How many times have you felt your feet or legs swollen and heavy? Many times certainly. It is most likely you are part of group of people who suffer from the fluid retention. This is an uncomfortable problem and usually affects women. In fact, fluid retention affects even the vast majority of women.
It is characterized (as the name implies) by the accumulation of liquids in the corporal tissues and although it can happen in any part of the body, it is more frequent in the hands, arms, legs, feet and ankles. This retention usually arises in the form of swelling and occurs because the lymphatic system has no ability to drain these fluids into the bloodstream.
Fluid retention may be due to a number of causes, such as hormonal changes (typical of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, for example), a sedentary lifestyle or poor diet; As well as due to the effects of certain drugs or – in more severe cases – certain diseases (such as thyroid, liver or heart problems). But know there are ways to prevent fluid retention.
6 Tips to Avoid Fluid Retention
- Eat Healthy Foods and Invest in Potassium-Rich Foods
Betting on healthy eating will help prevent and stop fluid retention and will be beneficial to your overall health. If you want to “escape” the retention it is best to start cutting fatty foods, salt, sugar and alcoholic beverages. In addition, you should consume foods rich in potassium. This mineral is present in almost all foods, mostly fruits, vegetables and legumes (potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, squash, bananas, pears, peanuts, avocados, melon, papaya and many more).
- Do Physical Exercise
Like the previous tip, whether or not you suffer from fluid retention, practicing physical exercise is something that is good for you. But in this particular case it improves blood circulation and prevents fluid retention. A good walk or jog is two good options.
- Avoid Being in The Same Position for a Long Time
If you spend a lot of time in the same position (sitting or standing) try to stop this trend and do some simple exercises to stimulate circulation. You can get up and take a walk, or do some stretches like stretching your arms or turning your ankles, for example. The other solution is to wear resting or elastic stockings.
- Drink Lots of Water
Water is your best ally in the fight against fluid retention. Consuming the famous 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day will keep your body hydrated and fight against fluid retention.
- Lift your Legs
Keeping your legs (slightly) elevated while sitting or lying down can help to stimulate blood circulation and therefore avoid the discomfort of fluid retention.
- Make Lymphatic Drainage Massages
They activate the blood circulation and improve the irrigation of the body tissues, preventing the retention of liquids. Of course, this alone will not do the whole work, you must use the massages along with some of the other habits we pointed out before.
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