Water Retention Causes – The Reasons Behind the Excess Body Fluid Build Up

Best known as edema, the condition of water retention can have many reasons of occurrence. Most of the water retention causes are linked to factors like an improper diet, medication, chronic diseases and also the body positioning of the individual.

Water Retention Causes – Reasons Behind General and Local Edema

Water retention commonly occurs in the limbs or the extremities; however, an edema can also develop throughout other parts of the body. The water retention causes are primarily linked to chronic diseases such as arthritis, cirrhosis of the liver, various kidney disorders, and lung diseases. For someone with arthritis, the inflammation of the joints can cause localized fluid retention in the heels, toes and in the shoulders. Liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, glomerular disease, and congestive heart failure can cause retention of sodium and potassium, making fluids stay longer in the body. Other water retention causes are prolonged standing, sitting, or squatting. It is believed that the force of gravity pulls fluids to the lower extremeties and the condition is common during warmer temperatures.

Water Retention Symptoms – Spotting for Common Signs

Perhaps the most common of the water retention symptoms is the feeling of being bloated. In women, this is a common feeling especially when they are having their monthly period; some would feel their abdomens or breasts increase in size when they are menstruating. Since water retention is common in the extremities, one would find swelling in one foot, especially in the bony areas such as the ankles and wrists. Others may notice a tight, puffy ring around the leg once the socks are removed, or may have a difficulty removing rings from swollen fingers. Aside from body swelling, the most important of the water retention symptoms to look out for is sudden weight gain. To check for this, weigh yourself daily before morning meals, when a sudden increase of weight will indicate retention of fluids.

Water Retention Remedies – Dealing with Fluid Buildup

In order to get rid of excess body fluids, there are simple water retention remedies which you can do with ease. The first step is to get rid of junk foods, and anything preserved, or with heavy seasoning as this can help reduce your sodium intake, and prevent water logging in your tissues. Walking, jogging, and swimming can help increase circulation in the limbs, thereby preventing fluids from stagnating in the legs or ankles. Another thing to do if the legs or calves are swollen is to elevate the legs above the level of the heart a few times a day. The best way to do this is by lying on the floor or bed and then raising your legs on the wall’s surface. For those who are pregnant or have difficulties doing this position, they may also lie flat on the bed and elevate their legs on a few pillows.