Fluid retention: causes, symptoms and how to treat it

Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a condition that occurs when excess fluids accumulate in the body’s tissues, causing swelling. This problem can be a sign of hidden medical conditions or the result of temporary and easily treatable factors. Want to know more? Read on!

What is fluid retention anyway?

Fluid retention occurs when the body is unable to eliminate excess water efficiently. This can happen for various reasons, from health problems to lifestyle habits, as you’ll see below.

The main symptoms of this condition include swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and hands, stiffness in the joints, rapid weight gain and skin that looks stretched or shiny. If you notice any of these changes in your body, consult a specialist.

Common causes of fluid retention

1. having a diet high in sodium

Excessive salt consumption is one of the most common causes of fluid retention. Sodium causes the body to retain water, resulting in swelling, especially in the extremities, such as the feet and hands.

2. Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of movement reduces blood circulation, which can lead to fluid accumulation. So if you’re not used to exercising regularly and you notice a bloated body, a sedentary lifestyle could be the explanation.

3. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, especially in women, can cause fluid retention. This is common during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the menopause, due to fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels.

4. Health problems

Some health problems can have fluid retention as one of their first symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to consult a doctor if you notice this change. Here are some of them:

Kidney disease: malfunctioning kidneys can prevent the proper elimination of fluids.

Heart failure: when the heart does not pump blood efficiently, this can lead to fluid accumulation.

Liver disease: liver problems can cause an imbalance in albumin levels, a protein that regulates the amount of fluid in the blood.

5. Use of medication

Some drugs, such as antihypertensives, steroids and anti-inflammatories, can cause fluid retention as a side effect.

5 tips for treating fluid retention

1. Reduce your sodium intake

Reducing salt intake in your diet is one of the most effective ways to combat fluid retention. Opting for functional nutrition with fresh foods and avoiding ultra-processed foods, which are high in sodium, can make a big difference to bloating if habits are the reason.

2. Do physical activity regularly

Moving your body is essential for general health and also helps to eliminate fluid retention. Some exercises, such as walking, swimming and yoga, help to improve circulation and reduce the accumulation of fluids in the extremities.

3. Raise your legs every day

If you tend to have swelling in your legs, try raising them above the level of your heart for 20 minutes a few times a day. This helps to drain excess fluids and relieve the feeling of heaviness in the extremities.

4. Stay properly hydrated

Drinking enough water is essential because, oddly enough, dehydration can cause the body to retain even more fluids. Staying hydrated helps regulate fluid elimination.

5. Use diuretics with a doctor’s recommendation

In severe or persistent cases, the doctor may prescribe diuretics, which help to eliminate excess fluids through the urine. However, their use must be supervised to avoid electrolyte imbalances.

If you suffer from fluid retention, you know how uncomfortable it can be – and, in some cases, even indicate a more serious health problem. At the Pillars of Health Clinic we work with a complete assessment of your condition to indicate the best treatment. Contact us and find out more.