Oedema (Edema)
What is oedema?
Causes of oedema
Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for oedema
What is oedema?
Oedema (edema) is a swelling in parts of the body caused by a build-up of fluid in that area. Fluid can accumulate unnaturally in many parts of the body and in several organs, but most commonly occurs in the feet, ankles and lower legs. It is not uncommon in the hands and arms.
"Pitting edema" is when a dent remains in the swelling for minutes after pressing a finger into the swollen tissue.
Causes of oedema
- Oedema is primarily caused by a low level of potassium. A diet high in sugar depletes potassium and raises sodium. Diabetics and those with metabolic syndrome have high blood sugar levels, potassium deficiency, sodium overload, and oedema. Oedema is a classic diabetic symptom.
- Pregnancy.
- Heart disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Liver disease.
- Several pharmaceutical medications.
Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for oedema
- Eliminate sugar from your diet. For some people, this means a radical change in food purchasing habits. No more ready-made food, no fast food, no food that comes in tins, packets and boxes. They all have added sugar. It means going back to real food prepared at home with real ingredients. No sugar whatsoever in the kitchen. Also avoid all sweet fruits, and especially avoid dried fruits. You need a diet high in vegetables and low in fruits, refined grains (flour) and starches (and of course, no added sugar). No cakes, sweets, cookies and so on - just real food.
- Potassium. Fresh green vegetables are an excellent source of potassium, and the above diet of fresh no-sugar foods will help get your potassium level back to normal.