Is Boiled Red Bean Water Useful for Edema? Understand the Main Causes of Water Retention.

Many people often find that their faces look puffy when they wake up in the morning, and their overall appearance seems to be bloated than usual. In order to improve this situation, many people try to drink red bean water or strengthen massage.Eliminate edemaHowever, if you find that you often have edema, or even a significant weight gain in a short period of time, it may not be just temporary edema, but a warning sign of some underlying disease in the body, which deserves further attention.

What is edema?

Edema refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the body. Instead of circulating normally through the blood vessels or lymphatic system, this fluid accumulates in the interstitial spaces beneath the skin, causing localized swelling. The most common areas of swelling include the face, hands, ankles, and calves, with symptoms being more pronounced in the lower extremities. The edematous areas are soft to the touch and often lack elasticity, not rebounding immediately after application.

Edema is primarily caused by an imbalance in the body's fluid metabolism and distribution. This condition is most likely to occur when blood and lymph circulation become abnormal. Therefore, any organ that affects blood circulation may be a potential cause of edema.

Classification of common causes of edema

1. Short-term edema caused by bad living habits

1. Excessive salt intake: A high-salt diet can easily lead to increased blood pressure, prompting the body to retain water, and thus causing edema.
2. Prolonged fixed posture: such as sitting or standing for a long time at work, may lead toblood circulationIt is not smooth, causing fluid accumulation.
3. Lack of exercise: Insufficient exercise can affect blood flow back to the heart, making it easier for fluid to accumulate in the limbs.
4. Nutritional imbalance:VitaminInsufficient mineral intake, especially electrolyte imbalance, can also easily lead to edema.

2. Edema caused by body dysfunction

1. Hormonal fluctuations: For example, women are prone to edema due to increased progesterone concentration before menstruation.
2. Poor metabolism: Low metabolic function will affect the body's normal processing of water.
3. Malnutrition: Lack of necessary nutrients may also cause abnormal water metabolism.
4. Altitude sickness: At high altitudes, the body may experience swelling due to the reduced oxygen content.
5. Side effects of medications: Some medications, such as antihypertensive drugs and hormone drugs, may cause edema as a side effect.

3. Edema caused by disease

1. Kidney-related diseases: such as nephritis, renal failure, etc. Poor kidney function will affect the excretion of water and salt in the body.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: such as heart failure and high blood pressure, can lead to obstructed blood return and cause edema in the lower limbs or the whole body.
3. Liver disease: Impaired liver function, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, or acute hepatitis, can affect protein production and lead to fluid imbalances.
4. Lymphatic system disorders: such as cancer, lymphatic vessel inflammation, etc., can hinder the return of lymph fluid.
5. Hypothyroidism: This type of edema usually does not leave a depression after pressing, and is a more special type.
6. Psychological factors: such as long-term anxiety and depression, may also affect the autonomic nervous system and indirectly lead to edema.
7. Venous problems such as phlebitis or venous valve insufficiency can affect blood return to the lower extremities.

Common symptoms of edema

• When you press the skin, it feels soft and inelastic, similar to the feeling of pressing a sponge.
• The body feels heavy and sluggish overall.
• Feeling easily exhausted.
• Significant weight gain in a short period of time.

Treatment of edema

Temporary edema can usually be alleviated by adjusting your diet, such as consuming foods with a diuretic effect, or supplementing with appropriate vitamins and minerals. However, if edema is caused by a medical condition, it often indicates a more serious condition, and it is recommended to seek professional medical assistance promptly.

Edema caused by different causes has different treatment methods. For example, kidney problems require priority treatment of kidney function, while heart disease requires treatment of the heart. The medications used for different diseases are also different. Therefore, you must never take diuretics or other medications on your own to avoid aggravating the condition.

If you find that you have edema, it is recommended that you first visit a family medicine department, nephrology department or cardiology department. The doctor will assess whether it is a kidney or heart problem and refer you to a relevant specialist for in-depth examination if necessary.

What foods help reduce edema?

For temporary edema, consuming foods with diuretic properties can indeed help the body excrete excess water, thereby reducing swelling. However, if edema is caused by a disease, especially in those with impaired kidney function, improper intake may have the opposite effect. For example, high-potassium foods may place a greater burden on kidney patients.

Recommended diuretic ingredients:

• Vegetables: winter melon, loofah, cucumber, white radish, asparagus, celery, kelp, etc.
• Fruits: watermelon, cantaloupe, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, lemon, grapes, etc.
• Coarse grains: red beans, mung beans, coix seeds, black beans, etc.
• Others: Coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, beer, etc. also have a mild diuretic effect.

Foods rich in potassium ions help balance sodium levels in the body and reduce water retention, but those with poor kidney function should consume them with caution:

• Carbohydrates: taro, potato, sweet potato, yam, pumpkin, brown rice, germ rice, oatmeal, etc.
• Nuts: almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, etc.
• Vegetables: tomatoes, spinach, enoki mushrooms, water spinach, seaweed, amaranth, sweet potato leaves, green beans, etc.
• Fruits: bananas, kiwis, peaches, cantaloupe, sugar apples, durian, etc.

Daily prevention and health care advice for edema

• Reduce salt intake: Avoid eating foods that are too salty or heavily seasoned, such as pickled foods, canned foods, etc.
• Stay well hydrated: Adequate water intake helps promote metabolism and detoxification.
• Do moderate exercise every day: avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Moderate activity helps blood circulation.
• Lift your legs and massage before going to bed: You can lift your feet when resting at night to help blood circulation, and gentle massage can relieve edema.
• Choose loose clothing: Avoid wearing tight clothing to reduce pressure on your limbs and help blood and lymph circulation.

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