You may have noticed that your legs or hands swell and feel uncomfortable or even painful. This swelling can have many causes and cause various symptoms. Let's take a closer look together today.

The individuality of water retention

Water retention is as individual as the people who are affected by it. Various factors cause each person to retain water in different ways and in different places in the body. Here are some aspects that illustrate the uniqueness of water retention:

Water retention

Individual causes

  • Genetic predisposition: Some people have a genetic predisposition to water retention.
  • Lifestyle: Diet, exercise and occupational activities, such as prolonged sitting or standing, influence how and where water is retained.
  • Health conditions: Existing conditions such as heart, kidney or liver disease can cause specific types and patterns of water retention.
  • Hormones : Hormonal fluctuations, such as during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, affect water retention differently for each woman.
  • Medications: Certain medications have different side effects on water retention in different people.

In focus: Causes of water retention

1. Physical inactivity: A certain amount of physical activity regulates the fluid balance of the lymphatic system. An exercise program that prevents edema can be helpful for people who stand and sit a lot. A short walk or a few minutes of leg exercise can prevent fluid retention. Health problems that cause fluid retention can be made worse by physical inactivity.

2. Kidney problems: Normally, the kidneys filter excess fluid and waste from the body. It is possible for kidney problems to cause water retention with no visible cause. A kidney problem could cause edema. If you are unsure, it is better to consult your treating physician to rule out serious causes).

3. Heart problems: It is especially important to watch for signs of heart problems if you have other symptoms besides edema, such as pain and difficulty breathing. Water retention can also be caused by some blood pressure medications, since high blood pressure causes the heart to pump too much. Congestive heart failure often causes water retention . In decompensated heart failure Less blood in the kidneys causes fluid and water retention, which leads to swollen ankles, legs, abdomen (called edema) and weight gain.

4. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the baby's weight can cause fluid retention in the uterus, which causes water retention in the legs. These disappear once the baby is born, which is good news.

5. Diet: A lack of protein in the diet, too much salt in the diet, or a lack of certain vitamins such as B1, B5, and B6 can cause fluid retention in the legs. Vegans, vegetarians, and people who eat a low-fat diet have a higher risk of developing edema if they eat certain diets.

6. Medications: Estrogen-containing medications, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can cause water retention. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil) are helpful in relieving pain but can cause water retention if taken in high doses. Beta-blockers, which are prescribed to treat heart problems, can also cause edema if taken.

7. Premenstrual: During the second half of the menstrual cycle, many women experience water retention. This is due to an imbalance of estrogen.

8. Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can cause a person to retain water. Inflammation releases histamine, which causes capillaries to leak, leading to long-term water retention. Inflammation can also cause other health problems such as arthritis and gout.

9. Other health conditions: There are several other health problems that can lead to water retention, such as allergic reactions, scarring of the liver , infections, and thyroid disease.

water retention

Individual symptoms

  • Swelling locations: While some people have swelling mainly in the legs, and report water in the legs, others may also be affected in the hands, arms or face.
  • Intensity of swelling: The severity of the swelling varies greatly. In some people they are barely visible, while in others they cause considerable discomfort.
  • Accompanying symptoms: Some sufferers experience additional symptoms such as pain, a feeling of heaviness or tightness more than others.

How to alleviate water retention

Whilst every body reacts differently to different causes and symptoms, there are some tried and tested measures that can help to alleviate symptoms and improve well-being in everyday life. In the following section, we will present specific tips and strategies that can help you to combat water retention in various everyday situations. Whether in the office, during pregnancy, after sport or when travelling - find out how you can use simple adjustments and practical solutions to minimise symptoms and actively do something for your health.

In the office: If you have an office job and have to sit for long periods, try to get up regularly and walk a few steps. Perhaps also keep a small water bottle handy to remind you to drink enough and balance out the salt content in your body.

During pregnancy: Pregnant women can experience increased water retention due to hormonal changes. It helps to elevate your legs whenever possible and wear loose, comfortable clothing to reduce pressure on the affected areas.

After sport: Intense sporting activities can also lead to temporary water retention. Stretching and cooling after exercise can help to reduce swelling. Also make sure you drink enough and avoid salty foods.

When travelling long distances: Long plane or car journeys can encourage water retention in the legs. Wear compression stockings and take regular breaks to move around and promote blood circulation.

Understanding water retention

Tips & tricks for water retention

Eat a balanced diet

Reduce your salt intake: Have you ever wondered why you have particularly swollen legs after a high-salt dinner such as pizza or fast food? Salt can exacerbate fluid retention. Try to enrich your diet with less salty foods. Instead of chips and salty snacks, reach for fresh, unprocessed foods to reduce swelling.

Eat potassium-rich foods: You may have noticed that your swelling is not going down despite eating a healthy diet. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas and spinach can help your body eliminate excess water and reduce swelling. These small changes in your diet can make a big difference.

Drink enough water: Do you find it hard to drink enough water, especially when you're busy? It may seem counterintuitive, but adequate hydration can actually help reduce water retention. Set small goals, such as always having a water bottle within reach, to remind yourself of your daily water intake.

Regular exercise

Make regular exercise a priority: The thought of additional physical activity can be overwhelming, especially if you already have a busy schedule. However, regular exercise is crucial for blood circulation. Even a short walk in the evening or a few minutes of light exercise can help drain fluids from your legs and improve symptoms.

Elevate your legs: If you sit at a desk all day, you may be familiar with the feeling of heavy, swollen legs. A simple trick to counteract this is to elevate your legs during your breaks. Elevate your legs for 15 to 20 minutes to relieve swelling and promote blood flow.

Use compression stockings

Use compression socks: You may be familiar with the situation: your legs feel heavy and tired after a long day. Compression stockings can help. They exert pressure, thereby supporting the function of the venous valves and helping to reduce swelling. They can be particularly helpful when travelling long distances or on stressful days.

Choose the right size: Make sure that the compression stockings fit well and are not too tight. It is important that they fit perfectly to achieve the best possible effect. Therefore, take precise measurements and refer to the manufacturer's instructions to find the right size. Your doctor or pharmacist can also help you to choose the right size and compression strength.

Compression massage

Use compression massagers: After a busy day, it is often difficult to find time for additional treatments. If you want to relax at home, schedule regular sessions with your Vein Angel. It applies gentle pressure to your legs and supports lymph flow, which can help you feel better faster. It can help alleviate your symptoms and give you a sense of relief and comfort.

Medical support

Get your symptoms checked: If you regularly struggle with water retention and the usual tips don't help, it's important to see your doctor. He or she can help you identify the exact cause and find suitable treatment options.

Discuss alternatives: If you are taking medication or hormonal contraceptives that may be contributing to water retention, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives. Sometimes a change of medication or another treatment option can be helpful.

Dealing with water retention: CONCLUSION

Water retention can manifest itself in different ways and affect different areas of the body such as the legs, ankles or even the face. If you have noticed that you regularly suffer from swelling such as water in your legs, this can be due to various causes - from physical inactivity and kidney problems to heart problems, hormonal changes or an unbalanced diet. Remember: you are not alone. Your health is important to us and we hope to help you on your way to better well-being.

References

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