Here is what you can do during the summer to alleviate annoying water retention

by Shirley Marie Bradby

July 17, 2019

Here is what you can do during the summer to alleviate annoying water retention
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Water retention is a widespread disorder, affecting mainly women, and during the summer it usually causes much more discomfort, since the heat causes vasodilation and the accumulation of liquids.

Not everyone, therefore, can experience the hottest time of the year with joy and serenity, in which they can just simply grab a swimsuit and go for a dip in the sea or sunbathe by the lake.

Water retention, in fact, can cause significant pain and discomfort in both the legs and the arms, which become heavy. Another consequence for many people is the onset of heat edema due to the great heat.

Let's see what strategies we can implement to alleviate this distressing problem.

via healthline.com

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Edema is an accumulation of fluids in and around the tissues and cells of the body. This accumulation of liquids causes visible swelling of different parts of the body such as the arms and legs.

Furthermore, the causes of swelling are very individual.  In fact, women are usually affected by water retention during hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation.

Moreover, the prolonged use of some drugs, such as antidepressants or anti-inflammatories, can promote greater water retention. Another very common factor that promotes water retention is high salt intake.

But what can we do about it? 

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Footbaths and refreshing cold water packs. If you notice a certain swelling in your legs or ankles, try to put your legs up immediately, so that liquids can flow out of the tissues more easily. To reduce swelling, you can use footbaths and cold water packs because the cold helps to decrease swelling caused by edema.

Potassium. Consuming more potassium helps to regulate the water balance in the body, but the beneficial effects of this very important mineral are often inhibited by the use of alcohol and very salty foods. It is, therefore, very important to eat healthier foods and to supplement the intake of potassium in our body through, for example, consuming bananas, potatoes, and avocado. 

Drink a lot of water. Drinking a lot of water helps a lot to alleviate water retention because our body often reacts to a lack of water with storage which causes swelling. A satisfactory supply of liquids, every day, will help reduce the problem. 

Flaxseed or coriander. Coriander seeds promote blood circulation and help eliminate toxins from the body. To reap the benefits from these seeds, just boil one tablespoon of coriander seeds in a little water and drink the infusion, twice a day, after filtering out the coriander seeds. In the same way, you can use flax seeds to make an equally effective infusion. 

These are just some simple tips that can help you alleviate the symptoms of water retention and allow you to experience a more carefree summer! Nevertheless, we always recommend consulting your doctor before taking any initiative yourself.

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