Other Names:
Dropsy

Symptoms:
Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, face, abdomen, or other areas of the body. Swelling is most often seen in the hands, in the feet, or around the eyes. The bloating or swelling causes muscle aches and pains.

Cause:
Edema is a fluid accumulation in the body. It can be caused by poor kidney function, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart disease, varicose veins, phlebitis, protein or thiamine deficiency, sodium retention, or cancer.

Other causal factors include pregnancy, standing for long periods of time; premenstrual tension; the use of oral contraceptives; a confining injury, such as a sprain, allergic reactions, or a bee sting.

When the skin indents, forming little pits, when the skin of the feet or ankles is pressed by a finger, the situation is worsening. Contact a physician.

Fluid retention is sometimes caused by a food allergy. Hypothyroidism, anemia, adrenal malfunction, constipation, and lack of exercise can be causal factors, along with deficiencies of potassium, vitamin B complex, or vitamins B1, B3, or B6.

As soon as edema is found to exist, it is well to obtain a clear diagnosis. Once congestive heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease are ruled out, more subtle causes can be dealt with more easily.

Treatment:
• If edema is caused by heart disease, then turn to that section. If it is caused by kidney failure or other causes, then read the following.

• If it is the result of protein or thiamine deficiency, the intake of either or both should be increased. Fluid can be retained in the belly cavity because the protein content of the blood is so low that fluid cannot be kept in the blood vessels.

• If excess salt in the diet is the problem, then a very restricted salt diet should be adhered to. (Too much salt retained by the body requires additional water to keep the salt diluted, so it will not damage living tissue.)

• Carry out a regular daily exercise program, out-of-doors. Poor circulation because of liver or heart disease is a common cause of edema. When at rest, elevate the legs. Avoid tight clothing, and do not cross the legs. Take hot baths twice a week. Avoid stress. Stop eating meat. Eat more fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the raw foods.

• Avoid processed and junk foods.

• Increasing the vitamin B6 intake will reduce the amount of fluid retention.

• Take the pulse test, to determine certain foods which do not agree with you. Then avoid those foods.

• A 1-3 day juice fast will be helpful. But if a protein deficiency is the problem, then nutrition is needed, not cleansing.

• Helpful herbs include corn silk, dandelion, Scotch broom, alfalfa, Canadian fleabane, garlic, English hawthorn, juniper berries, lily of the valley, parsley, nettle, marshmallow, pau d'arco, and prickly restharrow.