Fluid Retention, Home Remedies For General Swelling!
A. What is Swelling?
Swelling can occur in any part of the body. It is an increase in the size or some change in the shape of an area on your body. Swelling may be accompanied by pain and a tingling sensation in the affected area. It causes much discomfort sometimes, not allowing you to do your regular activities normally. retention retention
B. Causes of Swelling:
Swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called edema.
If you have an injury on your ankle, hand, or any particular area of your body, a local swelling might develop there. retention retention
- An injury, infections like abscesses, burns, and insect bites can cause localized swelling to occur.
- Certain medications, or insect stings, may cause an allergic reaction in the body and lead to a generalized swelling.
- Another kind of swelling may occur due to abnormal tissue growth.
- A very common swelling occurs when you stand or sit in a position for too long, it may lead to swelling in the feet and ankles.
- Body fluid accumulates in these areas due to the pull of gravity.
- Accumulation of fluids is called edema.
Underlying medical problems that can cause edema:
- Anemia.
- Kidney failure.
- Heart failure.
- Liver diseases
- Thyroid problems.
- Vein weakness.
- Malnutrition.
- Low protein levels in the blood.
The above are all serious medical conditions so do not ignore any type of fluid retention, inform your doctor immediately to get his advice and assistance.
Remember to exercise regularly [as much as your health allows], this will assist in easing the fluid retention in the body’s cells or cavities. Smoking and drinking alcohol is a strict NO-NO at this time, rest your swollen feet slightly above your hip line [put them up on the coffee table and rest them on a pillow], as this will help relieve the pain and ease the swollen joints and tingling, etc.
C. Types of Swelling:
There are two main types of swellings that can occur in your body.
- Localized swelling is in a restricted area, limiting itself to the place of injury.
- Generalized swelling is all over the body, or it could be on the whole limb. Body fluids accumulate in the affected areas and this leads to swelling.
Treatment for swelling and Edema:
Treatment for swelling or edema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause. It may include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or going on a low-salt diet.
How to reduce swelling yourself?
Swelling in your ankles, feet or legs should go away on its own, but there are some things you can try to help.
Do:
- Lie down and use pillows to raise the swollen area when you can.
- Get some gentle exercise, like walking, to improve your blood flow.
- Wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole.
- Wash, dry, and moisturize your feet to avoid infections.
Don’t:
- Stand or sit for long periods of time
- Wear clothes, socks or shoes that are too tight.
E. Home Remedies For General Swelling:
1. Apply an Ice Pack:
Ice treatment is most commonly used for acute injuries. If you have had a recent injury (within the last 48 hours) where swelling is a problem, you should be using ice.
- If you have swelling due to an injury, the application of ice packs is very effective in reducing the swelling.
- Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply this ice pack to the affected area.
- This provides a lot of relief from the pain and the swelling subsides on a regular application.
- Ice packs can help minimize swelling around the injury, reduce bleeding into the tissues, and reduce muscle spasms and pain.
2. Apply Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera possesses many medicinal properties due to which it is used as a home remedy for many ailments.
- It contains a substance called Brady kininase, which reduces swelling in the affected areas.
- Apply aloe vera gel to the affected part of the body every hour till the swelling subsides.
- It provides a soothing feeling and is very beneficial in the case of insect bites which itch a great deal.
3. Ginger Tea:
Ginger is the most popular home remedy for treating many kinds of ailments.
- It contains compounds that help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Ginger has blood-thinning properties and this helps prevent fluid and blood collection in the affected area.
- Add some crushed, fresh ginger root to a bowl of water and boil for a few minutes.
4. Eat Pineapple:
Pineapples are rich in a compound called bromelain that is effective in preventing excess fluid collection in the affected part of your body. Eat slices of fresh pineapple regularly until the swelling vanishes completely.
5. Apply Hot and Cold Towels: retention
Use temperature to treat the inflammation and swelling by alternating between hot and cold treatments.
First,
- Cover the affected area with a towel soaked in some cold water.
- This helps reduce the swelling as the blood flow gets restricted.
Now,
- After half an hour, apply a hot towel to the same area.
- The heat helps alleviate the pain.
- Continue this treatment till the swelling subsides completely.
6. Massage:
The swollen area can be painful, so a very gentle massage is only advised. Massaging the affected area in slow, gentle strokes, in the direction of your heart, helps remove the excess fluid collected there. This helps bring down the swelling. retention retention
7. Elevate The Swollen Part:
Excess fluid collects in the affected region and causes swelling. You need to get rid of this collected fluid in order to reduce it. The best way to achieve this is by elevating the swollen part of the body above your heart level.
Do this for at least half an hour, thrice a day, in order to allow the fluid to drain away. You will notice a considerable reduction in swelling in the affected area.
8. Reduce Salt Intake:
Excess salt causes bloating and fluid retention in the body. You already have enough fluid retention in the affected parts of your body and you need to reduce it! Cut down on your salt intake if you have generalized swelling in your body due to some infection, allergy, or disease.
This will certainly help prevent the fluid collection and bring down the swelling considerably. Avoid processed, preserved and junk foods as their salt content is quite high.
9. Drink Plenty of Water:
It may seem strange that since fluid collection causes swelling, you are being asked to drink more water. But, drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins from your body and help it effectively filter out the fluid that is causing the swelling. Water also keeps the body tissues well hydrated and helps in good blood circulation, which allows the body to heal faster. retention
10. Apple cider vinegar:
Helps reduce the amount of fluid retained in the swelling, mix 2 teaspoons into a glass of water and drink this concoction daily [also helps clean out the liver and kidneys]
11. Diet:
Go onto a low carbohydrate diet, eat more protein and fatty foods “healthy fats”, avoid salt, vegetables and fruit at this time as they increase the fluid level in the body. A low-sodium diet is essential at this time as the medication you will probably be taking is ineffective on a high-sodium diet.
Ask your doctor for assistance with this problem if it does not reduce on its own, you may need to go on some medication for the edema and he will be able to prescribe the correct meds to assist you.
If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, as you might help someone in need. Thanks.
Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment for any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”
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