What is the treatment for fluid retention?

Expert answer:

Treatment for fluid retention depends on the cause. If fluid accumulation is related to problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, thyroid, or blood, treatment will be specific to each type of disease or disorder.

In cases where fluid retention is not associated with any disease, treatment changes in diet and Lymphatic drainage.

The first thing to do is to decrease the salt, which in excess can overwhelm the kidneys and cause fluid retention. Healthy people should consume at most one teaspoon per day, and that amount of salt should be distributed throughout the day on all meals and snacks.

White sugar, pasta, breads and rice which are not integral also favor fluid retention and should be avoided.

Another important measure is to drink an adequate amount of Water, about 2 liters per day, as it ensures the proper functioning of the kidneys.

Foods diuretics such as lettuce, watermelon, melon, pineapple, cucumber and parsley can be consumed at will, as they favor the elimination of liquids through the urine. The use of teas diuretics, such as horsetail tea, also helps fight the buildup of fluids in the body.

The diuretic medications should be avoided unless they are medically indicated because they can dehydrate the cells and even impair the functioning of the kidneys.

Already the Lymphatic drainage produces excellent results in the treatment of fluid retention. It is a specific massage technique to drain the fluid accumulated in the tissues of the body and send it back into the bloodstream, to be eliminated by the urine.

The results can be noted shortly after the sessions, but feeding control remains critical to treatment success.

To find out if your fluid retention deserve attention, do the following test: Press the ankle region with your fingertip. If the pressure leaves a deeper mark, it needs special care.

If the swelling occur in the whole body, it may be a symptom of problems in the heart, kidneys or liver, so it needs to be investigated.

Look for a general practitioner, family doctor or nephrologist in the presence of these symptoms.