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Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies for Edema

Edema is the swelling of body parts due to fluid retention. This can especially happen in the foot and ankle area. To tell if the swelling is edema, press down on the swollen area. If an indentation is left and it takes a little while for it to disappear, there is a good chance that it is edema. It is not uncommon to get edema when pregnant. It is very serious and needs immediate medical attention. The presence of toxins in your body could be building up, which can be bad for both you and the baby.

Other causes for edema, which all need to be cared for by a medical doctor, are: heart failure, anemia, kidney disease, liver disease, malnutrition, thyroid disease, medication, and some medications. Increased heat or hot weather can also cause edema. Once you know for sure what is causing the edema, then you can take care of the underlying cause. Without treating the underlying cause you may not be able to keep edema at bay.

So what are some remedies for edema? Here are some natural home remedies to treat edema.

• Apply warm mustard oil to the affected area.
• Try soaking two tablespoons of mustard seeds in water. Apply the solution to the area.
• To remove excess fluid, you can apple cider vinegar.
• Reduce salt intake. Salt causes your body to retain water.
• Avoid high carbohydrate foods.
• Eat more lean protein.
• Stretch your legs out and slightly raise them to relieve swollen feet and/or ankles.
• Exercise. Exercising regularly and engaging in physical activities can help reduce fluid retention.
• Exercise gently in a pool of water that is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Avoid excessive use of diuretics. Using diuretics too much can lead to an opposite effect and cause you to retain water instead eliminate it.
• Increase your fluid intake. If you are dehydrated your body will try to retain as much fluid as possible.
• Lie down with your feet elevated, this will allow excess fluid buildup to move from your legs.
• You can try dry brushing your skin with a dry brush. Start at the groin area and use circular motions going down the leg. Do this for about two minutes on each leg.
• Get a massage.

Remember that edema is usually a symptom for an underlying condition. It is extremely important to go to the doctor to find out what condition (or conditions) is (are) the reason for your problem.

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