Fluid retention can be due to organic causes, hormonal changes or hormonal imbalances, but also to a diet with elevated sodium levels. Remedy can be achieved with a change in diet and with more exercise and sports. Local external applications with old home remedies are very helpful. Oral medication is also possible for fluid retention.
What is fluid retention?
Fluid retention is an accumulation of fluid in the body based on insufficient excretion of water. This results in water retention in the tissues with the formation of effusions and edema.
Causes
The cause of fluid retention can already be found in the diet. For example, if food is prepared with a lot of salt or is very strongly (spicy) seasoned. If a lot of sugar is consumed, the body produces more insulin, which leads to water retention. If coffee and tea are consumed in excess, water retention is inevitable. Too little water intake causes the body to dehydrate, which also leads to fluid retention. Excessive alcohol consumption can also be responsible. If there is urinary bladder disease, liver weakness or liver disease (for example, liver cirrhosis), or kidney or heart dysfunction (cardiomyopathy), the cause may be found here because the healthy balance is lost. An ankle joint suffering from arthritis can be the cause just like rheumatoid arthritis. If hypothyroidism (thyroid disease) is known, insufficient hormone production may be the cause. A lack of protein may be responsible because the blood does not receive enough protein. An extreme lack of exercise should also be considered as a causative factor. A deficiency of vitamin B1 can lead to localized water retention at the ankles. Those taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and depression are also at great risk. Taking corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also leads to fluid retention. Often the cause is an existing pregnancy, especially in conjunction with arterial hypertension (high blood pressure). If water retention occurs during breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin (required for milk production), is responsible. Menopause can also lead to fluid retention. If the venous valves in the legs are weakened, the return flow of blood to the heart is insufficient and water retention occurs. This is called chronic venous insufficiency. For example, anyone whose job involves sitting or standing for long hours every day is at high risk for fluid retention. Increased estrogen levels often lead to water retention in men.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Weight gain, which cannot be defined, and swollen legs and/or hands but also palpitations and a general feeling of malaise are among the first signs that fluid retention may be present. Further signs may be physical weakness and increasing fatigue of unclear origin. It is not uncommon for phases of high blood pressure or even certain heart diseases to occur. The skin appearance increasingly shows signs of cellulitis. Swelling of the skin, often with a shiny skin surface, is also observed. In most cases, dimples form and remain visible for up to several minutes. If the swellings (edema) continue to increase, the suspicion of preeclampsia should be ruled out by targeted laboratory tests. Protein can almost always be detected in the urine. The first signs of pre-eclampsia are severe headaches and seeing spots in front of the eyes. Swelling of the face with the formation of bags under the eyes as well as swollen hands and fingers and a swollen abdomen are also typical features. In order to exclude the risk of cardiac or renal insufficiency as well as hypertrophy (enlargement of organs due to enlargement of individual cells), consultation of an experienced specialist is strongly advised. This can prevent the development of hyperplasia (increased amount of cells in an enlarged organ) in time. Respiratory problems also belong to medical treatment immediately. In bodybuilders, the defined muscle shapes can be lost due to fluid retention.
Diagnosis and course
Fluid retention can be diagnosed sonographically (also by CT and MRI). When fluid retention occurs in the arms and legs, they usually feel heavy at the beginning. Tissue swells and edema and cellulitis form. Swelling of the hands and fingers, as well as facial swelling and the formation of bags under the eyes, are other signs. Water retention in the abdomen leads to a bloated abdominal wall and not infrequently to flatulence. If the retention occurs in the lungs, shortness of breath is observed. Water in the heart leads to palpitations. Exhaustion, fatigue, unclear weight gain and physical malaise are the general signs.
Complications
Persistent fluid retention can cause a number of symptoms. Typical complications of impaired fluid balance include weight gain and elevated blood pressure. A chronically elevated pulse can result in certain heart diseases and permanently damage the blood vessels. Other complaints may include physical fatigue and increasing tiredness. In addition, there is usually a general feeling of malaise, which increases as the disease progresses. If fluid retention is not treated or is treated inadequately, the general symptoms also intensify and further, sometimes life-threatening, diseases of the cardiovascular system occur. Depending on the causative disease, the skin appearance may also change and show signs of cellulitis. Often, dimples appear that increase with pressure and remain visible for a few minutes. The water retention in the tissue can also lead to swelling in the legs and hands. In the long term, edema and effusions may develop, which can become inflamed. As the disease progresses, fluid also accumulates in the lungs. This can lead to shortness of breath and sudden shortness of breath, among other symptoms. Severe complications are unlikely when fluid retention is treated.
When should you see a doctor?
A doctor should be consulted as soon as irregularities appear in the organism. Unusual swelling, weight gain that cannot be explained, and a feeling of tightness in the body, are considered indications that should be examined by a medical professional. If water retention occurs, it is always advisable to have it examined by a physician. If the amount of fluid excreted during urination drops for no reason and over a longer period of time, this observation should be discussed with a doctor. In the case of a constant supply of fluids, it is considered unusual if the amount of urine noticeably decreases without a comprehensible reason such as a strong influence of heat. If this condition persists for several days, a visit to the doctor is recommended. A changed skin appearance should be presented to a doctor. If the skin is unusually shiny or if dimples form, a visit to the doctor is necessary. In case of persistent or recurring headaches, swollen hands or feet as well as bags under the eyes, a check-up with a doctor is advisable. If the abdominal girth increases for seemingly no reason or if there are problems with breathing, a doctor should be consulted. If blood pressure rises, heart palpitations set in or a sensation of warmth is felt, these indications should be discussed with a doctor. If sleep disturbances or concentration problems occur, a doctor should be consulted as there is reason for concern.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment builds on a very differentiated diagnosis that clearly outlines the source of origin and begins with certain moderation in food choices. A low-salt diet is the first priority. It can be easily replaced by herbs but also cardamom and seaweed. A diet low in sodium is also important. Therefore, cheese, red meat, sausages, smoked foods as well as soy sauce, cod and alcohol must be severely limited. Cow’s milk, including chemically modified lactose-free milk, should be completely eliminated. On the other hand, vegetarian milk products made from almond, rice, soy are very good. In addition oats and potato as well as very much vegetable (for example leek, asparagus, mushrooms, celery, onion, broccoli, olives, artichokes (diuretic) and pumpkin, which “cleans” the veins and arteries. Adequate hydration in the form of still low-sodium water (at least two liters) drains harmful toxins from the body.Unsweetened herbal teas as well as green tea and fresh vegetable juices are also recommended in moderation for fluid retention. If fluid retention is associated with flatulence, then bananas as well as blueberries, pineapple, papaya, strawberries but also blueberry juice and goji berries will help. These are also very beneficial because of their diuretic effect. Moderate sports such as cycling, gymnastics, swimming and training on the horizontal exercise bike as well as on the leg press support the work of the kidneys. Brisk walking for a daily period of at least 30 minutes is very good. If you sit for many hours a day, you should always stretch your legs and lift them up in between. This also works very well under the desk. Adequate sleep with legs slightly elevated is also extremely important. A tried and tested home remedy is the application of mustard compresses to the affected areas or rubbing with apple cider vinegar. Ointments with tiger grass and horse chestnut as well as Bach flowers (for example larch and crab apple) help according to experience very well. Likewise, manual lymphatic drainage or tecartherapy or draining pressure therapy with massage. Creatinine should not be used as a dietary supplement because it promotes water retention. Oral medication can be given with a thiazide diuretic in mild stages and a loop diuretic, which increases frequency and urine volume, in advanced stages. The best of the medicine cabinet is dandelion tablets.
Outlook and prognosis
The prospect of cure for the symptom of fluid retention depends on the underlying condition present. Pregnant women often experience water retention, which usually resolves completely within the next few months after delivery. If the retention is due to hormonal fluctuations or the administration of medication, the health condition improves as soon as the hormonal balance is restored or the medication is discontinued. Especially in the transitional phase to menopause, many women experience fluid retention, which recedes in the further course of development. If a lack of exercise is the cause of water retention, a change in lifestyle is necessary for recovery. With sufficient physical activity or doing sports, the organism normally starts to remove the stored fluids on its own. After a few weeks, significant improvements in health are already noticeable, and with regular sufficient exercise, the patient can be symptom-free within a few months. If the fluid retention is due to a lack of fluid intake, the daily intake must be increased for recovery. If a chronic disease is present, the prognosis often worsens. In the case of organic problems, arthritis or diabetes, no cure can be expected in most patients. The symptoms that occur are incorporated into the treatment plan with the goal of alleviation.
Prevention
A low-sodium diet prepared with plenty of fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods (especially fish and vegetable protein), supplemented with fresh fruit, is optimal prophylaxis to prevent fluid retention. Avoiding refined sugar is also beneficial to health. Fluid intake in the form of low-sodium water should be at least two liters. Getting enough exercise every day and exercising regularly strengthens the body overall. Elevating the legs must be a matter of course for anyone who is predominantly sitting or standing.
Aftercare
In most cases of fluid retention, there are no options available to the affected person for direct aftercare. However, this is not mandatory, as the disease itself must be treated first and foremost. Attention must be paid to early detection and treatment of fluid retention to avoid particular complications. In most cases, patients with fluid retention rely on a diet low in salt. In this case, the salt can be replaced relatively easily with other herbs so that there is no discomfort in taking the food. Likewise, low-salt items and foods should be considered to alleviate discomfort. In many cases, fruits also help to relieve the bloating and minimize the discomfort of fluid retention.Not infrequently, movements also help, whereby the affected person should walk at least 15 minutes every day. Universally, a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet has a positive effect on the course of this disease. Life expectancy also usually remains unchanged. If the symptoms of fluid retention cannot be alleviated by self-help measures, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
What you can do yourself
Patients of fluid retention can obtain significant relief from their symptoms in everyday life if they change their lifestyle. Optimizing food intake and adequate exercise will reduce existing symptoms and improve quality of life. The consumption of sugar or products that promote the conversion of nutrients into sugar should be reduced. The use of intense spices should be avoided as much as possible in the preparation of meals as a whole. In particular, salt or overly spicy seasonings are to be avoided. When it comes to fluid intake, care should be taken to avoid excessive consumption of coffee and tea. Mineral water or natural juices are the better choice for well-being and improved health, as they do not lead to excessive water retention. The intake of sufficient fluid is important to stabilize the organism and not to create insufficiency. Adults should take in two liters of mineral water daily to avoid dehydration. In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, sufficient exercise is important for alleviating existing symptoms. Walks or sports activities promote well-being and stimulate the metabolism. For mental stabilization, the patient can perform relaxation exercises on his own responsibility. This causes a reduction in stress and promotes inner balance in everyday life.
