From the Forums: Edema Discussion An HSI member named Erlyle writes: "Does anyone know why people often suffer from edema as they get older?"
Edema is a swelling (usually in the legs and feet) caused by fluid accumulation in body tissues, and it occurs more often in the elderly, due primarily to immobility and poor nutrition.
Erlyle continues: "About 12 nights ago, I noticed my left foot/ankle was swollen and hoped it would return to normal after sleeping. I thought maybe a bug had bitten me, but otherwise had no certain idea of what was or might be the cause. Is there no way to reverse this condition? Could exercise and dietary changes make a positive difference? Your kind suggestions/referrals would be much appreciated. I am recently 72 years old and living in Honolulu."
1earth1: "I work in a doctors office. This is what the doctor orders and I've seen much improvement: Horse chestnut, fish oil with omega 3, low sodium, low saturated fats, compression stockings (if the edema is related to venous insufficiency). Some need a diuretic but asparagus is a natural diuretic as well as watermelon…and I am sure others here can give more suggestions."
JonB: "Blocked up lymphatic drainage tubes can cause edema."
Pinky: "Unfortunately, it can also indicate early heart problems. A tea made from dried parsley is also a natural diuretic."
Cedarchest: "First, you need to determine the cause of the edema. That's important. Celery or fresh celery juice is excellent, as is the parsley tea suggested. Systemic Formulas makes a product called KDIR that we have been using for my Mom's foot/leg edema and it's helping a lot. Supplement with Potassium from the same company, especially if the edema is caused from a heart-related diagnosis."
DJT: "Improved blood circulation helps virtually every health situation, as well as one's general well-being. So, along with all of the excellent advice about, I'd like to add hydrotherapy to stimulate blood flow. You can do the simplest form--hot and cold showers, or a little stronger with hot showers followed by a cold towel wrap. Besides getting a checkup for heart and kidneys, consider lowered adrenal function. The kidneys try to compensate, use up their store of sodium, and you get swelling (speaking from experience). It started with my feet and ankles, then fingers and hands, then all over as my kidney function wore down.
Dr. H.F. Wombat: "ALL cases of oedema are reduced by carb restriction which can be done safely. Each gram of carbohydrate comes with three grams of water."
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