Water retention or edema has numerous causes. Sometimes these are minor illnesses or conditions, but other times fluid retention can suggest serious illness. Water retention can be expressed as swollen ankles, feet, wrists, and arms, or manifest as ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Since water retention can be symptomatic of serious illness, it is important to see a doctor to find the cause.
One of the most common causes of water retention can be more easily addressed. Too much salt in the diet, even occasionally, can cause brief episodes of water retention. This can be addressed by lowering the sodium content of your diet. You shouldn't completely cut out sodium, but it's often very helpful to keep your sodium intake small by avoiding processed foods. Salt is a natural way of helping the body retain water, which it can store and use later; Therefore, it is an important element in diets, but it should not be used in excess.
Being cautious when out in the sun also reduces another common cause, sunburn. Severe sunburns can lead to water retention and blistering. In any case, it makes sense to protect the skin from sunburn, since sun damage to the skin is linked to higher rates of skin cancer. Burns of any kind, whether from the sun or other sources, lead to water retention because the body secretes toxins at a high rate. This overloads the kidneys and causes the body to store water in other areas of the body. Especially second and third degree burns can create a little water retention, and when these burns are extensive, they can create severe edema.
Poor nutrition or the inability to absorb nutrients can create water retention. Too little albumin in the blood, one of the main proteins in blood plasma, is another causative factor. Low albumin usually suggests insufficient protein intake or may indicate kidney disease. Both can lead to poorly functioning kidneys and an increased rate of water retention.
Any disease of the kidneys, liver or heart is expressed in part by water retention. Certain medications can also cause the condition. These include: steroids, some blood pressure medications, estrogens, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, and diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones.
Another common cause is pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. High levels of hormones just before a woman's period can lead to mild bloating, and many women struggle with water retention during premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although medications like ibuprofen can help reduce cramps, they can also make water retention worse.
When the cause of water retention is benign, a few things, under the advice of your doctor, can help reduce the condition. Reduce dietary intake of salt or sodium. Try to exercise regularly and stay active. Elevating the extremities above the level of the heart can reduce some of the swelling caused by fluid retention. When you rest, keep your feet elevated or make sure your hands are over your heart by placing some pillows around you. Consultation with your doctor may lead you to other methods of reducing water retention and treating any underlying causes.