Edema (water retention) is the accumulation of fluid in the armpits, tissues, and circulatory system. It can cause swelling in the legs, feet, and hands and usually affects women during pregnancy or before their menstrual cycle.

It can affect individuals who are not physically active, during long flights, or individuals who take certain long-term medications.

Most causes of edema are not fatal, however, they can be a manifestation of some medical conditions such as kidney disease or heart failure. If there are no hidden conditions, you can avoid edema and reduce the swelling it causes.

You can read about the causes of edema in this article. Knowing the causes is very important, because as such, you can stop or refrain from doing the thing that causes the swelling.

1. Excessive sodium intake Eating foods rich in salt and not drinking enough water can make your body enter “conservation mode,” thus retaining water. Water can make cells expand up to 20 times.

However, salt is not the only element rich in sodium. It is also found in processed foods and canned vegetables.

Despite what one might expect, Celtic or Himalayan salt reverses the damage caused by table salt.

2. Magnesium deficiency Edema can also be a side effect of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is essential for all functions in the body, and if it is deficient, other functions will not work properly, leading to water retention.

According to one study, 200 mg of magnesium on a regular basis can reduce edema in women with premenstrual syndrome. You can alleviate this condition by eating foods rich in magnesium or taking supplements. Foods rich in magnesium are yogurt, peas, dried fruits, dark chocolate, spinach, nuts, whole grains, avocados, and dark green vegetables.

3. Vitamin B6 deficiency Vitamin B6 is responsible for controlling the various angles of water balance in the body, so if this vitamin is insufficient, it can be a cause of edema.

There was a study published in the Journal of Care Science, which showed that women who suffer from edema caused by premenstrual syndrome, experienced changes due to vitamin B6.

Being a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin B6 needs various cofactors to work, and it is best obtained from eating chicken, turkey, fish, potatoes with their skin, dried fruits, pistachios, bananas, and sunflower seeds.

4. Magnesium deficiency

Potassium is a mineral responsible for the proper function of organs, cells, and tissues in the body. This electrolyte is essential for maintaining the body’s water balance.

Potassium levels can be reduced by consuming excess salt and not eating foods rich in potassium. This can lead to water retention.

In addition, potassium deficiency can lead to weight gain and muscle cramps.

Potassium lowers sodium levels, thus reducing water retention.

Potassium is found in many natural products, but watermelon and watermelon are particularly rich in this mineral.

5. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration. When this happens, the body enters survival mode and retains water.

Drinking plenty of water and juices rich in potassium all the time can improve this condition.

Knowing how much water you should be drinking is essential. Coffee and soda will dehydrate your cells even more.

6. Overeating Processed Foods

Apart from being high in sodium and sugar, processed foods are loaded with additives that act as toxins and put a strain on your liver and kidneys.

Foods high in sugar, and artificial sweeteners in particular, lead to a rapid increase in insulin and glucose levels.

You should minimize your use of processed ingredients. One great way to detox your body is to eliminate chronic diseases and make sure your body is in good shape.