1. Increase Movement
While it can be difficult, constantly moving the edema-affected body part, especially the legs, helps ease and pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. If movement is still difficult, try moving your legs with your hands, or ask someone to assist you.
Sometimes, the only way to go is up…
2. Elevate The Legs
Apart from increasing movement, elevating the legs can likewise help the built-up fluid flow back to the heart. Things like lifting the affected part above the level of your heart several times a day and sleeping with the swollen parts elevated have been found to ease swelling.
Touch plays an important role in facilitating recovery…
3. Massage Affected Areas
People usually turn to massages for physical relaxation. For edema, not only do massages soothe the body, but they also push the retained fluid out of the affected area and reduce swelling. Whether you massage on your own or have someone do it for you, it’s important to apply a certain firm pressure to facilitate the flow of fluid back to the heart.
Speaking of firm pressures, here’s another way it can help…
4. Wear Compression Apparel
Doctors often recommend edema patients to wear compression stockings, sleeves, or gloves both to facilitate flow and prevent any further fluid retention and swelling from reoccurring during the recovery process.
Too much of something is hardly ever a good thing…
5. Reduce Salt Intake
Cutting down on salt consumption causes innumerable health benefits. Edema happens as a result of the body retaining excess fluid due to excess salt.
But don’t drop the salt just yet!
6. Take Epsom Salt Baths
A research study made by a group of Indonesian researchers tackled the curative properties of Epsom salt baths on edemas, particularly on women with postpartum preeclampsia. To help with swelling, soak the effected area in a cool Epsom salt bath for up to 20 minutes to relieve swelling and inflammation.
Sometimes, the swelling has something to do with our BMIs…
7. Drop A Few Pounds
Being overweight or obese also causes fluid retention and strained blood circulation, which can lead to edema especially in the lower extremities. Losing weight can reduce the swelling and eases the weight on the feet.
Effective weight loss is made possible by…
8. A Healthy Diet
Making changes in your diet might be difficult, but the results are worth it. Eating magnesium-rich foods like tofu, almonds, broccoli, and avocados helps reduce water retention. Avoiding unhealthy drinks like sodas and alcohol are likewise recommendable.
That said, we should have more of this wonder drink…
9. Drink Lots of Water
You can never go wrong with frequently drinking clean water. Italian vascular surgeon Dr. Marco Setti, stresses its importance, along with a healthy diet, to a smooth recovery from edema.
It also pays to have an extra boost every now and then…
10. Take Dietary Supplements
Taking a few dietary supplements, paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can make a huge difference. Vitamin B6 helps fight fluid retention, while magnesium relieves inflammation and swelling. It’s important, however, to ask your doctor first before subscribing to such supplements.
