5 ways to deal with water retention (edema)

Swollen feet could mean edema. Here's how to treat the condition.

By: Bhakti Paun Sharma | | Updated: November 3, 2015 9:47 am

Fluid accumulation in the tissues of the body often leads to swelling, which is termed fluid or water retention, or edema. Heart or kidney diseases, infections, brain tumor, drinking less water or dehydration and pregnancy are some of the causes. Edema is not a serious condition and can be easily managed by making a few dietary modifications. Here are a few ways to treat the condition:

Check your salt consumption: First step, reduce salt intake. Sodium binds to water molecules to maintain the balance of fluids in the cells, and over consumption of salt can lead to water retention^[1]. Cutting down on salt is the best way to reduce water retention. Here are some tips to deal with edema or swollen feet during pregnancy.

Lower your intake of refined carbohydrates: Consuming refined carbs like pasta, maida and cola drinks spikes insulin and blood sugar levels. This increase in levels of insulin is responsible for sodium reabsorption^[2]. The rise in sodium levels in turn causes water retention. (Read: 5 reasons processed foods are bad for your health.)

Load up on Magnesium: Magnesium is very important for the various enzymatic reactions that help the body function normally. Studies have indicated that increasing intake of magnesium rich foods alleviates fluid retention in women with premenstrual symptoms (PMS)^[3]. Here are some benefits of magnesium.

Increase your water intake: Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water helps pass urine regularly, flushing out the sodium or excess salt. Hence, increasing water intake will help relieve the symptoms of water retention. Here is why you must drink plenty of water during pregnancy.

Natural remedies: Ingredients or foods with diuretic properties are effective in reducing water retention. Including fennel or saunf, garlic and cranberry juice in your diet is beneficial. Some amount of physical activity and keeping yourself hydrated is also necessary.

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Published: November 2, 2015 7:08 pm | Updated:November 3, 2015 9:47 am

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