Nutrition for edema: diagnostics of the body and preparation of the correct diet

In this article we will tell you:

Causes of edema
Signs of fluid retention in the body
Laboratory and functional diagnostics
Nutrition for edema
Diuretic foods and drinks
Prohibited Products

Edema

- a pathology that everyone has invariably encountered in their lives. They are often the first warning signs of an impending threat to an organism in dynamic equilibrium.

When should you start to worry and what systems should you suspect first? Is it possible to prevent their occurrence with nutrition alone? And what, in essence, should be the correct menu if water-salt metabolism is disrupted? We tried to touch upon and reveal all these topics in our article.

Causes of edema

Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues and serous cavities of the human body: abdominal, pleural and pericardial. They are a clear example of a water-electrolyte imbalance and can be either purely local or generalized.

In our body, there are several most important mechanisms for water exchange - for example, one of them, carried out between plasma (that is, the liquid part of the blood, devoid of formed elements: red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes) and intercellular fluid is carried out due to:

Filtration
- water leaves the vascular bed into the interstitium (connective tissue surrounding the capillaries);
Reabsorption
- accordingly, it returns back to the systemic circulation.

These physiological processes, which play a key role both in maintaining systemic pressure and in metabolic mechanisms, are strictly regulated and depend, to a greater extent, on pressure values - hydrostatic and oncotic. The formation of the latter involves mainly blood proteins - especially the albumin fraction, which nobly takes on 80% of the total work.

As is known, the liver is the factory for their production - the only exception is another group that primarily performs the function of immune defense - gamma globulins or antibodies produced by the cells obtained during the activation of B-lymphocytes.

On the other hand, we also know that, due to their bulky size, proteins are not able to overcome the kidney filter: its fine-mesh structure remains an impenetrable barrier for them. Thus, we can draw a logical conclusion: pathology of water-salt metabolism occurs in cases where there is a decrease in the synthetic function of liver cells and in inflammatory kidney diseases, accompanied by the release of protein molecules into the urine.

Understanding such details of the metabolism of this class of organic compounds is of considerable diagnostic importance: and all thanks to the ability of proteins to “retain” water.

So, with a decrease in their content in the blood plasma, water will naturally move into the tissue adjacent to the vessels.

The second, no less common cause of edema is disturbances in the formation and/or drainage of lymph.

: the return of water from tissues to the vascular bed is distorted (after all, the lymphatic ducts ultimately flow into large venous trunks). In addition, this is accompanied by a delay in the interstitium and proteins, and we have already mentioned their effect on water metabolism.

In inflammatory and allergic reactions, when under the influence of biologically active substances (so-called inflammatory mediators, the most striking of which, undoubtedly, is histamine), the permeability of the vascular wall increases

, the result of which will be the release of protein molecules into the tissue. A similar mechanism is observed during intoxication.

Edema also occurs with venous stagnation

- this most clearly indicates the pathology of the heart muscle.
As a rule, they appear in the late afternoon, in the afternoon, on the lower extremities and disappear by morning. Their appearance can also be facilitated by thrombosis of the veins
(when their lumen is blocked, further blood flow is disrupted), as well as
by insufficiency of their valves
.

Swelling is also a side effect of some medications.

, the mechanism of which mediates the retention of salt and water in the blood serum. The list of such drugs includes:

antidepressants;
antihypertensive;
antivirus;
cytokines and some hormonal drugs;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen in particular).

The last and perhaps most common cause is hypothyroidism.

- decreased functional activity of the thyroid gland.
With this disease, mucous swelling appears: and all due to an increase in the ability of connective tissue components to bind water. Their localization is especially pronounced on the face (around the eyes)
and
limbs: shoulders and legs.
Study

: Edema: Diagnosis and Management

Recipes for diuretic tea against edema

The main advantage of this drink, prepared at home, is the independent choice of ingredients that will definitely not cause allergies and will affect the desired areas of the body.

Hibiscus tea

This tea is not only healthy, but also a delicious drink
. Hibiscus tea is popular with many people, but not everyone knows that this drink is rich in amino acids, vitamins and microelements. Made from hibiscus, this tea is widely used in Arabic medicine. To prepare diuretic tea from hibiscus you need:

Pour a glass of dried plant flowers with 8 glasses of cold boiled water;
Leave to infuse for several days.

The readiness of the drink is determined by its color, which should be bright red. It can be stored for a week without losing its beneficial properties. For the effect to be visible, you need to drink the drink cold or slightly warmed an hour before meals for 3 weeks.

This drink has antitumor properties, it can improve the condition of the walls of blood vessels, provide immunity to colds and the formation of cholesterol plaques.

It is also able to relieve a hangover by removing toxic substances from the body, and of course removes excess fluid from the body due to the content of amino acids that dissolve fats.

Herbal mixture (motherwort, St. John's wort, horsetail and strawberry)

The most popular diuretic herbal teas
The main advantage of tea containing several types of herbs is not only a pleasant taste, but also a complex effect on the body. All herbal remedies affect the entire body, so swelling will go away throughout the body, and not just in pronounced places. The most popular recipe for this collection:

Collect motherwort (3 parts), St. John's wort and horsetail (2 parts), strawberry leaves (1 part) in a dry container and store covered;
One tablespoon of herbs and pour a glass of boiled water;
Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Twice a day after the first two meals you should drink 1 glass of this drink. In this case, it is better to cook fresh every time. This tea will help not only cope with swelling, but also strengthen the immune system and calm the nervous system. In addition, along with herbal tea, you can drink thyme decoctions.

With cassia and mint

This tea can be bought in bagged form.
This tea can cleanse the body, restore hair, normalize the nervous system, and help with weight loss after childbirth.

To use, you need to combine cassia or senna and mint leaves in equal proportions and brew with boiling water.

The infusion must be infused for 1 minute, after which it must be drunk 2 times a day for 3 weeks.

Cassia has a laxative effect and helps to quickly empty the intestines, while mint stops fermentation processes.

Chamomile with lemon for puffiness

Classic recipe for chamomile tea with lemon
The common chamomile flower is common in folk and traditional medicine. The plant has quite a powerful effect, so there is no need to abuse drinks based on it. To prepare chamomile-based diuretic tea you will need:

Take a tablespoon of chamomile and half a lemon;
Pour boiling water over the flowers and let it brew for 15 minutes, or boil the decoction using a water bath;
Add lemon juice to tea.

Chamomile together with lemon will have a cleansing effect, which will even help you get rid of excess weight. You should drink this tea 3 times a day before meals, half a glass. Drinking on an empty stomach breaks down fat deposits and stimulates metabolic processes. It will take about 2 weeks to achieve the effect, but everything happens gradually.

Decoction with horsetail

Horsetail tea
The branches of this plant are shaggy, and the leaves have the shape of thin plates. They look like pine needles, which is why they are sometimes called Christmas trees. Horsetail shoots are rich in vitamins and minerals. To prepare a decoction from them you should:

Grind fresh or dried shoots;
Mix a tablespoon of the resulting mixture and a glass of cold water;
Keep the mixture on the fire until it boils and leave to simmer over low heat for half an hour;
Cool the broth and add another glass of boiled water.

It is necessary to take a tablespoon four times a day after meals.

You should not abuse this decoction, or drink it for pregnant women and small children.

This drug normalizes metabolic processes, copes with swelling in the heart area, and improves blood circulation. Horsetail helps with recovery from illness, removes salts and toxins.

Decoction with corn silk

Decoction of corn silks
Corn is a unique product, but its silks, which have long been used in medicine, have great health value. They are the same strings of corn from which the following diuretic decoction is prepared:

Combine 2 tablespoons of dry stigmas with a glass of warm boiled water;
Cover with a lid and keep in a water bath for about 20 minutes;
After cooling, the broth is filtered;
Add boiled water to make a whole glass.

Drink the decoction warm 3 times a day after meals, a tablespoon. After a two-week course, a break of 1-3 months is recommended.

Corn silks have a large number of beneficial properties, hormones and vitamins. They normalize metabolism, support the immune system, inhibit the growth of cancer cells due to selenium, lower blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, soothe and improve liver function.

Effect of tea with parsley root

Parsley root has many healing properties.
Parsley is a familiar biennial plant that is added not only to various dishes. To achieve a diuretic effect you need:

Pour the grass and parsley roots with clean warm water in a ratio of 1 to 3;
Heat the solution for about 20 minutes in a water bath;
Let cool and strain.

The decoction should be stored in the refrigerator and taken after meals 3 times a day.

For taste, you can add lemon or milk, which not only will not harm, but will also add effect.

Parsley has a large amount of microelements that reduce sugar levels, improve blood circulation, remove excess water from the body, improve the functioning of the thyroid gland and digestive system, and prevent excessive sweating.

Effects of a decoction of nettle and dandelion on the body

Our grandmothers were also treated with a decoction of nettles.
Nettle and dandelion are well-known plants that are weeds, but are highly valued because of the beneficial substances they contain. To prepare diuretic tea you will need:

Mix dry senna, nettle and dandelion, 1 tablespoon each;
Add dill and fennel, half a tablespoon each.
Pour boiling water over the dry mixture and let sit for 15 minutes.

A two-week course of administration should begin with one glass per day, gradually increasing to 2.5 glasses, returning to 1 glass by the end of the course.

In terms of nutritional value, this decoction can correspond to legumes due to organic and mineral substances. Vitamins and minerals help remove excess fluid and normalize metabolic processes.

With strawberries

This berry tea is also very tasty and aromatic.
With the addition of this wild berry, the drink will be not only diuretic, but also tasty and aromatic. You can use both fresh and dry berries, as well as leaves, stems of the plant, you can also add viburnum. To prepare the drink you will need:

Take the same amount of berries, strawberry leaves, calendula, chamomile, rose hips;
Grind the resulting mixture;
Pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 20 minutes.

It is ideal to drink it at 2-3 weeks, drinking 1-2 glasses a day after meals.

Strawberries and their leaves are rich in ascorbic acid and essential oils. The rutin contained in them has an excellent effect on capillaries and blood vessels.

Diuretic tea is useful and this has long been proven. In addition to fighting edema and excess weight, it improves the condition of the entire body by removing excess fluid and toxins. Blood sugar levels will decrease and the functioning of the cardiovascular system will improve. Naturally, it is better to combine such teas with proper nutrition and exercise.

Signs of fluid retention in the body

The most obvious and first coming to mind consequence of water-electrolyte imbalance is increased body weight

. This, it must be said, is due not only to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, but also implies certain disturbances in the neuro-endocrine apparatus. For example, hypothyroidism (which, as we previously wrote, leads to the appearance of mucous edema) is also accompanied by a significant slowdown in metabolism: in truth, it is difficult to name those functions and biochemical reactions that are not directly or indirectly affected by thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Systemic causes of edema and some characteristic signs to look for during examination:

Heart failure
swelling in the lower extremities, which appears in the evening and disappears in the morning;
dyspnea.
Liver disease
jaundice.
Kidney diseases
oliguria (rare urination).
Thyroid diseases
tremor;
weight loss.

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It is the search for the original problem that led to the development of edema that is the initial task that a nutritionist or doctor should set. After all, you will agree that diuretics, which we will discuss below, will not always bring the desired effect or at least partially cope with the relief of the main complaints and symptoms.

“idiopathic edema” is still used.

- this term reflects weight gain without an obvious reason. In other words, this is rather a diagnosis of exclusion: the disease has an incomprehensible, inexplicable (at least at this stage of medical development) etiology.

We have presented several algorithms by which you yourself could suspect (we repeat, in the absence of any characteristic symptoms from other organs and systems) idiopathic edema. So, they are characterized by:

periodic swelling of the extremities;
bloating;
increase in body weight in the afternoon by 1.4 kg or more;
menstrual irregularities;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
pathologies of carbohydrate metabolism.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are many types of diuretic teas for weight loss and each of them has a specific effect. The body of any individual person is individual and a certain diuretic may be useful for some and completely ineffective for others, but there are a number of advantages that are considered common to all preparations:

Quick results in a very short time. This weight loss (up to 3 kg) is achieved due to the removal of excess fluid, but fat burning does not occur. If you want to lose more and maintain the effect for a long time, review your diet and exercise.
Elimination of puffiness, which externally manifests itself in the form of swollen legs and puffiness of the face. After just 2-3 days of taking diuretic tea, you will notice how you get rid of this problem.
Improved bladder and kidney functions. These organs begin to work faster due to the accelerated movement of fluid in the body. The bladder is emptied of urine on time and regularly, which is a prevention of cystitis, and harmful toxins are removed from the kidneys.

After familiarizing yourself with the positive qualities of diuretics, you should not run straight to the pharmacy. Before you start losing weight with the help of such drugs, it is worth studying their disadvantages:

Dry skin. A rapid decrease in the amount of fluid can lead to dry skin, irritation and even wrinkles. While taking diuretic herbal teas and teas, you need to use moisturizing lotions, creams, and make masks.
Washing out many vitamins, nutrients, and most of all potassium, which is removed along with moisture. A lack of a mineral can negatively affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system, so the drug taken should have a mild diuretic effect. A large loss of minerals needed by the body can provoke hypovitaminosis, from which the organs will suffer, and most of all the thyroid gland.
Temporary result. Getting rid of excess fluid will not solve the problem of obesity, since fat deposits cannot be burned in this way. Losing weight with diuretics should be carried out comprehensively, following the rules of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

Laboratory and functional diagnostics

When edema appears, it is necessary to establish the cause that caused it: only this will allow for complex therapy and adequate correction of the diet with the introduction of the necessary support with nutraceuticals.

First of all, it is necessary to ensure the adequate process of protein breakdown and their further absorption: we have already talked about the leading role of this class of organic compounds in ensuring the proper values of oncotic blood pressure, which, in essence, creates all the conditions for water filtration or its reabsorption.

Inflammatory processes in the gastric mucosa, the spread of H. pylori throughout its entire perimeter, and a decrease in the number of cells secreting hydrochloric acid (which, in particular, is characteristic of atrophic gastritis, which is usually of an autoimmune nature) require targeted attention from specialists.

The first and main diagnostic test that is prescribed in such cases is fibrogastroduodenoscopy

, a non-severe invasive intervention,
with mandatory biopsy and pH-metry
(measuring the acidity of gastric juice). This is necessary not only to form a complete picture, but also to prevent severe complications: it all starts with chronic gastritis and in most cases, in an unfavorable situation, ends with stomach cancer.

Alternatively, a betaine-pepsin test

(only if the integrity of the gastric mucosa is preserved - otherwise, this will become a powerful trigger, significantly irritating the wound surface and slowing down the healing process) to establish the acidity of gastric juice: hydrochloric acid, as is known, not only participates in the activation of proteolytic enzymes in the lumen of the stomach, but also contributes to the direct degradation of protein molecules in food. Along with foods rich in proteins, you need to take one capsule of betaine-pepsin - a complex containing a drug that increases the level of acidity and an enzyme that breaks down the chemical bonds between amino acids in the structure of peptide fragments. Then, only if the supplement is well tolerated, you can gradually increase the dose - however, it should not exceed 6 capsules (please take into account the variability of dosages from different manufacturers: we deliberately do not indicate them in the article, since we believe that even this diagnostic measure should carried out strictly under the supervision of a nutritionist or doctor). The maximum tolerated dose is determined by subjective sensations - before the onset of burning and heartburn. After achieving it, you should also reduce the dose by 1 tablet with constant recording and monitoring of your condition.

As a diagnosis of Helicobacter infection

(although most of the population becomes infected already in childhood and, we repeat, not all cases require treatment: it all depends on the pathogenicity of the strains and the nature of the process - is it localized or the bacteria are spread throughout the entire perimeter of the stomach)
are used
:

Determination of specific antibodies in blood serum.
Breath tests with labeled urea (most preferred).
Detection of bacterial antigens in feces.

In addition to disorders of the stomach, the main site of breakdown of protein molecules, intestinal pathology

: It is on the epithelial villi that the absorption of all compounds of various organic classes occurs.
So, say, with celiac disease
- a fairly common autoimmune disease - the absorption of most biologically active compounds is impaired (you can learn more about diagnosis and therapy from our article on the effect of gluten on the human body:).

Sometimes protein deficiency may be associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

or
disturbances in the formation and outflow of bile
, which acts as an activator of pancreatic enzymes. In such cases, the reason for the stagnation of this golden secretion or the decrease in its production by liver cells is determined, and an individually selected set of drugs for enzymatic support is prescribed.

It is usually not difficult to suspect cholestasis

, since it is accompanied by characteristic, well-defined signs:

constipation, followed by diarrhea with foul-smelling and greasy stools;
itching of the skin that does not have a specific localization;
headache;
weakness due to intoxication;
discomfort in the right hypochondrium;
bitterness in the mouth;
belching;
acne.

Laboratory diagnostics

Thyroid panel for suspected hypothyroidism
:
T3 free and T4 free;
antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin.

In addition, it should be taken into account that with a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, the hypothalamus, one of the key structures of the brain, begins to naturally release more thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates not only the production of TSH by the pituitary gland (subsequently affecting the follicles as an activator of the formation of T4 and T3 ) but also prolactin - hyperprolactinemia is noted.

In general, edema caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland already has a fairly clear clinical picture. So, let's say, they are noted

puffy face;
teeth marks on the tongue;
fragility and hair loss.

Study

: Therapeutic masks for hypothyroidism

Clinical analysis of urine and blood.

Liver profile: ALT, AST, albumin; total protein, direct and indirect bilirubin.

Fasting glucose.

A decrease in the secretion of hydrochloric acid is indicated by low values of amino acids in the urine, as well as a decrease in electrolytes, the absorption of which directly depends on the pH of the environment: zinc, selenium, manganese and magnesium.

Genetic tests

Folate cycle genetics: MTHFR, MTR, MTRR.

Nutrition for edema

In general, as previously mentioned, any correction of water-salt metabolism should begin directly with establishing the etiology of edema - that is, the immediate cause that contributes to its development. Only on this basis will a nutritionist or doctor be able to correctly build a diet for the patient, taking into account all the features of his digestive, endocrine and other key systems of the body.

Three meals a day remains the most physiological for the bulk of the population: the complete exclusion of all snacks and maintaining four or five hour intervals between main meals effectively prevents the occurrence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. However, for example, with adrenal depletion, which will make a significant contribution to the imbalance of water-salt metabolism, such a regimen is not only ineffective, but even contraindicated, which once again emphasizes the need for a purely individual approach.

In general, given that most pathological processes in our body are accompanied by oxidative stress, and modern realities of life predispose to a total deficiency of antioxidants, their replenishment should be carefully monitored - both with food and with dietary supplements, or even (in some cases) with injections. Below we have provided a list of widely available sources of some vitamins and elements involved in protecting our cells from the army of free radicals.

Products, vitamin C

rose hip;
sea buckthorn;
broccoli;
bell pepper;
citrus;
strawberries;
currant;
kiwi;
spinach.

Selenium-rich foods

chickpeas;
sunflower seeds;
eggs;
beans;
oat bran;
rice;
lentils;
Brazil nuts;
seafood.

We also recommend adding sources of dopamine or its immediate precursors to your diet: it is not unreasonably believed that this neurotransmitter prevents, by influencing various parts of the regulation of water-salt metabolism, sodium retention in the body, thereby actively counteracting the development of edema.

Products containing the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, which are converted into dopamine in the body:

almond;
beef;
offal;
salmon;
chicken;
soya beans;
eggs;
pink salmon;
cashew nuts.

Diuretic foods and drinks

Prescribing pharmaceutical drugs - diuretics - does not always make sense: it all depends on the nature of the occurrence of edema. So, say, if this is associated with a decrease in the absorption of amino acids due to a stomach ulcer, it is necessary to work with this part of the digestive system and the factors that cause disruption of its functioning (for example, high susceptibility to stress, which leads to spasm of the blood vessels supplying the stomach wall due to secretion by the bark adrenal cortisol).

In addition, any medications must be prescribed strictly by a doctor and only for certain indications. However, this does not mean at all that it is necessary to remain inactive until specialized assistance is provided: a nutritionist always has many levers of influence on the client’s diet that can not only improve the course of the disease, but also significantly alleviate the external manifestations of the pathology.

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We have compiled a list of foods that have a diuretic effect. Believe me, they are not inferior in effectiveness to the most fashionable biological supplements.

Turnip
- this root vegetable was used long before the emergence of modern medicine as such. Our ancestors attributed to it not only diuretic properties (they were provided mainly by decoctions from the leaves of the plant), but also analgesic ones. It was also used to relieve joint pain, as well as to stimulate peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract - the latter was provided by the irritating effect that the essential oil prepared on its basis had on the mucous membrane.
Interestingly, its known anti-inflammatory effect, as recently discovered, is associated with the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B, which, when activated, binds to parts of the DNA molecule, triggering the expression of genes, whose products actually implement the inflammatory process.
Turnip seeds also contain biologically active compounds: precursors of vitamin A, tocopherols, fatty oils.
Study
: Turnip is a food and medicinal plant
Dill
is another well-known diuretic product used in folk medicine for centuries. Previously, by the way, it was assumed that its combination with honey is an effective antidote for poisoning by all types of poisons.
A decoction prepared from this plant helps strengthen the hair roots and also reduces the itching that accompanies allergic reactions. The use of dill was also associated with the normalization of the lipid spectrum in rats, helping to reduce “bad” cholesterol in the serum, as well as providing a cardioprotective effect.
Dill herb and juice are still used in Ayurveda for edema caused by kidney pathologies.
Study
: Promising medicinal plant dill
Turmeric
- a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent, beloved and often used in folk medicine of different peoples of the world. She was credited with diuretic, choleretic and analgesic effects.
Turmeric was also used in the treatment of jaundice and dropsy, as well as for the treatment of tumors.
Study
: Use of turmeric in ancient and modern folk medicine
Juniper
- a coniferous evergreen plant, which is considered sacred by some peoples. Thus, there are even beliefs that by eating seven cones, a person will be reliably protected for seven years not only from various eye diseases, but also from typhoid fever, which is known for its rather severe course.
It must be said that there are still theories about its ability to lead to miscarriages, so use by pregnant women, as well as during lactation, should be strictly discussed with a doctor.
In folk medicine, decoctions based on this plant are used in the treatment of edema caused by kidney disease, liver disease and heart failure. In addition, juniper is also used in the treatment of gout, as well as an antifungal and bactericidal agent.
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Its berries contain a wide range of antioxidant substances, including sterols, tannins and flavonoids. Some compounds are also capable of inhibiting the activity of one of the key enzymes in the synthesis of melanin, therefore they are used for hyperpigmentation.
Common thyme
- a plant known since the times of the ancient world and used as a diuretic, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, and wound healing agent.
Its extracts are also effective in the treatment of helminthic infestations, especially against tapeworms. In addition, it also has a pronounced antifungal effect, which makes it widely used in the context of the treatment of candidiasis.

What herbs are used to make diuretic tea?

Each tea drink, one way or another, provokes an increase in the frequency of urination, but not all are able to eliminate swelling and remove excess fluid and have healing properties. Teas from the Evalar and Herbalife line have such effects. Which one to choose and is black tea suitable for providing the desired effect?

The beneficial properties possessed by plant materials accumulate in the body, and only then have an impact on the existing problem. Therefore, there is no need to wait for an immediate effect.

There is a certain list of herbs and plants that are used in the preparation of a diuretic drink:

Birch leaves, which have a comprehensive effect on the causes of swelling, having diuretic properties, can restore renal and cardiovascular function.
Peppermint is the mildest remedy for eliminating problems with the removal of excess fluid; it also has a calming effect and can reduce blood pressure.
Lingonberries and cranberries, the berries and leaves of which remove excess fluid by stimulating renal activity.
Melissa has a mild diuretic effect and can even be used by pregnant women.
Ivan tea is rich in potassium.
St. John's wort is an excellent helper for swelling in the legs.
Horsetail is a popular ingredient that performs the basic properties without disturbing the balance of salt in the blood.
Chamomile can also eliminate inflammatory processes, soothe, and improve digestive processes.

In addition, some types of green tea have similar effects. Diuretic teas should not be drunk for more than three weeks, since when they are consumed, potassium is removed from the body. When using this folk remedy, it is better to consume foods rich in this vitamin, for example, dried apricots or bananas.

It is recommended to drink a diuretic drink up to 16 hours, and do not eat highly salted, peppered foods that cause thirst.

In addition to the main functions, such as eliminating edema and removing excess fluid from the body, diuretic teas help to lose extra pounds, which is quite easy and will not cause any difficulties.

Prohibited Products

In the case of allergic and inflammatory edema caused by increased permeability of capillary walls under the influence of histamine, it is recommended, in addition to excluding (as in the first case) trigger products, and minimizing the sources of this biogenic amine. In particular, this is indicated for patients who have “breakdowns” in the main genes that regulate the folate cycle (MTHFR, MTR, MTRR), which, in fact, ensures the neutralization of histamine.

Histamine-rich foods:

avocado;
eggplant;
sauerkraut;
dairy products;
pickled vegetables and other products containing vinegar;
dates;
prunes;
raisin;
semi-finished products;
canned food;
jerky;
beer, wine and other fermented alcoholic beverages;
shellfish;
smoked fish;
food additives and dyes;
citrus;
cherry;
cranberry;
cinnamon;
carnation;
paprika;
olives;
spinach;
tomatoes;
pumpkin;
soy;
green and black tea;
coffee;
cocoa;
nuts.

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While the main cause of edema is being determined, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of basic provoking products. These include

Sources of caffeine:
cocoa;
coffee;
green and black tea;
energy.
Alcoholic drinks.
Refined sugar - in its pure form and in confectionery products.
Pickled and lightly salted vegetables.
Fried (especially battered) foods - including fast food.
Products made from white flour.
Ready-made sauces, semi-finished products and canned food.

Interestingly, back in 1923, scientists noted that fast carbohydrates significantly contribute to the retention of electrolytes in the body. At the same time, intermittent fasting (by the way, a separate article on our website is devoted to its effects:), which is alternating “hungry” intervals and eating food over a certain period of time, promotes the excretion of sodium and potassium in the urine.

Then an equally surprising discovery was made: restricting food for a period of 3 days (with sufficient consumption of water and minerals), followed by recovery from hunger, no less strongly influenced the prevention or, on the contrary, the occurrence of edema: for example, eating foods rich in fats increased excretion sodium, and decreased with proteins. The latter, according to researchers, was associated with the ability of amino acids that make up protein molecules to be converted into glucose in the liver - this is the so-called process of glucogenesis. (More details:).

Thus, it is desirable to reduce as much as possible the simple sugars entering the body: sources of glucose, fructose, sucrose and other representatives of this class of organic compounds.