First of all, it is necessary to understand the causes of edema. Edema is usually caused by several factors: poor diet, lack of exercise, constipation, hormonal imbalances, and medications***. Therefore, for different causes, we can take corresponding measures to relieve edema.
The first trick is to eat reasonably. Diet is one of the important causes of edema. Excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention in the body, which can cause edema. Therefore, we should minimise our salt intake and avoid eating foods that are too salty. At the same time, eating more potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, spinach and mushrooms, can help promote urine excretion and reduce edema.
The second trick is to exercise moderately. Lack of exercise is another common cause of edema. Proper exercise can promote lymphatic and blood circulation and help water be excreted from the body. It is recommended to do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day, such as walking, running, swimming, etc., to help reduce edema.
The third trick is to improve bowel movements. Constipation is another common cause of edema. Because in the case of constipation, stool will accumulate in the intestines, causing intestinal gas and peristalsis to slow down, resulting in water retention. Therefore, it is very important to maintain normal bowel habits. We can consume more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to increase bowel motility and help constipation improve.
The fourth trick is to regulate hormone balance. For women, hormonal imbalance is also a significant cause of edema. Especially around the time of menstruation, many women experience puffiness and edema. This is caused by fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. In response to this situation, we can adjust the hormone balance and reduce the symptoms of edema through good lifestyle habits, such as regular work and rest, balanced diet and moderate exercise.
The fifth trick is to be cautious with medication. Some medications, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause edema. Therefore, when using these drugs, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's guidance and pay attention to your body's reaction. If you have symptoms of edema, contact your doctor in time to adjust your medication regimen.
In short, edema is not inevitable, as long as we pay attention to adjusting our diet, increasing exercise, improving bowel movements, adjusting hormone balance, and using drugs carefully, many people can say goodbye to edema and return to a healthy body. However, it should be noted that edema may also be a symptom of certain diseases, if there is a long-term edema problem, or accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time for examination to obtain a professional diagnosis and**.
Health References:
1. wassef m, amini p, wyse j, et al. management of edema for primary care clinicians. mayo clin proc. 2018;93(5):643-655.