Inelastic, swollen fabrics that remain white when pressed with the finger: these are all signs of  water retention . If, with respect to this stage, the blood microcirculation continues to be compromised, the tissue “engulfs” completely and  cellulite appears . Let’s find out better.

• What is water retention
• Symptoms of water retention
• Causes of water retention
• How to fight against water retention
• Remedies for water retention
• Recommended foods
• Foods to avoid
• Herbal remedies for water retention
• Bach flowers for water retention
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Aromatherapy for water retention
• How to drain leg fluids
• How to prevent water retention
• Water retention in pregnancy

What is water retention

By water retention we mean the tendency to retain liquids in the body, with relative accumulation in the interstitial spaces between cell and cell.

The resultant of this accumulation is an edema , which is mainly localized in adipose areas such as:

• Abdomen;
• lower limbs.  

This is a typical disorder in women, but water retention in men is also widespread. 

Symptoms of water retention

Water retention affects the lower and upper limbs, as well as the abdomen .

The parts involved are swollen  and  not very elastic . In particular, the legs swell, become heavy and tired, especially at the end of the day. The extremities ( feet , ankles, hands ) dilate their shapes and are sometimes also painful.

Causes of water retention

The causes of water retention are often linked to diet, a sedentary lifestyle , a deficit of microcirculation and stress . It can also be due to physiological factors of various kinds:

• Genetic factors , with a more or less marked tendency to accumulate adipose tissue.
• Hormonal factors , due to excess estrogen. 
• Taking medications , such as birth control pills. 

When entering the pathological sphere, it is the doctor’s task to carry out an investigation on several levels . Understanding the actual cause is the starting point for identifying the correct cure to help drain excess fluid and prevent waterlogging.

How to fight against water retention

To counteract water retention it is necessary to mobilize the part involved. In case of strong water retention in the legs with swollen thighs, knees and ankles that have accumulations, it is necessary to give movement to the joints and limbs:

• Walking in a sustained manner;
• perform push-up exercises;
• stimulate the sole of the foot and the forefoot to stimulate venous return.

these are the first steps to fight the stasis and the edemas that have formed.

Many strategies must be put in place to counteract water retention in addition to movement:

• Proper nutrition;
•  massages;
• phytotherapy to support the microcirculation

They are all valid tools for moving stagnation .

An important help also comes from the use of calibrated compression stockings that stimulate the venous and lymphatic circulation , important for those who spend many hours a day on their feet.

Remedies for water retention

Nutrition often plays a fundamental role . Although excess sodium is one of the factors that substantially increase water retention , we often have the habit of adding food to it, forgetting that they themselves contain a lot of salt .

Foods to avoid

Some foods tend to limit the drainage of liquids : this is

• Dairy product;
• white flour ;
• saturated fats from meat , butter and sausages.

Refined carbohydrates, industrial sweets and alcohol can also have an influence. Therefore it would be good to avoid the intake of cold cuts, aged cheeses, smoked fish, pretzels, toasted and salted nuts.

Recommended foods

Conversely, some foods help protect blood vessels , support microcirculation and prevent fluid retention: 

• Dark chocolate ;
• extra virgin olive oil ;
• cranberry juice .

The diet should be rich in fish , legumes , cold-pressed vegetable oils (such as extra virgin olive oil and linseed oil ), seasonal fruit and vegetables . Fibers that improve intestinal function are important , especially in the case of constipation , thus avoiding congestion that puts pressure on the lower limbs.

Liver support is useful with bitter-tasting vegetables ( chicory , turnip greens , radicchio , Belgian endive ) and foods with a direct hepatic tropism such as  artichokes and nettle . It is advisable to increase the consumption of berries  and citrus fruits .

Herbal remedies for water retention

Plants to combat cellulite blemishes are also very useful in case of water retention and are often natural diuretics .

The leaves and the bark of witch hazel  ( Hamamelis Virginiana ) are used in disorders of the circulatory system, where an astringent action is necessary ; while the leaves of centella  ( Centella asiatica ), by strengthening and elasticizing the walls of the blood vessels, favor the correct peripheral circulation , therefore they are indicated to reduce capillary permeability and subcutaneous edema.

The pineapple stem ( Ananas sativus ) is widely used to improve blood and lymphatic circulation because it reduces vasodilation and excessive permeability of capillaries , reducing inflammation or localized pain.

Sweet clover  ( Melilotus officinalis ) is used in the treatment of venous and lymphatic insufficiency , in the presence of edema and swelling of the lower limbs, water retention, heavy legs and cellulite.

Plants that stimulate diuresis and the lymphatic system, such as birch leaves  ( Betula Pendula ) and cherry peduncles , can also be introduced periodically through dry extract supplements or tincture.

Also  find out what drainage sludge is and how it works

Bach flowers for water retention

You can also help the fluid drainage process with vibrational remedies , such as  Bach flowers ,  which work on causes of an emotional nature. In fact, they act mainly on the emotional state that leads to the manifestation of a certain disorder. When the lymphatic and circulatory systems become congested, retaining fluids and toxins, it means that an internal imbalance is manifesting on a physical level  linked to excessive control. 

Personalized blends will need to take this analogy into account to change character attitudes or negative emotions, in order to release excess fluids and promote the healing process .

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine , to counteract water retention, it acts on the lipid and water metabolism . The typical session includes 10 therapies lasting one hour where the operator acts locally on the affected regions with pressure or needles. 

However, it should be noted that in Chinese medicine the disorder is interpreted as an accumulation of Yin and fluids that is due either to excess weight or to structural bodily problems. Retention could also affect the spleen ‘s “transport / transformation” function  or be related to posture problems .

Aromatherapy for water retention

Essential oils have a draining action on lymphatic stagnation and can therefore be used for the treatment of cellulite, through a circulatory massage. They are used locally diluted in almond oil (10 drops per 100ml of oil) or in the tub to take toning baths with anti-cellulite action.

• Birch essential oil : prevents venous problems and circulatory disorders in case of heavy legs, swelling, edema and lymphatic stagnation; while, due to its diuretic and draining activity, it favors the elimination of excess fluids and relieves pain. 
• Lemon essential oil : it is a tonic for the circulatory system; stimulates lymphatic and venous circulation, strengthens blood vessels and thins the blood. Excellent against disorders due to poor circulation such as heavy legs, edema, cellulite, varicose veins , capillary fragility and chilblains.
• Rosemary essential oil : used as an ingredient in cosmetic products and mud treatments against cellulite or localized adiposity, thanks to its lipolytic action, stimulating the peripheral circulation and draining the lymphatic system.

How to drain leg fluids

Moving is the categorical imperative to reduce water retention; the important thing, however, is that the exercises are aimed at eliminating toxins. 

• Sustained walking to stimulate the microcirculation
• Pressotherapy: a useful machine that, through wrapping bands, works as pompage from the bottom upwards to favor the drainage of liquids
• Lymphatic massage or manual lymphatic drainage: useful technique to be performed with delicacy and constancy to convey the edematous stagnations towards the lymphatic drainage ganglia.
• Activities such as swimming and water aerobics are also indicated, which involve movement with the friction of water and work all the muscles.

How to prevent water retention

The prevention of water retention starts with movement, passes through nutrition and reaches the stimulation of the connective tissue. Surely when no problems of any kind arise, we forget to implement actions that can prevent a possible manifestation of the problem.
Certainly physical exercise whether jogging, swimming, aqua gym, a healthy low-sodium diet, no smoking, no alcohol are correct lifestyles that contribute to general well-being.

Water retention in pregnancy

During the months of pregnancy it is very likely to suffer from water retention : the legs swell and hurt, the circulation is difficult, and particular diuretic or remedies cannot be taken. use localized muds and packs , as a precautionary principle. However, manual lymphatic drainage treatments and p resso therapy are very useful .

If you live by the sea or in the spa area, walking in the salt water favors the osmotic passages, the mobilization of stagnation and the elimination of toxins.