Fluid retention is the name commonly given to lower limb edema. It is also often said that, in the summer months, we accumulate more fluids and “swell up”, but is this true? What consequences can fluid retention have on the body? Dr. Verónica Azcoitia, a specialist in Nutrition at Blue Healthcare, a Top Doctors member center, explains it in detail.
Doctor, what exactly is fluid retention and why does the body react in this way?
Popularly, lower limb edema is known as fluid retention. This is the progressive swelling due to fluid accumulation in the interstitial space, mainly in the legs.
How can we identify that we are suffering from fluid retention and not another pathology or disorder?
First of all, it is necessary to distinguish between edema and lipedema. This is differentiated if, when pressing on the swollen area, there is a trace (called fovea) for a few seconds: there is fovea in edema and not in lipedema. Subsequently, it is necessary to study the cause, which may be: the existence of a circulatory problem such as chronic venous insufficiency or alteration of the lymphatic system, cardiac or renal pathologies… A medical assessment is essential and an etiology requiring pharmacological and/or surgical treatment must not be overlooked.
What can cause fluid retention in the body?
The most common fluid retention is edema secondary to chronic venous insufficiency, and there are several factors that influence it: diet, heat, prolonged standing (prolonged standing), lack of physical exercise, insufficient night’s rest…
Is it true that in summer there may be more fluid retention?
The heat causes vasodilatation and this leads to more fluid leaking from the interior of the blood vessels into the interstitial space. If, in addition, the patient has an alteration of the valves of the veins, this outflow of fluid from the blood vessels will be greater.
How can fluid retention be prevented and are there foods that can help?
In the case of edema due to venous insufficiency, we can use compression stockings if we foresee prolonged standing, as well as regular physical activity (walking, running, swimming). At rest it helps to do it with the legs elevated.
In addition, we can take care of our diet, avoiding foods with a lot of salt (sausages, pickles, processed snacks such as chips or fried and salted nuts, ultra-processed or add salt in excess in our meals) and consume others that will help, for its draining effect: pineapple, watermelon, ginger, celery, cucumber and some herbs, such as horsetail and green nettle.
What other treatments can be carried out?
Along with all the above, there are some treatments that can help: lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy, mesotherapy. A doctor specializing in Aesthetic Medicine should evaluate each case and prescribe the ideal treatment for it.