10/04/2023
Good to Know.
EDEMA (Fluid Retention)
The most likely cause of edema is low potassium.
Explanation:
This condition can be caused by dysfunction in four different organs/glands:
1. Liver
2. Kidney
3. Heart
4. Adrenals
A lack of potassium can also lead to edema. Our diet typically requires a significant amount of potassium (4700 mg), which is equivalent to 7-10 cups of vegetables per day.
In fact, we need four times more potassium than sodium. However, most diets reverse this ratio and take in four times as much sodium as potassium, leading to high blood pressure. Potassium acts as a natural diuretic, releasing fluid from the body.
The adrenals serve as the backup organ to the heart. When the heart is weak, the adrenals become involved in keeping fluid out of the ankles.
Usually, if the liver is involved, the swelling will be in the right ankle, and the heart will produce fluid in the left ankle.
Diet:
First, consume a lot of vegetables (7-10 cups) to see if your problem is due to potassium deficiency.
When consuming salt, make sure it is sea salt and not table salt. Avoid fast food and food with MSG. MSG is a hidden source of sodium.
To determine which organ is affected, you could visit your doctor and get some lab tests. Alternatively, you could observe whether you have other symptoms related to a specific organ/gland and then attempt to support it with nutrition.
Other foods that act to remove excess fluid from the body are watermelon juice (including the rind), asparagus, dandelion, and parsley.
Causes:
Low Potassium
Kidney Dysfunction
