How to Minimize Swelling and Water Retention
- Drink, drink, drink! Your body needs and wants fluids so it’s keeping all it can in fear of not having enough. If your body knows it will be getting plenty of fluids it will be inclined to not hold onto so much of it.
- Elevate your feet throughout the day. Gravity will help pull the water out of your legs and feet, thus relieving some of the pressure off these extremities.
- Increase your daily exercise to get your blood flowing. Swimming is particularly helpful as it puts a gentle pressure on your entire body, helping to regulate the water in it.
- Eat foods that have diuretic properties; celery, onion, parsley, garlic, and eggplant to name a few.
- Heat can increase your water retention so try to keep cool.
- Reduce your sodium levels. You can easily do this by reducing your junk food and processed food intake. Both are very high in sodium.
- Talk to your care provider about increasing your vitamins, particularly your calcium, potassium and/or vitamin B6 intake.
- You can try wearing compression stockings. If your feet and legs are uncomfortable these can help regulate the water in them. Just remember, for best results you need to put them on before getting up in the morning as this is when your feet and ankles are the least swollen.
When Should I Be Worried?
You should call your care provider if your edema comes on suddenly, your blood pressure rises significantly, your vision changes, you have stomach pains, headaches, or become unusually tired. Any of these symptoms can be indicative of a greater problem.
Of course, if you’re even concerned just call your care provider to ease your mind. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
