Today, we’re going to talk about edema causes and remedies. Swollen legs are often a symptom of edema and are typically blamed on liver, kidney, or heart problems. Did you know that edema and pitting edema can be fixed without a blood thinner or diuretic? Water retention in the lower legs is caused by a problem with the sodium-potassium pumps in your cells. If these pumps aren’t working correctly, water retention outside the cells, known as interstitial fluid retention, will occur. When you have swollen ankles, it’s usually the result of high blood sugar connected to the hemoglobin protein in your blood. This is called glycation, which inhibits the blood cell’s ability to carry nutrition and oxygen throughout the body. Glycated proteins can also block circulation, leading to swollen legs and swollen ankles. High blood sugar causes sodium retention, which also contributes to water retention. Over time, this can affect the nerves in the bottom of the feet, causing numbness and tingling, known as peripheral neuropathy. Even if you don’t yet have diabetes, edema can be caused by high blood sugar. To help eliminate edema, you must ensure you’re getting plenty of potassium, which can be difficult to achieve through diet alone. The average person needs 4700 mg of potassium daily! Avocados, salads, and berries can help you meet this requirement. You also need plenty of magnesium to help eliminate edema. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and leafy greens are good sources of magnesium. Aim for 420 mg of magnesium daily. High-quality electrolyte powder without hidden sugars can help increase potassium and magnesium intake. Vitamin B1 deficiency is likely behind issues with the sodium-potassium pump. For sugar to be turned into usable energy in the body, you need vitamin B1. Consuming too many refined carbohydrates can cause a vitamin B1 deficiency. Vitamin B1, potassium, and magnesium can help eliminate edema, but you must also eliminate sugar from your diet.

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