Some ways to reduce swelling quickly include eating a healthy, low-salt diet, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Drinking diuretic teas or doing a manual massage may also help.
Swelling in the body can happen because of heart or kidney disease. However, it may also be related to eating foods that are high in sodium or to hormonal changes, for example.
Therefore, to reduce swelling, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist. This specialist can identify the cause of fluid retention and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How to reduce swelling quickly
Some tips that can help reduce swelling more quickly include:
1. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is important for improving digestion and blood circulation. It can also help prevent fluid retention, which may happen when too little water is consumed during the day.
This is because when the body is well hydrated, it tends to retain less fluid. Drinking more fluids also stimulates urine production, which helps the body eliminate excess water and toxins.
Therefore, it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. However, this amount can vary from person to person.
Also recommended: How much water should I drink per day? tuasaude.com/en/doctor-says/how-much-water-to-drink-per-day2. Eat foods rich in water
To reduce swelling, it is also recommended to eat foods that are rich in water, such as watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, and tomatoes, for example. These foods also have diuretic properties, which can help eliminate excess fluid from the body.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise is essential for reducing swelling because it supports circulation and helps blood return to the heart. This can help prevent fluid retention.
Sitting or lying down for too long reduces venous return, which can make the legs feel swollen and heavy, for example.
Therefore, it is important to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes, such as by walking. In addition to reducing swelling, physical activity can increase energy, strengthen the immune system, and promote a sense of well-being.
4. Eat a healthy diet
To reduce swelling, it is important to eat a balanced diet and prioritize foods that are rich in potassium. This mineral helps eliminate excess sodium from the body.
Therefore, it is recommended to eat Swiss chard, spinach, bananas, avocado, pears, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, unsalted peanuts, brewer’s yeast, prunes, and dried coconut, for example.
5. Reduce salt intake
Reducing salt intake is important for reducing body swelling, as the sodium found in salt promotes water retention. Therefore, high amounts of sodium in the body can increase fluid retention.
It is recommended to avoid foods that are high in sodium, as they can promote fluid retention. Examples include ready-made soups and seasonings, sausage, ham, pickles, and olives.
In addition, low-sodium salt can be used, or aromatic herbs can be added to meals to reduce salt intake. Avoiding added salt at meals can also help prevent body swelling.
6. Drink diuretic teas
Some teas have diuretic properties, such as hibiscus tea and parsley tea, for example. These can be consumed during the day, as they help increase the amount of urine produced and eliminated. This helps reduce sodium levels in the body and combat fluid retention. Read more about natural diuretic teas you can prepare to reduce swelling.
7. Massage
Massage is a good way to reduce swelling quickly and prevent fluid retention, as it stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. This supports the elimination of fluid through urine.
To massage the area, use gentle movements on the leg, moving from the feet toward the heart. A moisturizing cream or sweet almond oil can be applied, for example, to make the massage easier and help relax the body.
Another option to quickly reduce swelling in the feet and ankles is manual lymphatic drainage. This can be done by a trained professional or by the person at home.