Edema is swelling that occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the body tissues. It usually affects the feet, ankles, legs, hands, arms and face. One of the simplest ways to treat edema is to eat foods that help in flushing out the excess fluid from the body and restore the normal electrolyte balance, thereby preventing water from accumulating in the different parts of the body.
The Following Foods Are Especially Effective In Treating Edema
Alfalfa
To reduce fluid retention, eat alfalfa sprouts. Saponins present in alfalfa are powerful diuretics. Alfalfa helps in reducing fluid buildup in the body tissues in people suffering from kidney disorders. It is also a wonderful food for pregnant women suffering from edema.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain certain compounds that stimulate urination, thereby helping in flushing out the excess fluid from the body that causes edema. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of potassium. Potassium helps in counterbalancing the effect of sodium that causes water retention in the body tissues.
Celery
The diuretic effect of celery, especially celery seeds help in reducing water retention in the legs. Moreover, eating celery helps in lowering the high blood pressure level, which usually occurs because of the high sodium concentration in the blood. In some cases water retention is a sign of dehydration. Celery is a water rich vegetable that helps in replenishing the depleted water reserve of the body, thereby providing relief from edema caused by dehydration.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The diuretic effect of apple cider vinegar helps in removing the excess fluid from the body, and hence, helps in providing relief from edema. To treat edema, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink the diluted vinegar twice a day.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds proteins are natural diuretics. To treat edema naturally, take a tablespoon of crushed flaxseeds daily. They also help in controlling high blood pressure in people prone to edema.
Turnip
Turnip is an excellent source of potassium, the mineral that helps in providing relief from edema by negating the harmful effect of sodium on the body tissues. Arginine, a type of amino acid, found in turnip further helps in boosting the diuretic effect of the vegetable.
