Is water retention dangerous?

Water retention is a condition where your body holds on to excess fluid in the tissues, leading to swelling or bloating of various parts of the body. It’s also known as edema and affects many people, from those with heart problems to pregnant women.

But is water retention dangerous? Let’s dive into this topic and find out why we need water, what causes water retention, symptoms of prolonged water retention, and how to prevent it.

The Importance of Water

Hold up! Before we get into whether retaining too much water can be hazardous for our health, let’s talk about something crucial first – why do we even need this colorless liquid substance anyways?

Water is an essential component that makes up over half of our total body mass. It regulates temperature by sweating during hot weather while preventing dehydration when necessary.

It transports oxygen, nutrients and disposes waste via urine or sweat which improves digestion through saliva production- but most importantly: water keeps us alive!!

Without enough H20, our organs cannot function efficiently. So you see now why staying hydrated throughout the day should always remain top priority!

Understanding Water Retention

Alright then! Now that we understand just how vital water intake is for overall well-being let’s jump back into talking about edema.

As mentioned earlier- retaining excessive amounts may lead swelling/bloating in different areas such as arms/legs/stomach-face depending on each person’s unique case & severity level at any given time; definitely not pleasant…at all..

There are two types of edema:

Generalized Edema

Generalized edema occurs when there are underlying medical conditions or genetic factors causing whole-body inflammation.(7) Some diseases like cirrhosis/ kidney failure/liver disease(8) could tend result in slight accumulation within your ankles/hands thus manifesting some puffiness around affected area(s).

Localized Edema

On the other hand, localized edema develops when an injury/ infection takes place in a specific body region. For example, after breaking your leg or submerging it (4) in water for too long.

Interestingly female hormones, pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome has been associated with water retention mostly because of hormonal imbalances which also cause bloating and weight gain (no surprises).(9)

What Causes Water Retention?

There are various causes for edema, some more serious than others:

Too much Sodium

Consuming foods high in sodium content often results in fluid accumulation(5), especially among those who have health problems affecting their kidney or liver function that require low-sodium diets to prevent further damage.

Certain Medications

Prescription drugs like antidepressants/Antipsychotics/hormonal birth control pills contains substances that can lead towards overall swelling by altering how vessels within cellular tissues respond action-wise- thus retain water.(1)

Heart Problems

When your heart is struggling to pump blood throughout the body efficiently (common amongst sufferers of chronic heart failure patients/big issues) resulting directly from damaged cells impairing proper blood flow while causing extremities i.e. legs & ankles swell up.(15)

Symptoms Of Prolonged Water Retention

Although edema is a common condition with many people experiencing mild symptoms every now and then surprisingly- extended periods of retention may be dangerous if not treated promptly enough since inevitably progressively worsen over time causing discomfort/anxiety/pain due to feet/toes feeling mildly swollen this suggests something might need addressing medically – pronto!

P.S If you happen notice unexplained shortness breath (& chest pain)- requires immediate medical attention after seeking one expert’s opinion at very least. (16)

Now let’s take a closer look at possible symptoms:

1.Recurrent feelings puffy hands/feet/ankles at night or morning times
2. Swelling/Tightness around chest area
3. Stiffness in joints combined with tenderness on touching certain parts of the body.
4. Unusual breathlessness, pain (headaches/migraines)
5. Skin that looks shiny/tight when pressed against.

Don’t sweat it! With just a few lifestyle changes (and sometimes medical intervention) here’s how you can lead yourself towards recovery (or avoid being altogether):

How To Prevent Water Retention?

Stay Hydrated

The key to preventing water retention is staying hydrated especially during hot weather/humidity but also make sure you drink enough fluids throughout colder temperatures as well – irrespective of climate fluctuations.(11) So do consider topping off that eight glasses mark daily!

Reduce Salt Intake

There’s no denying salt adds flavor- but too much salt consumption is detrimental thus kicking more fluid accumulation into action (6). Instead, try seasoning your meals adding spices like cinnamon/turmeric/or any other non-acidic ones!. Reducing intake will benefit health greatly; plus added bonus? Who doesn’t want to feel good and still eat delicious food?!

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity not only reduces stress levelsbut may help keep blood moving smoothly through veins thus preventing possible production stagnant pockets within cellular tissues unhealthy for overall function.(10)

Additionally…Resting legs above heart level wwhile lying down helps fight swelling since gravity aids bodily liquid flow towards better circulation patterns toward all extremities whilst simultaneously reducing inflammation risk along other dangerous effects associated some conditions that ultimately provoke edema.i.e lumbar stenosis syndrome/cancer undergoing radiation therapy/windburn etc(13)

In conclusion,

We hope this article sheds light on the concerns surrounding water retention: its potential dangers/possible causes/symptoms/preventive methods — while retaining sense humor learning precisely what we need about our bodies and the importance of staying hydrated & salt reduction all crucial measures towards achieving optimal health.(17)

Here’s a quick recap:

• Water is essential to life functions.
• There are two types of water retention: Generalized Edema and Localized Edema. Male/female hormones commonly associated with bloating and weight gain(9)
• Prolonged water retention may low-key pose severe health risks if not treated promptl(16) hence always best seeking medical expert advice before trying anything too radical upon such matters.
• The causes vary, including medication/ excessive sodium intake (1/5/), heart problems (14); on s(occasions retaining stagnant fluid due lifestyle habits like sedentary living (i.e inactive lifestyle) or lack physical activity that keep blood moving smoothly throughout veins thus preventing possible pooling.(10)
  (17)

References:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/water-retention-from-medications
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/185155#common-causes-and-risk-factors-of-edema
3. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw220148#:~:text=Your%20doctor%20will%20likely%20diagnose,shows%20problems%20with%20blood%20flow.&text=X-rays.,tests,%2Cand CT scans can diagnose edema caused by internal injuries or inflammation
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-feet/symptoms-causes/syc-20352762
5.https://davidgariffe.com/pages/how-too-much-sodium-affects-fluid-retention#:~:text=Sodium-rich products increase&text=in everyone who eats this-&text=This potassium deficiency leads body&the sensation of swelling increases
6. https://www.uclahealth.org/reducing-salt-in-your-diet
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326122#causes
8. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/189461-clinical#b1
9.https://thedoctorweighsin.com/premenstrual-bloating/
10.https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/no-more-listless-legs
11.https://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-07-hydration-fluctuating-climates.html
12.http://howinstructions.blogspot.com/2020/02/how-to-rest-relax-or-elevate-your-legs-above-heart-level-bed.html .
13.www.nwvphysiciansurgerycenterblog.net/elevating-lower-extremities-can-help-prevent-swelling-caused-by-various-factors.htm
14.iinvestor.vanguard/the-effects-of-heart-disease-on-the-body.aspx
15.williamsonsource/could-my-feet-be-swollen-from-cirrhosis/#:~:text=Edema%20refers%20to,sometimes%20swell%2C%20too.
16.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20377009#:~:text=Pulmonary+edema+is+a+condition,rapidly+(acute)
17.BrittainyWhitney/@TheCurvyGirlCoach(##)