Fluid retention is a health condition that is usually associated as a cause or symptom of other diseases, however this condition can also be related to the lack of physical activity or the intake of certain medications.

That is why, in the following article you will learn to recognize the causes of fluid retention, how to identify if you are suffering from this condition and the recommendations that you should take into account if you want to avoid or eliminate the fluid that is inflaming your body.

What is fluid retention?

Edema or fluid retention is the excessive accumulation of fluids that lodge in the tissues, specifically under the skin, causinginflammation of the affected area.

You should know: Commonly, edemausually appears in the lower extremities, upper extremities or joints, however it can also be evidenced in the abdomen, a condition known as: ascites, while when the fluid is located in the lungs it is called: pleural effusion.

The pain and discomfort generated by edema is due to the fact thatthe person is unable to perform basic movements, in addition to experiencing a feeling of heaviness along with a notable inflammation due to accumulated liquids.

What causes fluid retention?

Edemais sometimes generated by causes linked to other pathologies, health conditions and different factors that intervene to begin to retain fluids in different parts of your body. Here are some of the most common causes of fluid retention:

1. Heart, liver and kidney disorders

The dreaded fluid retention has various causes, some of which is that it may be affecting you if you have or could be suffering from heart failure, liver cirrhosis or disorders in the proper functioning of the kidneys.

the aforementioned diseases

2. Hormonal changes

When the different types of hormones are altered, they trigger different discomforts in the systemsthat make up the body. EspeciallyVasopressin also known as antidiuretic hormone , is the substance produced by the hypothalamus that is responsible for narrowing blood vessels and reducing urine.

Important: One of the main causes when the alteration in this hormone occurs is that it can lead to edema, this is due to the difficulty that the body presents in eliminating liquids naturally, occasionally this unbalances the correct functioning of the kidneys.

3. Overweight

Being overweight entails a series of complications that go beyond the aesthetic, knotted to it the swelling especially of the lower limbs and joints that become inflamed by fluid retention, this occurs mainly due to the obstruction of the roads and arteriesthanks toexcessive amounts of body fat.

4. Inadequate diet

Poor diet where foods high in sodium are eaten causes the amount of retained fluids to increase.

This is due to the fact that the body needs much more water to be able to dissolve the salt that you eat as a condiment in your meals or foods with sodium , which is why the lymphatic and renal systems begin to be affected,thus generating edema, generally in the legs . legs, arms and abdomen.

5. Physical inactivity

Lack of activity and sedentary lifestyle cause your body to decrease its physical capacity , therefore it usually begins to retain fluids in the upper and lower extremities due to the lack of mobility of the muscles and tissues, in addition to the blood circulation problems that It is usually associated with physical inactivity.

6. Medicines

One of the main causes of edema is the intake of medications, especially those related to lowering or controlling blood pressure, as well as those that can alter the function of the vasopressin hormone, which usually causes inflammation. of the ankles and legs.

What symptoms does fluid retention cause?

Factors such as high temperatures, poor diet and low water intake can cause fluid retention, therefore it is necessary that you learn to identify each of the symptoms associated with this health condition:

1. Inflammation and heaviness

One of the most obvious symptoms that you are retaining fluids is inflammation accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, this is because the volume of the parts of your body where the fluid is storedgradually increases , thus increasing the normal size of these areas.

Note: The inflammations usually appear in the legs and arms, with special emphasis on the joints such as the knees, ankles and fingers, which, being part of the extremities, are the areas where the usual heaviness is generated due to the presence of edema.

2. Sudden weight gain

If you notice that you have gained weight despite maintaining a balanced diet, you may be retaining fluids as an underlying cause of a health condition.

is presented as the inflammation of the

3. Decreased urination

Water and other body fluids are mainly eliminated through urine, therefore when there is a decrease in the number of daily urinations, the body begins to accumulate all the excess fluids in the tissues that are located under the skin, causing thus the usual inflammation by edema.

Note: Sweating is also one of the ways the body eliminates retained fluids and toxins.

4. Presence of fovea

The fovea is the small mark or indentation that occurs when you pressthe area of your body that is inflamed for a few seconds. This sinkingusually turns light in color or yellow tones and can remain for a few minutes, this means that there is fluid retention on that tissue.

How to eliminate fluid retention?

The high content of water and salt in your body may be affecting the normal functions of your body. That is why, below, we present a list of thebest solutions that will help you eliminate fluid retention effectively and without taking any type of drug.

1. Hydrate properly

The consumption of water, in addition to helping your body to carry out each of its functions, keeping your skin healthy and the health of each of the organs that make up your body, helps you increase urination and therefore eliminate the liquids that you are withholding

Important: Water gives you the quality of keeping each of the cells and tissues in your body healthy, it is also the substance that will help you to achieve that simple dilation of the veins and arteries that you need so that the blood circulates correctly and you can eliminate liquids more easily.

2. Maintain a balanced diet

Eating food in a balanced way, where you include the necessary amounts of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and calories, will help you keep your body healthy and you can perform each of your daily activities with energy and vitality.

3. Decrease sodium intake

The main source of sodium consumption is salt, which you use to season your meals and this in turn causes your body to generate more liquids to be able to dissolve it correctly.

Therefore, it is necessary that you reduce the consumption of foods with sodium and reduce the amount of salt when eating, so you can avoid fluid retention but also diseases associated with the cardiovascular system.

4. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting

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Tip: If you suffer from fluid retention and your job or daily routine requires you to sit or stand for a long time, we recommend that you take active breaks where you stretch your limbsand move a little from the rigid position you usually have. You can perform this action for 10 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.

5. Do physical activity

Physical activity, in addition to keeping you fit, will help you release fluids through sweat while mobilizing the tissues that are retaining unnecessary water for your body.

Tip: You can start with short walks, jogging a little, stretching your body or also doing yoga, as long as they are Moderate Activities so that your body gradually eliminates retained fluids without causing other types of damage.

6. Go to the doctor if necessary

Fluid retention is a condition that can present as a symptom of more complex pathologies.

Therefore, if you notice that you have a good diet, do not suffer from any disease that you are aware of, do not take medications with adverse effects and still have fluid retention, it is imperative that you go to the consultation of a specialist so that carry out the relevant evaluation.

Key Findings

  • Fluid retention or edema is the accumulation of water lodged in the tissues that usually appears in different parts of the body.
  • The Most common causes of fluid retention are: heart, kidney or liver pathologies, as a side effect of some medication or being overweight.
  • Hydrating properly will help you increase urination and therefore gradually eliminate edema.
  • Minimizing sodium intake is important for those who suffer from fluid retention, since salt increases the presence of water in the body.
  • Consult a doctor if you consider that you are retaining fluids frequently and for no apparent reason.

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