Those summer temperatures, it's wonderful... plenty of terraces, enjoying long days and balmy evenings. Unfortunately, there is also one disadvantage to summer: your body retains moisture faster in this hot weather. Swollen feet or legs and fluid retention are the result. Annoying if you suddenly can no longer wear your favorite summer shoes or suffer from heavy legs…
Fortunately, there are many things that can quickly get rid of those annoying complaints.
In this blog I will list the ten most important tips for you.
But what is that, a fluid retention or edema?
When your body retains fluid, we speak of fluid retention or edema . There could be several reasons for this, but in this article I am talking specifically about heat edema, a fluid retention that is caused by hot weather. In the summer we often suffer from moisture accumulation because the temperature rises.
The hot weather causes your blood vessels to expand. Your body then often has a harder time draining moisture, which means that there will also be more pressure on your veins. Fluid accumulation can take place all over your body, but you will especially notice it in your legs, ankles and feet (this has to do with gravity, which causes the excess fluid to sink to the bottom).
10 tips that help against fluid retention
Do you suffer from swollen feet or legs in the summer? I'll tell you what you can do to reduce the complaints. With these ten tips you will immediately see improvement!
1. Drink enough water
Drinking water is number 1. That makes sense because if you drink enough water, toxins and excess moisture are removed. It ensures that the moisture balance is restored.
Do you find it difficult to drink enough water? Then be sure to read this blog in which I give you 8 hacks to drink more water .
2. Dandelion
There are a lot of natural remedies that work extremely well when you retain moisture, because they are able to drive the moisture away. Dandelion is one of them.
By the way, this is absolutely not a weed, the flower is actually amazingly healthy. The healthy effect of dandelion is mainly due to the substance Taraxine, which is the substance responsible for the bitter taste of the flower. It has a mild laxative effect and also stimulates your liver and gallbladder.
Dandelion has a diuretic effect and also ensures a thorough cleansing of your body. By the way, you can eat it completely, both the root and flower are edible. Bring some water to a boil and add a tablespoon of dandelion. Is the taste too bitter? A little honey can sweeten the infusion.
3. Drink a cup of matcha tea every day
I always start my morning with a cup of matcha tea . Matcha powder has a lot of great benefits: it gives you a huge energy boost for up to 5 hours, it strengthens your immune system and yes, it works as a diuretic.
When you start every day with a cup of green tea, you will experience a lot of health benefits in the short and long term.
By the way, have you tried our new blend (Ginger Lemon)? Both lemon and ginger provide your body with a natural detox. Ideal if your body retains too much moisture!
4. Limit your salt intake
Fluid retention is often caused by a poor diet. You are what you eat, they often say, and to some extent it is true.
Take a critical look at your diet: do you eat a lot of processed food? Then you may be ingesting a lot of salt. If you eat too much salt, your body retains fluid more easily. So limit your salt intake, consciously eat as much fresh food as possible and season your dishes with some pepper and other seasonings such as basil, parsley and various fresh herbs.
5. Eat lots of vegetables (or drink smoothies)
Vegetables are full of water, which makes them good for your moisture balance.
Tip: don't like eating vegetables? Then make a green smoothie and add some extra water. You can always add some water to smoothies and other drinks and then you always have extra moisture. A smart trick for people who don't like to drink water.
6. Raise your legs
Your legs, ankles and feet often experience the most complaints. Moisture sinks quickly due to gravity. If you suffer from heavy legs, elevate your legs in bed. It can certainly help to put some pillows under your feet.
Another tip: lie on the floor and keep your legs in the air (possibly against the wall). This will provide instant relief and normally reduce swelling.
7. Take an alternating shower
Suffering from heavy, swollen legs or feet? Stand with your legs under the shower and alternate between hot and cold water. It improves blood circulation, which reduces fluid retention.
Do you still have complaints after the shower? Put a cold compress on the site of the swelling, this will provide relief.
8. Exercise is good for you
You don't have to do extreme sports, but a gentle sport such as cycling, walking or swimming will reduce fluid retention. Choose sports in which you move your legs or arms a lot. By moving you stimulate blood circulation and that has a positive effect on your body.
For example, if you go for a half-hour walk every day, you will notice that your body retains much less moisture after a while.
9. Get your body massaged
Now you have the perfect excuse to get a massage. A massage will improve your blood circulation and help drain excess fluid. And honestly: the massage is of course a bonus. :-)
10. Excess weight can exacerbate the complaints: a healthy lifestyle is recommended in all situations
Certain studies have shown that there is a link between obesity and edema . Unfortunately, it is more common in obese people.
Therefore, try to work on a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. Drink plenty of water and tea, make sure there are plenty of vegetables on your plate, and avoid processed foods. With those healthy choices you are already well on your way!
Do you have any tips? Feel free to forward them to me so we can help each other.
