Edema is a swelling phenomenon caused by excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space of body tissues. It is common in the face, lower limbs and abdomen. It not only affects the appearance, but also may reflect the health of the body. This article will provide scientific and practical strategies for eliminating edema from multiple angles, including the causes of edema, evaluation methods, diet adjustments, lifestyle habits and massage techniques.
1. Causes and classification of edema
1. Physiological edema
- Sitting and standing for a long time: blood return is blocked, resulting in blood and water retention in the lower limbs.
- Diet too salty: excessive sodium ions in the body promote water retention.
- Insufficient water intake: the body activates the water retention mechanism, which causes edema instead.
- Hormonal changes: women’s progesterone increases during menstruation or pregnancy, which can easily cause edema.
2. Pathological edema
- Ascites due to liver disease: Portal hypertension leads to accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, accompanied by an increase in waist circumference and weight gain.
- Kidney disease: Abnormal renal function leads to drainage obstruction.
- Heart disease: Insufficient heart pumping function, obstructed blood return.
- Lymphatic system disorder: Poor lymph return, causing local edema.
2. Assessment and grading of edema
- Visual and palpation: Observe the swollen area and press the skin to see if there is a depression (pitting edema).
- Self-test: Leg edema can be detected by whether the shoes are tight, and abdominal edema can be detected by feeling the abdomen bloating.
- Medical examination: Ultrasound, blood test and urine analysis to determine the pathological cause.
3. Dietary strategies for eliminating edema
1. Restrict salt intake
Sodium ions are the main cause of water retention, and reducing salt intake is the first principle for eliminating edema. Avoid processed foods and high-salt seasonings.
2. Drink plenty of water
Sufficient water promotes metabolism and detoxification. It is recommended to consume about 2000 ml of water per day to help the body excrete excess water.
3. Recommended water-draining foods
| Food | Efficacy description |
|---|---|
| Red beans | Rich in potassium and saponins, diuretic and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and water metabolism. |
| Mung beans | Clears away heat and detoxifies, diuretic and detumescent, helps maintain hormone balance, and protects liver and kidney function. |
| Winter melon | High potassium and low sodium, diuretic and detumescent, contains fiber to promote gastrointestinal motility and reduce waste accumulation. |
| Watermelon | Rich in water and acid citrullinated pigment, diuretic and detumescent, reduces appetite. |
| Kelp | Contains mannitol and iodine, diuretic and detumescent, improves blood lipids, and promotes cholesterol excretion. |
| Black coffee | Caffeine promotes metabolism and urination, low calories help reduce fat, and improve edema. |
| Ginger | Promotes blood circulation and kidney drainage function, increases metabolic rate, and helps eliminate fat. |
| Cucumber | Diuretic and detoxifying, contains succinic acid to inhibit fat production and promote intestinal detoxification. |
| Grapefruit | Rich in potassium and grapefruit acid, promotes digestion and metabolism, and diuresis and drainage. |
4. Living habits and exercise conditioning
- Promote blood circulation: Avoid sitting or standing for a long time, get up and move every 30 minutes to promote blood return.
- Moderate exercise: Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, and jogging helps blood circulation and metabolize water in the lower limbs.
- Maintain a good sleeping posture and keep warm: Avoid cold legs and reduce the risk of edema.
- Avoid staying up late and drinking too much water: It is not advisable to drink a lot of water before going to bed, and maintain adequate sleep to promote metabolism.
5. Massage and acupoint therapy
- Acupoint massage: Stimulate the “water point” (1 inch above the navel on the abdomen), the points around the knees and ankles to promote lymphatic return and drainage.
- Leg massage steps:
- Press the lymph nodes on both sides of the pubic bone to promote blood flow.
- Massage from the ankles to the knees to promote water return.
- Gently push the upper part of the knee toward the thigh to relieve edema.
- Pull the outer muscles of the knee upward to relieve local swelling.
6. Medical intervention and precautions
- Ascites treatment: Low-sodium diet combined with diuretics, severe cases require puncture drainage or TIPS surgery.
- Beware of infection: Ascites infection (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis) requires timely antibiotic treatment.
- Clinical examination and follow-up: Regularly check liver and kidney function and monitor edema changes.
Edema is common, but it may be caused by a variety of health problems. Through a reasonable diet, moderate exercise, scientific massage and medical intervention when necessary, edema can be effectively relieved and prevented, and the body can be restored to a light and comfortable state. Pay attention to every detail of the body, so that health and beauty go hand in hand.
*This article integrates professional information and empirical research from various sources, and is committed to providing readers with a comprehensive and practical edema management plan. *
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