Recommended Diet For Fluid Retention
To prevent or treat fluid retention, certain diets can be started that are advised in this particular situation. It is necessary to take into account a series of considerations in order to reduce the sensation of inflammation. This swelling is called, in technical language, edema , which is the name for the accumulation of water in the soft tissues.
Fluid retention is a more common problem in women than in men. Both physical exercise and a low sodium and low salt eating pattern can help reverse this process. Anyway, if even with the advice that we are going to give you can not get rid of this problem, value the medical consultation.
Low salt diet for fluid retention
One of the nutrients that can increase fluid retention is sodium. This is found in the diet through common salt that we add to preparations or that we ingest in processed, sausage and canned foods.
Reducing its consumption helps reduce the feeling of bloating. A high intake of sodium is used in the field of sport to promote a state of hyperhydration, through which water accumulates in the body for later use. This process is described in an article published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
However, in sedentary people, an excessive intake of this mineral causes disorders in the internal environment and in the balance of circulation. One of the problems is the increase in blood pressure, according to a publication in the Lancet magazine .
Thus, reducing sodium intake in the diet is not only healthy in the nutritional sense, but also affects cardiovascular risk. In fact, much of the health campaigns to protect the heart and arteries are based on reducing salt by law or counseling.
Include diuretic foods in your nutritional plan
Another element that reduces fluid retention is diuretic foods. Among them, pineapple and tea stand out. Both have effects on increasing the volume of urine, which can result in a reduction in the sensation of bloating.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Pharmacology shows the diuretic effects of tea and its extract. Different varieties of the infusion fulfill the same purpose and can be adapted to the palate of each person.
Pineapple, in addition to increasing the volume of urine, is able to improve protein digestion, thanks to an enzyme called bromelain. In this way, when eating highly protein foods with fruit, we prevent the amount of liquid carried by these substances from changing. Therefore, it could be useful to add pineapple as a dessert after a meat, for example.
Increase water intake to treat fluid retention
Although it seems contradictory, increasing your water intake reduces fluid retention by increasing kidney function. The kidneys need an adequate volume to stimulate them to filter, otherwise they become paralyzed.
It is important to consume water and avoid other beverages that contain sugars and additives, such as soft drinks. These substances impair the function of the kidneys and can impact the pancreas, which among its functions is to regulate blood glucose through insulin.
Alcoholic beverages should also be eliminated from regular consumption. They have a diuretic effect, however, their contraindications outweigh their benefits in this field. They are capable of inflaming the liver, worsening the sensation of swelling typical of those who tend to fluid retention.
In the last case, go to a professional
If through dietary treatment, fluid retention is not reduced, there may be an underlying pathological cause that modulates this process. Kidney, circulation and liver diseases are among the main culprits.
Under this type of situation, it is best to go to a specialist so that he can assess the functions of the organs through complementary methods. If necessary, he can prescribe medication to increase the excretion of fluids through the urine.
In any case, these processes, when they are benign, are linked to sedentary habits and an excessive intake of salt and ultra-processed products. With the reduction of harmful consumption and the modification of the lifestyle, it should be enough to experience a significant improvement.
Regular moderate physical exercise can also stimulate kidney function. Circulation changes with sports, and organs tend to respond more efficiently.
Fluid retention can be improved through diet
Dietary management is one of the fundamental pillars when it comes to treating fluid retention. This disorder can be bothersome when accompanied by overweight, as it increases the state of systemic inflammation and discomfort.
Making adjustments to your diet, such as reducing your salt intake and increasing your intake of diuretic products, may be enough to remedy this. Avoiding ultra-processed and simple sugars is also important in order to improve kidney function.
In the last case, it is recommended to go to the specialist to assess whether there is an underlying pathology that causes fluid retention. If diagnosed, drugs may need to be included in treatment to experience improvement.
