Water Retention
Water Retention
Water Retention
SESSION 2023-24
TOPIC:- EFEECTS OF WATER RETENTION IN
HUMAN BODY AND ITS EFFECTS
Water retention, known as edema, is swelling in parts of the body. You can
experience water retention in the legs, ankles, or feet as well as the face and
hands.
Sitting for a long time during the workday or on plane flights, hormone
changes during pregnancy, and even standing for too long can all cause this
to happen. Your body is made up of 50-60 percent trusted water. When your
hydration level is not balanced, your body tends to hang onto that water.
Depending on the cause, you may be able to help relieve edema by making
changes to your diet or by avoiding sitting for long periods of time
throughout the day. If it’s caused by other health conditions, doctors may be
able to help manage the condition.
Symptoms of water retention
Water retention may cause you to feel heavier than usual, and less nimble or
active. Retaining excess water can also cause some noticeable symptoms.
A number of factors can cause water retention. Some causes may be a sign
of a severe health condition while others may not be serious.
Consuming too much sodium. You may get too much sodium by
using a lot of table salt or ingesting processed foods and soft drinks.
Heart failure. Heart failure, which occurs when the heart can’t pump
blood effectively, can cause the body to retain water.
Pregnancy. The shift in weight during pregnancy can cause the legs to
retain water if you are unable to move around regularly.
Kidney disease. Advanced chronic kidney disease can cause water
retention in the arms and legs. This happens when the kidneys are not
able to filter excess fluids from the body, leading to buildup.
Cirrhosis of the liver. When someone has cirrhosis, increased pressure
in the liver and reduced production of proteins by the liver can lead to
water retention.
DVT
uterine fibroids
heart failure
liver disease
kidney disease
physical examination
medical history
detailed questioning about the fluid retention, such as when it started,
any factors that worsen the swelling and whether it is constant or
intermittent
blood tests
urine tests
liver function tests
kidney function tests
chest x-ray
heart function tests, such as electrocardiogram (ECG).
Treatment
If your body doesn’t return naturally to its balanced state, you should seek
medical help. Medical professionals typically treat edema by treating its
cause.
A doctor can determine if you need any of the following to relieve your
water retention:
diuretics to help remove salt and water from the body through urine
certain supplements
compression socks
diet changes
Remedies for water retention:- You may be able to treat
and prevent water retention at home if it’s not caused by another
health condition. However, treatment depends on the cause and may
require diagnosis by a medical professional.
4. Eat protein:- Protein attracts water and keeps your body balanced. A
special protein called albumin produced by the liver keeps fluid in the
bloodstream and prevents it from leaking out and causing swelling.
5. Keep your feet elevated:- Elevating your feet can help move the
water upward and away from your lower extremities.
Prevention
It’s best to follow a balanced diet and limit foods high in sodium. Keep a
diary of what you’re doing and eating when you feel like you’re retaining
extra water. This may help you pinpoint the causes.
Then you can make appropriate lifestyle changes to help prevent water
retention or seek guidance from a medical professional
METHOD 3: Do you feel your hands, legs, feet and face look puffy now?
Press with your finger on your legs or hands and if the imprint remains or
leaves an impression that lasts more than a few seconds, its water weight.
Ideally, if you press, it should come back to its original shape immediately.
METHOD 4: Swollen feet caused by water weight get the imprint of your
socks which you can see when you take them off. Even your ring or other
ornaments may feel tighter than before if you have gained water weight.
*fat[calories] cells are springy in structure after pressing they bounce back
whereas water stored cells won’t bounce back*.