Fluid retention can be caused by various factors, including serious illnesses, poor diet, and medication. However, reducing dietary salt, protecting skin from sunburn, and staying active can help alleviate the condition. It’s important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Fluid retention, or edema, has numerous causes. Sometimes these are mild illnesses or conditions, but other times water retention can suggest serious illnesses. This condition can be expressed as swollen ankles, feet, wrists and arms or manifests as ascites, which is the gross accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Because fluid retention can be symptomatic of a serious illness, it’s important to see a doctor to find the cause.
One of the most common causes of fluid buildup can be addressed more easily. Too much salt in your diet, even occasionally, can cause brief episodes of fluid retention. This can be addressed by reducing the sodium content in the diet. You shouldn’t have to cut sodium completely, but keeping your sodium intake small by avoiding processed foods is often very helpful. Salt is a natural way to help the body retain water, which it can store and use later; therefore it is an important element in diets, but should not be overused.
Being cautious when exposed to the sun also reduces another common cause, sunburn. A severe sunburn can lead to fluid buildup and blisters. In any case, you should protect your skin from sunburn, as sun damage to the skin is linked to higher rates of skin cancer. Burns of any kind, whether from the sun or other sources, lead to this condition because the body secretes toxins at a rapid rate. This overloads the kidneys causing the body to store water in other areas of the body. Second and third degree burns, in particular, can create less water retention and, when these burns are extensive, can create severe edema.
Poor diet or an inability to absorb nutrients can cause this condition. Too little egg white in the blood, a major protein in the blood plasma is another causative factor. Reduced egg white usually suggests insufficient protein intake or may indicate kidney disease. Both of these can lead to poorly functioning kidneys and a higher rate of water retention.
Any disease of the kidneys, liver or heart is partly expressed by fluid accumulation. Some medications can also cause the condition. These include: steroids, some blood pressure medications, estrogen, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, and diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones.
Another common cause is pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. High levels of hormones just before a woman’s period can cause slight bloating, and many women battle water retention during premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While medications like ibuprofen can help reduce cramping, they can also make fluid buildup worse.
When the cause of the fluid buildup is benign, doing a few things, under the advice of a doctor, can help lessen the condition. A person can reduce their dietary salt or sodium intake and should try to get regular exercise and stay active. Elevating the limbs above the level of the heart can also reduce some of the swelling caused by fluid retention. When resting, keep your feet elevated or make sure your hands are over your heart by placing some pillows around you. Consulting with your doctor can lead you to other methods to reduce fluid buildup and treat any underlying causes.
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