Advice for Edema?

Question
Thank you in advance for your time, Leigh-Anne!

I've recently "contracted" a bad case of edema!  My legs swell up like balloons from time to time.  I wonder if your knowledge can help me out.

I'm intaking plenty of protein and water in my diet.  I've ALWAYS been a huge salt fan, and I've recently cut down quite a bit.

I have lost about 20 pounds in the last few months, but that is really the only change my body has gone thru.  I've been sure to intake healthy foods as much as possible as well.

I will confess, I am 5'3 and weigh in the mid-90's.  This edema condition has begun the first month my "cycle" is late... it was due about two weeks ago.  I wonder if hormones have anything to do with it.

I've NEVER experienced this magnitude of edema before.  I wonder if diuretics will help?  I've read to drink MORE water, and I've also read to drink LESS water.  I've read to cut down on sodium, and I've read it may be a sodium deficiency.

Yes, I'm quite confused, and any advice you have is greatly appreciated!  Thanks SOOO much! :)

Answer
There can be many causes of edema. Your best bet is to call your family physician and see if he/she can order some lab work (to check your blood electrolytes and other things that may be "out of whack" so to speak). It could be a hormonal thing. Salt and water can be confusing... it's more of a ratio issue... if you drink to much water and not enough salt you could have a sodium deficiency. If youtake in too much salt and not enough water your body retains any fluids it can which can cause edema. Water can be a natural diuretic. You could just be plain too hydrated, and a diuretic could take care of that and get rid of the excess fluids. You certainly don't need to be losing weight to begin with. Your late cycle could be due to the fact that you have had such a dramatic loss in weight. Your body fat may have dropped to low, but cycles can become irregular for any type of significant weight loss OR gain. Your irregular menses and edema could be working togehter... some people become bloated (retain fluids) when they are about to start their period. Anyway... if you have any more questions you should probably consult your doctor. Hope some of this info helps.

1. Prev:Eating before bed.
2. Next:Phytochemicals  and Carotenoids