Drainers, diuretics and detoxifiers

Fluid retention, scientifically called oedema, occurs when some part of our body swells due to excess fluids, which are not being eliminated correctly.

Causes of fluid retention

Fluid retention problems can be caused by:

- Prolonged sitting or sitting in the same position.

- Sedentary life, with a lack of physical exercise.

- Excessive salt and sodium in the diet.

- Hormonal alterations or certain illnesses.

How to avoid fluid retention?

Here are some tips to help reduce fluid accumulation:

1. Drink plenty of water and diuretic infusions, such as green tea or horsetail.

2. Eat fresh foods, such as fruit and vegetables, avoiding processed or sugary foods.

3. Practise sport regularly.

4. Take supplements to help purify your body.

5. Get as much sleep as your body needs. A rest of 8 hours a day is recommended.

What to take for fluid retention?

To combat fluid retention, it is recommended to take certain foods, supplements or diuretic infusions, such as the following:

• Horsetail
• Hibiscus
• Cinnamon with ginger
• Green tea
• Artichoke
• Fennel
• Ginkgo biloba
• Centella asiatica

What is a diuretic and what is it for?

Diuretics are foods or substances that help to eliminate both water and electrolytes from the body through the urine, preventing fluid retention.

How to avoid fluid retention in the legs?

Here are some top tips to avoid fluid accumulation in the area:

• Healthy diet. A correct diet is one of the fundamental pillars for staying healthy and avoiding health problems. Specifically, to avoid fluid accumulation it is recommended to eliminate salt and increase the intake of vitamin B6, magnesium and potassium.
• Daily physical exercise. Regular exercise, such as running or cycling, is necessary to support the circulatory system.
• Compression stockings. These are a type of stocking that promotes circulation in the legs. There are different types to suit each type of problem.
• Prescribed diuretics. Always in case of medical recommendation.

Accumulation of liquids in the abdomen How to solve it?

There are foods that have high diuretic properties, which help to reduce fluid retention in the abdomen. Among all of them, the following stand out:

• Artichokes: one of the most recommended for fluid retention due to its powerful cleansing and diuretic properties. It even helps with weight loss, as it promotes the digestion of fats and the elimination of toxins.
• Green tea: offers large doses of antioxidants for a powerful diuretic effect.
• Watermelon: it is a diuretic and depurative fruit thanks to its very high water content, which helps to eliminate liquids and toxins that the body does not need.
• Orange: its richness in vitamin C supports the body's detoxification work, improving kidney function.
• Tomato: its high antioxidant content helps to eliminate accumulated liquids.

What can I take as a depurative?

These are the 5 best cleansing foods for the body:

Horsetail

Horsetail is a plant with a diuretic action that is widely used to reduce fluid retention. It is also useful for kidney and bladder stones, as well as for urinary tract infections.

Artichoke

This food is widely used in diuretic and depurative products. It contains high doses of soluble fibre, which has a cleansing function in the intestine. Its depurative character provides a great help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, thanks to its content in flavonoids and other antioxidants.

Echinacea

This plant has a great laxative power that helps to relieve constipation and gas problems. It also provides a diuretic action for the correct elimination of liquids.

Nettle

It has diuretic properties that allow toxins to be eliminated. It also helps to protect the stomach and the production of bile, favouring digestion.

Aloe vera

Although it is well known for its healing power, this plant has many other health benefits: it is digestive, regulates intestinal transit and stimulates the body's defences.