Do you often find yourself complaining, “I feel really bloated” or “My feet are so swollen, I can’t put my shoes on” ? You probably have a condition known as edema in medical terms, or more commonly called water or fluid retention. This refers to excessive accumulation of fluid in body tissues. It frequently occurs in the feet and legs, but can affect other parts of the body as well.

It can be caused by factors like high sodium intake, poor circulation, lack of exercise, vitamin deficiencies, venous insufficiency (a problem with blood flow from the veins in the legs back to the heart), stress, pregnancy, menstruation, hot weather, exposure to high altitudes, allergies, high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems, chronic lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, certain medications and oral contraceptives. Water retention usually causes swelling and puffiness in the affected body parts. It may also cause stiff joints, weight change, a bloated feeling, and increased blood pressure and pulse rate.

Causes of Water Retention

Water retention usually occurs because of one or more of the following reasons:

  • An unbalanced and unhealthy diet.
  • Lack of exercise.
  • Reaction or allergies to various drugs.
  • Dehydration, because water retention is the body’s way of protecting itself.
  • Menopause is also a common cause of water retention in older women.
  • Fatal diseases like Thyroid and Arthritis.
  • High salt and sugar diets that lack in potassium, protein and calcium.

Symptoms of Water Retention

The most common symptoms of edema include:

  • Swelling in face and other parts of the body,
  • Swelling in the hands, feet wrists, and ankles,
  • Bloating, constipation and a general feeling of un comfortableness.
  1. Parsley:

Parsley is rich in anti-oxidants, iron, calcium, and B complex vitamins. It helps to inhibit the re-absorption of potassium and sodium, which allows excess water to leave the body. Parsley also helps to treat other problems urinary tract infection and kidney stones.

How to use :

  • Add handful of fresh parsley to boiling water.
  • Remove from heat and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
  • Strain, pour in a cup, and drink.
  • You can also use 2 teaspoons dried parsley in a teabag.
  • Repeat 5-7 times daily.
  • Note you can also use 2 teaspoons dried parsley or teabag instead of fresh parsley for 1 cup of water.
  1. Take Low Salt Foods:

Excess intake of salty foods is one of the main reasons of edema and swelling in legs. For this, you should reduce the intake of such foods. Cut salty foods in your diet.

How to use :

  • Take foods that contain less amount of salt.
  • Avoid sauces, pickles, canned foods and processed foods with high salt.

3. Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is a great anti-oxidant and helps the body flush out any kinds of excess water and unwanted toxins from the body.

How to use :

  • Two tablespoons of lemon juice mixed in some warm water should be had once in the morning and at night, before sleeping.
  • If you find plain lemon juice to sour for your taste, you could sweeten the drink by adding a dash of natural honey to the mix.
  1. Dandelion Tea:

Dandelion has many medicinal values to treat liver, kidney, heartburn, and digestive problems. It is a natural diuretic and it helps the kidneys flush toxins and excess salt and fluids from the body. It is also rich in calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and manganese to treat the fluid retention. Be aware that some people are allergic to dandelion and that it may cause gastric problems or negatively interact with lithium, diabetes drugs, or over-the-counter diuretics. Consult doctor before using this remedy.

How to use :

  • Boil water and pour it into a cup.
  • Add 1 teaspoon fresh or dried dandelion leaves.
  • Cover with lid and let steep 5-10 minutes.
  • Strain and drink.
  • Repeat 2-3 times daily to cure water retention.
  1. Fennel Seeds:

Fennel is another decent natural diuretic option that can help flush your body of excess water and sodium.

How to use :

  • Try adding one teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of hot water.
  • Cover and steep for 10 minutes, then drink it.
  • Do this three times per day until you notice an improvement.
  1. Garlic:

How to use :

Garlic is a diuretic. It helps to release excess water and flushes toxins from the body. It also helps to lose weight by breaking the body fat which makes you slim and young. Use this herb regularly in cooking, in salads, soups, etc.

  1. Coriander Seeds:

Coriander seeds are diuretic in nature and can help prevent as well as eliminate water retention. It is also rich in potassium further making it beneficial for fluid retention. The other components of coriander seeds include Vitamins-A, C, and K, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium and small quantities of niacin, vitamin-b6, phosphorous and zinc. Ayurveda recommends coriander for fast elimination of water retention.

How to use :

  • Coriander seeds- 3 tbsp
  • Water- 1 glass
  • Add coriander seeds to water.
  • Boil it till the time it remains half of its original quantity.
  • Strain and let it cool down before drinking
  • Repeat it once more. Drink this coriander seeds water twice a day.
  1. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar replenishes potassium in the body and reduces sodium levels.

How to use :

  • Simply add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.
  • Drink it two times a day. Moreover, you can increase its dosage by two tablespoons per glass.
  • If you have water retention in your legs, then take equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar and soak your feet in this solution for 10 minutes. Besides, it also reduces foot odor.

Source: healthyeon.com