5 signs that you are retaining fluid

Do you know what the signs are that indicate you are... Retaining fluid?

Even though it's a common problem, this situation can indicate other more serious issues, such as kidney, heart, or liver disease.

In the case of patients with heart disease, there is an overload on cardiac function due to the increased fluid in circulation, which requires a greater effort to function.

In short, fluid retention causes swelling that is usually more visible in the legs, face, or hands; the skin becomes shinier and more sensitive.

In addition, the skin becomes marked by wearing tighter clothes and rings, and there is a faster rate of weight gain.  

See more signs that you are retaining fluid.

What is fluid retention?

Initially, edema is the term used to describe swelling in the legs due to fluid accumulation in that area.

This usually occurs in women and doesn't always indicate a more serious problem, but it's a recurring complaint in doctors' offices due to the discomfort it causes.

But the swelling doesn't only occur in the legs; it's also seen in the abdomen and arms.

In short, discomfort occurs as weight is gained, initially fluctuating by 1 to 3 kg as a consequence of water retention.

For example, when a person stands all day, fluid can leak from the blood vessels in the legs, a process called interstitial fluid.

Therefore, this loss of blood vessel volume signals the kidneys, in order to replace the lost fluid, to retain sodium and water, which increases the volume of water in the body and consequently the weight.

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Fluid retention: what are the causes?

There are several issues that cause fluid retention; here are a few:

1. High salt consumption in food

One of the main causes of fluid retention is the consumption of salty foods; salt contains a lot of sodium, which retains water.

Therefore, to avoid fluid retention, the amount of salt in food should be reduced or a low-sodium salt should be used.

2. Pregnancy  

This also happens when a woman is pregnant and is considered a normal situation, since there is an increase in hormone production during pregnancy.

This ultimately causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing swelling in the legs and ankles.

In short, this happens because when blood reaches the legs, it cannot return to the heart as easily.

This causes fluid to accumulate in the space between the cells, resulting in swelling.

3. Not drinking water regularly

It is essential to keep the body well hydrated to aid cell function, help the kidneys function properly, and eliminate excess sodium from the body.

Therefore, not drinking water regularly will eventually lead to you becoming ill. retaining fluid.

Therefore, drink at least 1.5 to 3 liters of natural water per day, remembering that the amount of water you should drink will be calculated according to your weight.

4. Lack of physical exercise

Not exercising regularly ends up affecting blood circulation; circulation slows down, which causes fluid retention.

However, regular physical exercise helps prevent and significantly improves blood circulation.

Doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week, whether it's a light walk, a run, or anything else, will help with blood circulation.

5. Staying still for too long

The person may also be retaining fluid if she remains still for too long, whether standing or especially sitting in the same position.

In other words, when one remains immobile for too long, the return of blood from the limbs to the heart will be hindered.

As a result, this will cause swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, hands, and arms.

6. Use of medications

There are some medications that can cause fluid retention and consequently swelling in the body.

Corticosteroids, minoximel, or medications for treating high blood pressure such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, amlodipine, among others.

7. Hormonal changes

Retention is more common in women precisely because of hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle.

In this sense, the woman knows that she is retaining fluid through abdominal swelling or breast swelling.

8. Thyroid

There are some hormonal diseases that influence this issue that causes fluid retention, such as hypothyroidism.

9. Cardiovascular problems

Fluid retention can occur due to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or venous insufficiency.

In short, this occurs because of the difficulty in pumping blood to the heart.

Fluid retention: see the 5 signs 

Fluid retention occurs when there is an unusual accumulation of fluids in the body, resulting in swelling in the feet, arms, ankles, abdomen, face, and other areas.

Here are 5 signs that indicate fluid retention:

1. SwellingSwelling is the most common symptom of fluid retention. It can affect various areas of the body, such as the legs, hands, abdomen, back, arms, and face. By touching the skin, you can notice the difference and the feeling of swelling.

2. Tight, glowing skinThe skin in the affected area may appear stretched and shiny due to fluid buildup.

3. Pain or increased sensitivityIn addition to swelling, you may experience pain or increased sensitivity in the affected area.

4. Stiffness in the jointsFluid retention can cause stiffness in the joints, making movement difficult.

5. Increase in body weightFluid retention can lead to a temporary increase in body weight.

Conclusion 

If the information presented showed that you are retaining fluid, It is important for the person to seek medical attention.

It is necessary to identify the cause and seek the correct treatment, in addition to preventive measures to avoid fluid retention.

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