Pedal edema is the name given to swollen lower leg. It is accumulation of fluids in the lower extreme of the leg.

Edema happens when our small blood vessels release fluid into nearby tissues. The extra fluid builds up making the tissue swell.

It can result from some health issues, or in case of pregnancy and not enough physically activity. Some of the health issues that can cause pedal edema are progressive kidney failure, heart weakness, liver problems, etc.

Apart from causes from health issues, below are some other causes of swollen leg.

Excessive Intake of salt:

Always adding extra table salt to food is one of the commonest ways of ingesting excess sodium. Another way is through junk foods, which always have loads of sodium added as a form of preservative and taste enhancement.

Try to replace the table salt with Himalayan or any sea salt, and avoid taking junk foods.

Potassium deficiency:

We need potassium for maintaining normal water balance in the body. Potassium reduces the sodium levels, thus reducing water retention.

Fruits such as watermelon, banana, mango, etc are rich in potassium.

Deficiency in Magnesium:

You need to consume food enriched with magnesium such as dried fruits, dark chocolate, peas, spinach, nuts, whole grains and avocados to prevent and reverse edema.

Vitamin B6 Deficiency:

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This vitamin is responsible for controlling a number of water balance aspects in the body, so if you have lack of it, the edema will appear. To prevent water retention you should consume more turkey, chicken, tuna, bananas, dried fruit, lean beef, and sunflower seeds.

Dehydration:

Most people wait until they are very thirsty before taking necessary action. And at such time when all that the body needs is just water, they give it other fluids like sodas, teas, beer, etc. The thirst may be quenched, but the body’s need for water still remains unattended to.

Not drinking enough water leads to dehydration. When this happens to our body constantly it retains water. In these situations you must drink water regularly.

Beneficial herbs for reducing Edema:

Parsley

Nettle

Fennel

Garlic

Corn silk

Hibiscus

Horsetail

Dandelion