Do you sometimes feel like your ankles, feet or legs are puffy and swollen? Well, this might be due to water retention, which is very common. However, this can be really frustrating. The water levels in the body are actually regulated by the circulatory and lymphatic systems. However, with time, the fluid can build up in the tissues, thus, causing swelling and bloating. If you make some lifestyle changes though, it might help to stop the water retention from becoming a more common problem. What can help with this is to try some natural remedies to relieve the symptoms.
What Causes Water Retention?
1. Inactivity
The people who are on hospital beds mostly, or in wheelchairs are the ones who experience the water retention more often. If you do not make a habit of moving regularly, it might be very hard for the lymphatic system to drain excess fluid from the tissues. This will in turn cause blockage in the lymphatic system, which will eventually lead to bloating. If you want to remove it, just keep moving.
2. Hormone Levels
If you have high hormone levels like the insulin, cortisone, estrogen and progesterone, the body might hold onto the excess water. These hormones will affect the sodium levels in the body and will in turn cause water retention. Some medications can have this effect as well.
3. Salt
The thing that influences the water retention most is your diet. If you consume salt a lot, the body will hold onto more water. If you reduce the salt consumption, you will stop the problem of constant bloating.
The Essential Oils that Can Reduce Water Retention and Leg Bloating
1. Fennel Oil
Fennel oil is very rich in vitamins and nutrients which can help support the immune system. It will also detoxify the body of toxins naturally. This will stop the inflammation and promote the release of the fluids that are built up in the body’s tissues.
To use: Add 1-2 drops of fennel oil to a glass of water or chamomile tea and drink, or combine 4-5 drops of it with a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub this mixture on the affected area.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has very potent soothing benefits. It can aid with mood changes, trouble sleeping, headaches and inflammation too. It can be used topically, without a carrier oil.
To use: Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to the affected area or just 5-7 drops of lavender oil to warm bath water to reduce the inflammation and pain while you promote the relaxation.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
This oil can reduce inflammation and relieve pain which is connected to fluid retention. It can activate the serotonin receptors in the body to promote relaxation, reduce blood pressure and lessen the inflammatory response reactions.
To use: Diffuse the oil at home, or just combine it with a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage this on the swollen area.
4. Grapefruit Oil
This one is a natural diuretic. It will cleanse the body, reduce inflammation and release fluids which the body may be holding. The oil will also increase the blood circulation which will relieve bloating and pain in swollen legs and ankles. Grapefruit oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent due to the terpenes in grapefruit and other citrus oils.
To use: Combine 3 drops of it with a teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut oil, and then just massage the mixture on the swollen area 2-3 times a day.
These oils will help you immensely when it comes to the bloating and water retention. Just prepare them easily at home and apply. The results will be visible immediately!
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