Edema (Water Retention)

Edema is swelling caused due to excess fluid accumulation in the body tissues. Edema can occur in any parts of the body.
The circulatory system, the kidneys, the lymphatic system, hormonal factors, and other bodily systems help maintain healthy fluid levels. If a problem arises with one or more of these systems, however, fluid retention — otherwise known as edema — can occur.

The human body uses a complex system to regulate its water levels. Hormonal factors, the cardiovascular system, the urinary system, the liver, and the kidneys all play a role. If there is a problem with any of these parts, the body may be unable to expel fluid as it should.

Capillary damage:

  • Capillaries are tiny blood vessels with a key role in managing fluid balance in the body. Some medications, such as those for high blood pressure, can cause damage to the capillaries. Capillaries deliver fluid to surrounding tissues. This fluid, called interstitial fluid, supplies nutrients and oxygen to cells. After delivering the nutrients, the fluid returns to the capillaries. If the capillaries sustain damage, edema can occur. Possible problems include changes in pressure inside the capillaries and the capillary walls becoming too leaky. If these problems occur, too much liquid can leave the capillaries and enter the spaces between cells. If the capillaries cannot reabsorb the fluid, it will stay in the tissues, causing swelling and water retention. Some people experience this type of edema because they have a rare condition known as systemic leaky capillary syndrome.

Congestive heart failure:

  • The pumping action of the heart helps maintain normal pressure within the blood vessels. If a person’s heart stops working effectively, their blood pressure will change. Fluid retention can arise from this. There may be swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles, as well as fluid in the lungs, which can result in long-term cough or breathing difficulties. Eventually, congestive heart failure can lead to breathing problems and stress on the heart. It can be life threatening.

The lymphatic system:

  • The lymphatic system carries lymph through the body. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells. It helps the immune system defend the body against infection. As the lymphatic system delivers and reabsorbs lymphatic fluid, it also helps the body maintain fluid balance. If a problem prevents the lymphatic system from working properly, fluid can build up around the tissues. This can cause swelling in various parts of the body, including the abdomen, ankles, legs, and feet. Cellular abnormalities, infections, and blockages can all cause problems with this system.

The Kidneys:

  • The kidneys filter the blood and help maintain fluid levels in the body. Waste, fluids, and other substances pass into tiny tubules in the kidneys, which act as a filter. The bloodstream reabsorbs anything the body can reuse and removes the waste in the urine. If the kidneys do not work properly, they cannot remove waste material, including fluids and sodium. The fluid will therefore stay in the body. People with chronic kidney disease, for example, may notice swelling in the lower limbs, hands, or face.

Pregnancy:

  • During pregnancy, the body holds more water than usual, leading to swelling in the lower limbs — especially during hot weather or after standing for a long time. Hormonal changes and carrying extra weight in the abdomen can also contribute. This is not usually dangerous, and it mostly resolves after delivery. If the swelling suddenly becomes more severe, however, it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This is a type of high blood pressure that can harm both the mother and the fetus. Anyone who experiences headaches, vomiting, pain under the ribs, vision problems, along with increased swelling during pregnancy, should seek immediate medical attention.

Physical inactivity:

  • People with mobility problems or a sedentary lifestyle can develop edema in the lower legs. Underuse can cause the calf muscle pump to lose strength.

It may help to:

  • Keep the feet raised
  • Wear compression stockings
  • Practice exercises, such as raising and lowering the feet or rotating the ankles

Obesity:

  • People with obesity may experience swelling due to the extra weight they carry. Obesity also increases the risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease, all of which can result in edema. Obesity also increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

Malnutrition:

  • Albumin is a protein that helps the human body manage fluids. When a person has a severe protein deficiency, it may be harder for the body to move interstitial fluid back into the capillaries. When a person is severely malnourished, they may develop kwashiorkor. Symptoms include a loss of muscle mass and an enlarged abdomen. This is due to fluid retention in the bodily tissues.

Infections and allergies:

  • The immune system’s role is to defend the body from disease and infection. When the immune system detects an unwanted invader, such as bacteria or an allergen, it will mount an attack. Inflammation is part of this process. When inflammation occurs, the body releases histamine. Histamine causes the gaps between the cells of the capillary walls to widen. It does this to allow infection-fighting white blood cells to reach the site of inflammation. However, it can also allow fluid to leak from the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. The swelling that results from this is usually short-term. People with long-term inflammation may experience water retention.

Medications:

Some medications can also lead to water retention.

These include:

  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Gabapentin

Some hormonal therapies, including some birth control pills
Prednisone, which is a corticosteroid some diabetes medications

Hormonal conditions:

A hormonal imbalance can lead to fluid retention in the following ways:

  • Menstruation: Changes in hormonal balance can result in fluid buildup before menstruation. A person may experience bloating and breast tenderness as a result.
  • Thyroid problems: The thyroid gland releases hormones that play a role in managing fluid levels. People with conditions that affect the thyroid gland may therefore experience water retention.
  • Cushing’s syndrome: This condition causes the adrenal gland to produce too much steroid hormone, leading to leg swelling.
 Symptoms
The symptoms of fluid retention will depend on the area it affects. Common areas include the lower legs, the hands, the abdomen, and the chest. In the limbs, feet, and hands, symptoms include:
  • Swelling
  • Changes in skin color
  • Shiny or puffy skin
  • Areas of skin that remain indented when pushed in with a finger, known as pitting edema
  • Aches and tenderness in the limbs
  • Stiffness in the joints
  • Weight gain

 

 Root Causes
  • Increased hydrostatic pressure
  • Reduced colloidal or oncotic pressure within blood vessels
  • Increased tissue colloidal or oncotic pressure
  • Increased blood vessel wall permeability (such as inflammation)
  • Obstruction of fluid clearance in the lymphatic system
  • Changes in the water-retaining properties of the tissues themselves.
  • Fluid retention or edema is often caused by the increase of blood pressure on the veins which adds to the pressure on the capillaries.

When one is experiencing edema always look at the functionality of the lymphatics, the kidneys and the heart.

 

 Nutritional Support Items

VERY IMPORTANT:

  • Amino acids (NS Amino Complex 4 caps daily)): Sometimes edema is caused by inadequate protein assimilation. Protein deficiency has been linked to water retention. Take as directed on label.
  • Vitamin B complex (EQ B Complex, AI B Complex), plus extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): B vitamins work best when taken together. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) reduces water retention. For vitamin B complex, take 50–100 mg of each major B vitamin (thiamine and riboflavin) twice daily. Amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary. Do not exceed 35 mg niacin, 100 mg vitamin B6, and 1,000 mcg folate daily. For vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), take up to 50 mg 3 times daily.
  • Alfalfa (NS Green Max 2 caps 2-3 times daily): A good source of important minerals. Contains chlorophyll, a potent detoxifier. Take 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily.
  • Calcium (NS Coral Calcium) and magnesium (NS Magnesium Complex): To replace minerals lost with correction of edema. For calcium, take 1,500 mg daily. For magnesium, take up to 350 mg daily.
  • Parsley (NS Parsley 10 drops 2-3 times daily) A natural diuretic. Take as directed on label.
  • Celery Seed (NS Celery Seed 2 caps 2-3 times daily):  A natural diuretic that also serves as a blood thinner.
  • Bromelain (NS Kidney Support 2 caps 3 times daily): An enzyme derived from pineapples that helps digestion and allergies. Take as directed on label, 3 times daily.

HELPFUL:

  • Oregano (NS Oregano):  A detoxifier. Take 2 capsules 3 times daily, with meals.
  • Kelp (EQ Kelpcom 35-50 drops 2-3 times daily): Supplies needed minerals. Take 1,000–1,500 mg daily.
  • Potassium (EQ Potassium Chelate): Very important if taking diuretics. Helps to keep fluids on the inside of the cells. Take 99 mg daily.
  • Pycnogenol OR Grape Seed Extract (NS Grape Seed Extract 2 caps 2-3 times daily): A powerful antioxidant that also strengthens the tissues of the circulatory system. Take as directed on label.
  • Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (NS Superoxide Dismutase)):  Helpful in heart and liver disorders. Take as directed on label.
  • Taurine: Aids heart function. Take as directed on label.
  • Vitamin C (NS Liposomal Vitamin C): Essential for adrenal function and production of adrenal hormones, which are vital for proper fluid balance and control of edema. Take up to 2,000 mg daily, in divided doses.
  • Vitamin E (EQ Initial E): Aids circulation. Use d alpha-tocopherol form. Take 90 mg (200 IU) daily.

 

 Supplements
NS - Natural Solutions 

 

 Whole Food Sources and Spices
  • Whole grains
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Sea vegetables
  • Lean protein such as fish
  • Olive oil
  • Asparagus
  • Parsley
  • Beets
  • Grapes
  • Green Beans
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Tomatoes
  • Squash
  • Bell peppers
  • Foods that are high in protein and vitamin B can also be helpful in treating edema.
  • Avoid dairy, wheat, soy, and corn.

 

 Juicing Recipes

 Cucumber Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 1 tomato
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 stalks celery
  • parsley sprig for garnish

Directions:

  • Juice tomato and pour juice into ice cube tray and freeze.
  • Juice cucumber and celery.
  • Pour juice into tall glass and add tomato cubes.
  • Garnish with sprig of parsley.

Summer Breeze:

Ingredients:

  • 1 orange, peeled (leave white pithy part)
  • 1 medium bunch green grapes
  • 2 cups watermelon pieces, with rind
  • mint sprig for garnish

Directions:

  • Push orange, grapes, and watermelon through hopper.
  • Pour juice into tall glass over crushed ice.
  • Garnish with sprig of mint.

Folk Remedy Diuretic:

Ingredients:

  • 2 large apples, seeded
  • 1/2 tsp horseradish

Directions:

  • Juice apples and mix with horseradish.
  • Drink 3 times a day.

Sweet Potassium Shake:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cantaloupe
  • 1 banana

Directions:

  • Juice cantaloupe.
  • Place juice and banana in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Potassium Broth:

Ingredients:

  • handful parsley
  • handful spinach
  • 4-5 carrots, greens removed
  • 2 stalks celery

Directions:

  • Bunch up parsley and spinach leaves and push through hopper with carrots and celery.

Garden Salad Special:

Ingredients:

  • 2 broccoli flowerets
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 4-5 carrots or 2 tomatoes
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1/2 green pepper

Directions:

  • Push broccoli and garlic through hopper with carrots or tomatoes.
  • Follow with celery and green pepper.

Strawberry Shake:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint strawberries
  • 1/2 firm pear
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tbsp brewer's yeast

Directions:

  • Push strawberries and pear through hopper.
  • Place juice, banana, and yeast in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Body Cleanser:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 1 beet
  • 1/2 apple, seeded
  • 4 carrots, greens removed

Directions:

  • Push cucumber, beet, and apple through hopper with carrots.

 

 Gemstones and Crystals
  • Aqua Aura
  • Aquamarine
  • Carnelian
  • Jade
  • Moonstone
  • Galena
  • Pyrite
  • Blue Chalcedony
  • Blue Lace Agate
  • Malachite
  • Green jasper
  • Turquoise
  • Aventurine

 

 Homeopathy
  • Apocynum
  • Convallaria
  • Crataegus
  • Digitalis
  • Kalium Carbonicum
  • Natrum Sulphuricum
  • Pulsatilla

 

 Beneficial Techniques and Modalities
  • Rife Frequencies
  • VibraPro
  • Bemer
  • Biomat
  • PEMF
  • Ionic Footbath Detoxification
  • Massage Therapy

 

 Acupressure Points
  • Sp-3
  • KD-6
  • CV-6
  • SP-9
  • KD-2
  • SP-6
  • UB-40
  • UB-55
  • UB-56
  • UB-57
  • LI-4
  • Ren-17

 

 Home Remedies
If a person has edema in their lower limbs, it may help to:
  • Sit with the legs raised above the heart several times each day
  • Sleep with the affected limb on a pillow to raise it above the level of the heart
  • Have a massage, in which someone strokes the affected area firmly but gently toward the heart
  • People with edema may wish to wear loose clothing, as it will be more comfortable and allow fluid to circulate.
  • Use support stockings to increase circulation in the lower limbs.
  • Limiting salt content in the diet can help to keep sodium levels in a healthful range, decreasing water retention.
  • Managing weight
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Wearing support stockings, if edema affects the lower limbs
  • Avoiding sitting or standing still for too long
  • Taking breaks to walk around during long journeys
  • Avoiding extreme temperatures, such as hot baths, showers, and saunas

 

 Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
  • Chamomile oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Tea Tree oil
  • Juniper oil
  • Fennel oil
  • Geranium oil

 

Reflexology
Stimulate the kidney and adrenal points to help drain and unblock the lymphatic system, whilst also increasing circulation to help with blood flow.

 

 Bio-Energetic Balancing Remedies Suggestions

Root causes: medications, heart disease, kidney disease, deep vain thrombosis, pregnancy, cirrhosis, allergies, chronic venous insufficiency, excessive salt intake, lymphedema, inactivity, infections, estrogens, obesity, pericarditis, protein loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and lung diseases.

If you can identify any of the above, you can use energies to assist in correcting the cause. For example: lets say it's cirrhosis, then you will need to run a liver scan and add energies for symptoms. If it is kidney disease, then you would need to run a kidney scan and add energies for symptoms. Etc.

To make a general remedy for edema, use the search criteria (Set type to description) and add energies for symptoms like edema or swelling and then set type to item add the above listed homeopathics. You may want to add sarcodes for the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart.

*The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and advice of a qualified licensed medical professional.

All illnesses and injuries should be evaluated by your medical professional. Always discuss alternative health care with your medical professional before starting treatment.

The supplements listed are not intended to replace conventional medication, nor are they intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent diseases.

Natural Solutions Wholesale assumes no responsibility or liability for any consequence resulting directly or indirectly for any action or inaction you take based on or made in reliance on the information, services, or material given/offered to you.

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