by ghchealth on Wed Mar 22, 2006 5:08 pm
There are many potential reasons that you may be retaining this much fluid. Some of these can be quite serious and include heart, liver, adrenal, or kidney problems. I strongly suggest that you consult with your doctor or, better yet, visit an experienced chiropractor or naturopath that can determine the reason that you are experiencing such pronounced edema. I will also post an article from Dr. Group that can provide some tips regarding lifestyle changes that can help.
Edema-Natural Remedies
Edema – Natural Remedies
Author: Edward F. Group III, D.C., Ph.D, N.D.,CCN
When treating edema, your physician must look at all aspects of the condition. What caused it? More than likely inadequate nutrition or some type of obstruction of blood or lymph flow. In some cases, a salt-restricted diet may be best.
Salt (sodium chloride) is in everyone’s diet because many packaged and prepared foods contain high levels of salt. Moreover, salting food at the table has become second nature to many people. Dietary intake of high levels of salt is thought to contribute to the progression of a number of chronic diseases.
The American Heart Association and other organizations advise people to limit their salt intake to the equivalent of no more than 3 teaspoons [6 grams] each day. A low-salt diet is beneficial because it helps lower blood pressure and keeps the heart healthy.
Research studies consistently find that increased dietary salt aggravates asthma symptoms, especially in men. In a small, preliminary trial, men with asthma who doubled their salt intake for one month experienced a worsening of their lung function.
Other conditions that may benefit from a low-salt diet include migraine headaches, kidney stones, gastritis, and ulcers caused by H. pylori infection. Preliminary evidence also suggests that restricting dietary salt may play a role in the prevention of certain types of cancer, including stomach, colorectal, and head and neck cancers.
Lower salt intake may also help to protect against the development of reduced insulin sensitivity, a physiological process that can lead to blood sugar regulation problems in certain people. Preliminary studies suggest that high salt intake decreases insulin sensitivity in young, healthy people, but not in older people with hypertension. Moderate restriction of salt, however, also decreased insulin sensitivity in one preliminary study of healthy people, but had no effect in other studies of people either with or without hypertension.
People with certain conditions have been found to benefit from salt intake and should not follow a low-salt diet. Children with cystic fibrosis lose a large amount of salt in their sweat and thus should be encouraged to salt their food liberally. Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers who have a form of low blood pressure triggered by changes in position (called orthostatic hypotension) have been reported to be helped by additional salt intake. Additionally, people with goiter or hypothyroid condition should not restrict intake of iodized salt if it is their only major source of iodine.
To avoid salt ask about ingredients at restaurants and others’ homes, and read food labels. The following list may contain large amounts of salt. Read the label before buying any product.
Canned soups, juices, and vegetables
· Cereals: cornflakes, bran flakes
· Cheese
· Cottage cheese
· Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
· Ketchup
· Lite soy sauce
· Microwave popcorn
· Miso
· Olives
· Pickles
· Processed meats: bologna, cured ham, frankfurters, etc.
· Salad dressings (prepared)
· Salted butter and margarine
· Salted nuts
· Seaweeds
· Smoked or cured fish
· Snack foods: potato chips, pretzels, tortilla chips
· Soy sauce
· Table salt
· Worcestershire sauce
The best foods found to have less salt would be
· Fresh foods such fruits, meats, vegetables
· Oats
· Packaged or prepared foods: look for labels stating "low-sodium," "salt-free," or "unslated"
· Pasta
· Rice
· Seasonings and marinades such as dried herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and/or vinegar (in place of salt)
High salt intake should be avoided, as it tends to lead to water retention and may worsen edema in some people.
If the edema is affecting one limb, the limb should be kept elevated whenever possible. This allows fluid to drain more effectively from the congested area. To decrease fluid buildup in the legs, people should avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time without moving.
According to research studies, a formula containing butcher’s broom extract, the flavonoid hesperidin, and vitamin C, which is used in Europe to treat venous and lymphatic system disorders, was superior in reducing lymphedema. The amount of butcher’s broom extract typically used is 150 mg two or three times per day.
Herbs that stimulate the kidneys were traditionally used to reduce edema. Aescin, isolated from horse chestnut seed, has been shown to effectively reduce post-surgical edema in preliminary trials. A form of aescin that is injected into the bloodstream is often used but only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Horsetail has a diuretic (urine flow increasing) action that accounts for its traditional use in reducing mild edema. The volatile oils in juniper cause an increase in urine volume and in this way can theoretically lessen edema.
Cleavers is one of numerous plants considered in ancient times to act as a diuretic. It was therefore used to relieve edema and to promote urine formation during bladder infections.
Natural Remedies For Edema
Quantum Greens - Contains greens that are potent detoxifiers and also minerals. Take 6 capsules with organic apple juice as a snack.
Calcium Orotate - To replace minerals lost with correction of edma. Take two tablets three times daily.
B-Complex - Reduces water retention. 50-100 mg of each major B Vitamin two times daily.
Silica - Take as directed on label. Natural diuretic.
Enzymes - Helps with digestion.
Garlic - 1 clove daily. Acts as a detoxifier.
Potassium Orotate - 99 mg daily. Important if taking diuretis. Helps to keep fluids on the inside of the cells.
Nattokinase - May helps with heart disease. Smoother blood flow and circulation.
Vitamin C - (Beet derived) - 3,000-5,000 mg daily in divided doses. Essential for adrenal function and production of adrenal hormones which are necessary for proper fluid balancd and control of edema.
Vitamin E - 400 IU daily. Aids circulation.
Free-Form Amino Acid Complex - Take as direct on label. Edema is sometimes caused by inadequate protein assimilation. Not enough protein has been linked to water retention.
Sit with your feet up as often as possible.
Exercise daily for 20-30 minutes.
Diet - Avoid animal protein, beef, caffeine, dairy products (except organic eggs, small amounts of organic cottage cheese, kefir and yogurt), shellfish, fried foods, gravies, olives, pickles, salt, soy sauce, tobacco, white flour and sugar, alcohol.
Eliminate stress by implementing yoga, pilates, relaxing music, meditation, positive books, gardening, etc.
As you can see there are ways of treating edema. You just have to find what works for you and keep at it everyday. This will ensure your not getting it and living a heavy life.
