Water Retention Symptoms and Causes: Signs That Should Not Be Underestimated
What is water retention? You might have heard of it, among acquaintances, in advertisements, or online, but its causes, symptoms and repercussions are not specified.
In this article, we will identify what water retention is, how to understand it, its symptoms, causes and more in-depth signs that you should not ignore.
What is water retention?
Water retention, also known as oedema, is a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing swelling and puffiness. It can occur for various reasons, including hormonal changes, medication side effects, and underlying health conditions.
How to understand if you suffer from water retention?
Water retention is a disorder that occurs when the tissues tend to retain liquids and struggle to dispose of them. As you can imagine, the one liquid in our body is not just water. The fluids in our body carry substances throughout the circulatory system that pass through the strict selection of our organs, which retain those useful to them and eliminate those that are not necessary. Therefore, the cells that tend to settle are waste substances, toxins that can alter cellular metabolism and reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients.
The stagnation of liquids is generally present in areas already predisposed to fat accumulation, such as the abdomen, thighs and buttocks, but also in the arms and ankles. The swelling created as a result of this slowing down of the system is known as oedema, the first symptom of incorrect functioning of circulation in the body. The increase in the fluid between cells causes an increase in volume and, consequently, swelling.
What are the symptoms related to water retention?
As we said, swelling is the first symptom you need to consider: it occurs in areas of the body that are usually already predisposed to greater volumes, but it is very different from weight gain. In addition to the swelling, there may be real sensations of pain, soreness, difficulty moving the joints and a rapid increase or frequent weight changes.
Some common symptoms:
- Swelling or puffiness in the affected areas, such as the feet, ankles, legs, or hands.
- Stiffness or aching in the affected areas.
- Skin that appears shiny or stretched.
- Weight fluctuations or sudden weight gain.
- Reduced flexibility and range of motion in the affected areas
Women are more subject to water retention; pregnancy and menopause are situations that favour the slowdown or alteration of blood and lymphatic circulation. The proven causes are the heat, the menstrual cycle, the contraceptive pill, and the intake of some medicines, including those for high blood pressure. Furthermore, even venous insufficiency, burns and frequent static position, both sitting and standing, lead to this disorder.
What are the risks if neglected?
The recommendations to avoid water retention are the same that should become everyone’s mantra: constant physical activity and drinking lots of water.
What are the diseases attributable to water retention?
Do not underestimate signals such as the appearance of:
- Oedema
- Numbness
- Cramps
- Pins and needles
The presence of water retention can be associated with various conditions, sometimes even subtle ones, which we do not immediately realise. Among these, we find lymphatic, venous, arterial circulatory insufficiency, renal insufficiency and a decrease in lean body mass. But also: arthritis, food intolerances, hypothyroidism, lymphedema and heart failure.
Compromised microcirculation often leads to the appearance of cellulite which is caused by incorrect behaviours such as those already listed. Cellulite is another disorder to combat and keep monitoring. See our range of SILVER WAVE Cellulite Control Line Shapewear products and prevent the appearance of cellulite today!
What to do in a case of excess liquids in the body?
Before thinking about a remedy against water retention, the advice is to identify the factors that have caused the problem. An inactive lifestyle and inadvisable habits such as smoking and a diet too rich in salt are practices that need to be reviewed. Consulting a doctor is always the best way to make the right decisions, identify the most suitable treatment for your condition and prevent the situation from persisting and worsening.
What are the precautions to observe?
In the list of good practices to contrast and prevent water retention, graduated compression is a technology that stimulates blood and lymphatic flow by promoting microcirculation. The pump effect that the graduated compression products apply to the affected areas helps dispose of excess liquids, thus counteracting the associated ailments.
Research and innovation have allowed Solidea to create products which, in addition to graduated compression, act on circulation through a micro-massage (Special yarn technologies characterised by 3D textures apply a massaging action that is activated with the body’s natural movement, benefiting the microcirculation and preventing the appearance of cellulite-related blemishes)
It is important to note that water retention can cause long-term cough or breathing difficulties in the long run. Eventually, congestive heart failure can lead to breathing problems and heart failure, making it a life-threatening condition.
We offer a range of graduated compression tights, leggings and products to wear during physical activity that allows you to take care of your body, ensuring perfect comfort by toning your skin, which will lighten your legs and your days. Say goodbye to water retention and hello to comfort!