The fluid retention It is one of the most widespread health problems and is sometimes not easy to diagnose due to the large number of tissues in which it can occur. Called in medical terms dropsy or edema, it is the swelling caused by fluid accumulationmainly water, in the tissues of the organism.
Now that , we must know that fluid retention is together with diet and sedentary lifestyle one of the fundamental factors that contribute the most to increase our volume and . In this sense, fluid retention has visible effects both on the scale and in the mirror. This is so because although the human body constantly regulates the fluid levels in the body, when it does not do so correctly or there is excess water, the balance of our body is broken and the so-called fluid retention occurs. .
When this occurs, this fluid accumulates in the space between the cells, resulting in swelling and swelling of various parts of the body such as hands, ankles, thighs, belly…
How does fluid retention occur?
Fluid retention occurs when there is an imbalance between the forces that regulate the passage of water in the body: intracellular (inside cells), intravascular (in blood vessels), and intravesical (in the tissue around cells).
When the blood or lymphatic vessels pour a lot of liquids on the tissues, they remain trapped in tissues causing inflammation of the area in which it occurs, such as the legs, ankles, abdomen or other parts of the body.
What causes fluid retention?
An incorrect diet, as well as a lack of exercise are some of the main causes of fluid retention, a phenomenon that intensifies with high temperatures and especially affects women, since estrogen and progesterone have a high capacity. to cause water to accumulate in the body.
It should be noted that fluid retention often appears as symptom of diseases of the heart, kidneys, digestive system…, so it is necessary to consult with medical specialists to determine the causes. Hormonal fluctuations also play a prominent role in fluid retention, so that pregnancy or menopause significantly affect the regulation of water levels in our body. In any case, there are several habits that can help us fight against the dreaded fluid retention. These are the five essential tips to keep fluid retention at bay:
HEALTHY NUTRITION. Without a doubt, this is the essential advice to follow to fight against fluid retention. Follow a low-sodium diet and eat natural foods like fruits, vegetables, vegetables, legumes, meat and fresh fish will help our body to deal with this problem. Green tea or horsetail infusions, for example, can also come in very handy. Instead, vegetable fats and processed foods are our enemies.
MOVE YOUR BODY. Physical exercise is always a healthy habit, but if we want to fight fluid retention it is essential forget about sedentary lifestyle. It is not necessary to practice extreme sports, so just by walking a little every day we will notice the beneficial effects for our body. If your work requires you to sit for a large part of the day, it is advisable to periodically perform exercises such as wiggling your toes and getting up every hour to take a short walk.
TAKE CARE AND Pamper yourself. The feeling of inflammation or fluid retention also comes from the lifestyle we follow. Sleep 8 hours and pamper our body with leg and foot massage It will also help us reduce fluid retention. Water baths and walks in the sea, if we have the opportunity, will also be very beneficial. Also, wear comfortable clothing and avoid tight clothing. Tight clothing hinders venous return and causes the lymphatic system to be compressed, which causes fluid retention and swelling in the legs.
HYDRATE YOUR BODY. A false myth is that fluid retention is a consequence of excessive water consumption. Our body, through a complex system of hormones, is constantly adjusting fluid levels so that they remain balanced. In this sense, drinking water -at least 1.5 liters a day- will allow us to cleanse the body and eliminate toxins and therefore will make fluid retention less. Fruit juices, infusions and broths are also a recommended option.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS. Going to aesthetic experts can also be a good option to fight fluid retention. In this sense, treatments such as pressotherapy, the These are some of the practices that will help us to eliminate the liquids accumulated in our organism and, therefore, to improve our figure.