To flush out edema you can move the fluid physically back into circulation and encouraging natural expulsion of the fluid that results in edema through the kidneys.
Flushing out edema can be done by elevating the swollen area above the heart, wearing medical grade compression socks and garments and doing gentle muscle pumps and restricting dietary sodium.
Rest the swollen limb or area on some pillows so that it's angled above the level of the heart.
The gravity will assist the fluid in leaving the tissues and re-entering your bloodstream.
Wearing compression socks or sleeves also provides exterior pressure, which forces stagnant fluid back into the vessels and prevents it from pooling again.
And doing a massage or having someone else massage the area, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, utilizing firm, gentle strokes, while pushing toward your heart can redirect trapped fluid.
You can also gently engage the muscles near the edema, by doing ankle pumps, which involves flexing your feet up and down or taking short walks to encourage the muscles to naturally squeeze and mobilize stagnant fluid.
You can also help flush out edema by eating fruits like watermelon, bananas, pineapple, grapes and berries and lemons.
When eating fruits for edema, the best fruits for the edema also known as fluid retention are fruits that act as natural diuretics to help balance electrolytes in the body and how get rid of fluid buildup.
Watermelon is one of the best fruits to eat when you have edema as watermelon acts as a natural powerful diuretic, because watermelon has a high water content of 92%.
Watermelon also contains the amino acid citrulline, which also relaxes your blood vessels and decreases tissue pressure.
Bananas are great for edema as bananas are rich in potassium, which directly counteracts sodium, which is a common culprit behind fluid retention and edema.
Pineapples contain bromelain, which is an enzyme that is known to reduce inflammation and help decrease fluid retention.
Grapes and berries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which calm swelling, especially when it's caused by poor circulation.
And lemons are recommended in water to gently support your body's circulation and drainage system.
Managing edema also requires a holistic approach.
Edema is swelling caused by fluid trapped in the body's tissues and most commonly affects your feet, ankles and legs.
However edema can also occur in your face, hands or abdomen.
And while edema can result from standing too long or eating salty food, edema can also be a sign and symptom of an underlying health condition.
Common causes of edema include heart failure, kidney disease and liver damage (cirrhosis) as well as vein and lymph issues like chronic venous insufficiency, damaged lymph nodes or even blood clots like Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.
Edema can also be caused by certain medications like blood pressure medications, diabetes medications and even NSAIDs.
Even prolonged sitting or prolonged standing, pregnancy and high sodium intake are common causes of edema.
Other ways you can mage the edema include keeping the swollen area raised above hte level of your heart multiple times per day.
Engaging in light exercise or walking around to improve circulation.
Wearing compassion stockings or sleeves to prevent fluid from pooling and reducing your intake of salt, which is also known to cause fluid retention.
The signs of edema include puffiness or enlargement of the tissue directly under your skin, stretched, tight or shiny skin, pitting and a feeling of heaviness or difficulty moving the affected joint.
The pitting with edema occurs when you press your finger into the swollen area for 15 seconds and it leaves a temporary dimple or indentation.
Localized swelling from an injury is normal and often goes away within a day or so, but swelling that has no obvious cause should be seen and checked by a doctor.
Although if the swelling or edema occurs in only one leg and is accompanied by pain, redness or warmth, it could be a sign of a blood clot or if the swelling is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath it could be a sign of a heart issue and you should seek emergency medical attention right away.