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Summer swelling: Nutritionist on obvious and non-obvious reasons

Summer swelling: Nutritionist on obvious and non-obvious reasons Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Author: Maria Kholina

Lymph is responsible for transporting nutrients, removing toxins, and supporting the immune system. When this system fails, dangerous consequences for our body arise, including stagnation, which manifests as swelling.

Nutritionist Svitlana Mariiko explained the causes of swelling and how to get rid of it.

Obvious causes of swelling:

  • PMS/menstruation
  • Pregnancy
  • Salty and spicy foods
  • Alcohol

A non-obvious cause of swelling is lymph stagnation and prolonged standing. It can also be a reaction to dairy products and lack of sleep (stress).

How to get rid of swelling

Of course, addressing swelling depends on the causes. If situational—due to salty foods or alcohol—reduce their consumption. If during menstruation or pregnancy—the cause is objective and temporary (it's important to maintain a proper drinking regime).

If the swelling is constant, uncomfortable, leaving marks from clothes and rings, and the face is puffy daily, it's worth investigating further. Start by diagnosing potential kidney problems. Also, objectively review water intake, sleep, diet, and activity.
Engage the entire arsenal:

  • Evening walks or something similar if sports is unavailable
  • Lymphatic exercises and lymphatic massage
  • Proper drinking regime
  • Minimize salty and spicy foods
  • Add a range of foods to the diet (arugula, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, dill) and eat them as much as possible daily
  • Periodically drink beverages that also help remove excess fluid.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.