bad life habits
In this aspect, if we use a lot of salt during the meal fluid retention may become severe and accelerated. The sedentary lifestyle, alcoholism and smoking They can also cause this increase in fluids in our body.
External factors
When temperatures rise and it is hot, this causes the fluid to flow through the blood vessels without the tissues being able to absorb the necessary amount. On the other hand, people who spend a lot of time in the same position, such as on long trips can also cause this increased fluid retention.
Hormonal activity
Many people have hormonal problems, in the case of women it becomes more present during menstruation since more fluids are retained than normal. This situation is transitory, so there is no need to worry.
Also during pregnancy, women often suffer from fluid retentionDuring these months there is a great hormonal change in the woman's body and one of the most common symptoms is swelling of the feet, hands or face inflammation.
Certain diseases
We also found that fluid retention can happen due to chronic liver damage (cirrhosis). The parts of the body that are most affected are the lower extremities and the abdomen. It should not be forgotten that the kidneys are the ones that control our fluids and if there is a disorder in them, it would produce that retention.
Kidney failure such as heart failure They generate edema in certain areas, since the fluids cannot move freely.
Some medications
Certain corticosteroid-based medications, some anti-inflammatories, and certain drugs to treat diabetes can have fluid retention as a side effect. Self-medication is not recommended, always consult a professional.
Learn to combat fluid retention
When fluid retention is a consequence of a medication, the doctor may already indicate a diuretic that allows you to avoid this situation, a diet based on foods rich in water and with diuretic properties.
The most advisable thing is to adopt and improve the habits of life, food and physical exercise. Abandon sedentary lifestyle, trying to exercise daily for at least 30 to 40 minutes, change posture every 15 minutes.
Avoid foods rich in salt and sugars
A varied diet, full of fresh products is one of the solutions that works best to free them from fluid retention. Avoid foods rich in salt like salted fish, dressings, popcorn, and some cheeses, such as roquefort. Also sugary foods such as desserts, sweets or fast food.
Increase the amount of protein in your diet
Increase a good amount of protein, proteins if they are lacking in our diet, albumin production, which can cause fluid to build up between tissues, is drastically reduced.
Don't forget the fruit
Fruit is an ally to maintain the correct fluid balance, we recommend consuming whatever is rich in potassium, such as melon, watermelon or bananas, in addition to vegetables such as artichoke, chard or pumpkin.
Do not forget to drink two liters of water a day
It has always been said and always will be said that they should be drink at least two liters of water a day To maintain good health, it is essential not to exceed 4 liters of water so as not to have an overload, try to select the waters that do not contain sodium so that the cleaning is effective.
Don't stop exercising regularly
Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day can be a good start to staying in shape, but don't forget to drink water before starting any exercise routine. Schedule some physical activities that help you improve circulation.
We hope these tips can help you with your fluid retention problem and if you think your case is more serious