Water retention is when fluid builds up in part of your body.
It is also called fluid retention oredema.
It can affect body tissues outside of blood vessels, leading to swelling or bloating.
bbbrrn / Getty Images
bbbrrn / Getty Images
Causes of Water Retention
There are many different causes of water retention.
Poor Diet
Several different dietary choices can lead to fluid retention.
Each persons body reacts to these substances in food and drinks differently.
Sodium Limits
The sodium recommendation for healthy Americans is 2,300 mg per day.
Kidneys are also vital to balancingelectrolytes(sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.)
dissolved in the blood.
The heart is less effective at circulating blood than in a healthy person.
Heart failure can stimulate complicated involuntary mechanisms that encourage the body to keep extra fluid.
The heart is also less helpful in creating blood flow to the vital organs.
Because of this, people with CHF may develop kidney problems.
Weight Gain
Checking your daily weight is a crucial tool in managing heart failure.
This may be a sign of a serious condition causing fluid retention.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic condition of the lymphatic system.
Lymphedema can occur because of a serious injury, obesity, or a genetic problem.
Symptoms of lymphedema include:
Malnutrition
A severe punch in of protein malnutrition calledkwashiorkorcan cause edema.
Kwashiorkor is more common in developing countries and usually affects infants and very young children.
Edema is the primary symptom of kwashiorkor.
It usually affects the feet first, then the face, followed by the chest.
Children with advanced malnutrition will also develop ascites (fluid in the abdomen).
Medication
Some medications can cause swelling or edema.
It usually appears around the face and hands or feet and may be accompanied by hives.
Allergic angioedema can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires emergency medical care.
The hormones that regulate female fertility can cause bloating or edema.
This is a rare condition known as capillary leak syndrome.
Leaky capillaries can develop during cancer treatment or as a result of the cancer itself.
Infections and inflammatory diseases can also cause the capillaries to become leaky.
Additional Causes
Other medical and lifestyle factors can cause your body to retain water.
However, fluid typically collects in parts of your body touching the bed if you mostly lie down.
Areas of fluid retention become swollen and puffy.
Its possible to push on an area of swelling and create adent or a pit.
If your body retains enough water, your skin may become tight, stretched, and even shiny.
Treatment
Treatments to reduce water retention work best when they are focused on the cause.
Work with your healthcare team to find the approach that works for you.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe diuretics to help your kidneys remove excess water from your body.
Diuretics are generally only recommended for short-term treatment of edema.
Avoid taking over-the-counter diuretics since they sometimes contain other ingredients that can affect your electrolyte balance.
Home Remedies
See a healthcare provider if you have water retention.
Certain conditions that cause water retention require treatment from a healthcare provider.
In the meantime, you may be able to relieve symptoms with home remedies.
you could use a footstool, pillows, or even a recliner to elevate water retention areas.
Compression socks and stockings are available for legs.Compression sleevesare available for arms.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is believed to help the body pass sodium in the urine.
When sodium leaves the body, extra water generally is removed as well.
According to one study, vitamin B6 may reduce the bloating and swelling associated withpremenstrual syndrome(PMS).
This is because high sodium levels in the blood encourage the body to hold on to more water.
Less salt in the body often means less edema.
Read nutrition labels when available.
If sodium is an ingredient, it is listed per serving size.
Whenever possible, choose fresh ingredients rather than processed or packaged foods.
What happens if water retention is untreated?
Water retention may clear without treatment in a few days.
You may find that the body parts retaining water become tight, swollen, and painful.
If untreated, heart or kidney problems may get much worse.
Prevention
Preventing fluid retention is more helpful than getting rid of extra water.
Heart and kidney disease should receive early identification and treatment for the best outcomes.
The best way to manage edema depends on the original cause of the swelling.
However, there are some basic at-home remedies you’re able to try.
If you have new or worsening water retention, its important to see a healthcare provider.
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