Inelastic, swollen fabrics that remain white when pressed with the finger indicate a state of water retention . If, with respect to this stage, the blood circulation continues to be compromised, the tissue "floods" completely and cellulite appears . Let's find out better.

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Differences between healthy skin and cellulite-affected skin

Symptoms of water retention

The swollen legs are the first symptoms, along with a little compact and unhealthy complexion. Liquids fail to "rise" upwards, and remain "trapped" in the thighs and legs. In addition to swelling, this can also give a feeling of heaviness and fatigue.

Water retention can also affect the upper limbs and the abdominal cavity.

Causes

The causes that determine the onset of water retention are usually linked to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. In the case where cellulite also occurs and the problem of microcirculation is amplified, other factors can be added, such as:

• Genetic factors, due to the more or less marked tendency to accumulate adipose tissue;
• Hormonal factors, due to excess of estrogens that facilitate water retention;
• Taking drugs, such as the contraceptive pill;
• Stress and nervousness.

Diagnosis

As in the case of cellulite, to identify water retention we examine the eating habits, the appearance of the menarche, the use of contraceptives, the number of pregnancies carried or not at term, the contingent psycho-physical and neuroendocrine situation, the weight history recent, current and past pharmacotherapy, daily physical activity.

The examination investigates the tissue state, especially on the condition of the lower limbs for the observation of possible stasis, or venous insufficiency. The presence of:

• Malleolar edema;
• Sense of heaviness in the lower limbs
• Paresthesia (and / or burning);
• Day cramps;
• Night cramps;
• Telangiectasia;
• Varices.

CARE FOR WATER RETENTION

Supply

First of all it must be combined if the swelling is related to being overweight . Sodium increases water retention and is present in many foods, so a greater introduction of calories can lead to retention.

They are to reduce refined carbohydrates, sweets and alcohol. Foods that lead to stagnation of the lymphatic system must also be limited: dairy products, white flour, saturated fats derived from meat, butter and sausages, which accentuate heaviness in the legs.

Three very important foods to protect blood vessels: pure chocolate, olive oil, blueberry .

Prefer fish, vegetables, cold-pressed vegetable oils such as extra virgin olive oil and flax oil, seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Important fibers that improve intestinal function especially in the case of constipation, thus avoiding an intestinal congestion that puts pressure on the lower limbs.

A useful support to the liver with vegetables with a bitter taste (chicory, turnip greens, radicchio, Belgian endive) and foods with a direct hepatic tropism: artichokes and nettle. It is advisable to increase the consumption of wild berries to improve circulation and citrus fruits.

Herbal remedies for water retention

Plants to fight cellulite blemishes are also very useful in case of water retention.

The leaves and bark of witch hazel ( Hamamelis Virginiana ) are used in disorders of the circulatory system, where an astringent action is required; while the centella leaves ( Centella asiatica ), strengthening and elasticizing the walls of blood vessels, favor the correct peripheral circulation, therefore they are indicated to reduce capillary permeability and subcutaneous edema.

The pineapple stalk ( Ananas sativus ) is widely used to improve blood and lymphatic circulation because it reduces vasodilation and excessive permeability of the capillaries, attenuating localized inflammation or pain; instead the sweet clover : ( Melilotus officinalis ) is used in the treatment of venous and lymphatic insufficiency, in the presence of edema and swelling in the lower limbs, water retention, heavy legs and cellulite.

Finally, among the plants that stimulate diuresis and the lymphatic system, favoring the elimination of excess fluids, we find birch leaves ( Betula Pendula ).

Cherry peduncles are among the infallible herbal remedies for curing water retention.

Find out also what draining sludge is and how it works

Bach flowers for water retention

Physical pathologies such as cellulite and water retention are not treated directly with Bach flowers .

The Bach flowers, in fact, act mainly on the emotional state, which leads to the manifestation of a certain disorder. When the lymphatic and circulatory systems become congested, and liquids and toxins are retained, it means that an internal imbalance, linked to excessive control, is manifesting on a physical level.

Custom mixtures will have to take this analogy into account to change character attitudes or negative emotions, in order to release excess fluids and promote the healing process.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, to counteract water retention, it acts on the lipid and water metabolism. The typical session includes 10 therapies lasting one hour where the acupuncturist acts locally on the regions concerned with needles of different sizes. It should however be pointed out that in Chinese Medicine the disorder is interpreted as an accumulation of Yin and Liquids that must either be overweight or subject to bodily structural problems.

In general, the acupuncturist could assess that the retention affects the "transport / transformation" function of the Spleen ; in the second, due to bodily structural problems, the disturbance is due to kidney disorders and more properly to problems of bands, body alignment and therefore posture.

Aromatherapy for water retention

Essential oils perform a draining action on lymphatic stagnation and can therefore be used for the treatment of cellulite, through a massage that stimulates peripheral and lipolytic circulation on localized fat. They are used locally diluted in almond oil (10 drops per 100ml of oil) or in the tub to make anti-cellulite toning baths.

• Birch essential oil: prevents venous problems and circulatory disorders, in the case of heavy legs, swelling, edema and lymphatic stagnation; while for the diuretic and draining activity, it favors the elimination of excess liquids and significantly reduces the kneading and the painful component. The essential oil of birch is therefore indicated in the case of obesity and cellulite. and to eliminate stagnant liquids in the tissues.
• Lemon essential oil: it is a tonic of the circulatory system; stimulates lymphatic and venous circulation, strengthens blood vessels and thins blood. Excellent against disorders due to poor circulation, such as heavy legs, edema, cellulite, varicose veins and capillary fragility and chilblains.
• Rosemary essential oil : it is used as an ingredient in cosmetic products and in muds against cellulite or localized adiposity, by virtue of the lipolytic action (dissolves fats), stimulating the peripheral circulation and draining the lymphatic system.
• Onion essential oil : it is a uretic, stimulates the elimination of stagnation caused by water retention and exerts a hypotensive action.

Homeopathy

Some homeopathic preparations that favor the elimination of water retention and cellulite, facilitating the drainage of waste from the body's tissues: Betula verrucosa, or birch sap collected in spring. Its draining and diuretic properties are due to betulline, a triterpene heteroside that promotes the elimination of excess fluids and metabolic waste; Pulsatilla 5 CH - Badiaga 5 CH - Bovista 5 CH (5 granules, 2 times a day), a complex preparation that has an action of elimination at the subcutaneous level; Thuya 30 CH (1 single dose, once a week), acts positively in case of water retention.

Exercises in case of water retention

Moving is the categorical imperative to reduce water retention. It takes a targeted exercise that supports the elimination of toxins. Be careful not to strain your heart too much by throwing yourself headlong into physical exercise. Green light for pressotherapy and lymphatic massages performed by expert hands.

Excellent activities such as swimming and water aerobics, which contemplate movement with the friction of the water and make all the muscles work, are very indicated; not only does water re-oxygenate the tissues, but the movement in the tank or at the sea doubles the times of resistance.