Fluid retention-rosacea

[Guest guest]

This is an oldish article on fluid retention from The Daily Mail (UK). I found

it reallly interesting at the time because, although we have rosacea it does say

a little but about what aggravates fluid retention and interestingly mentions my

personal main triggers heat, stress and food (namely sugar, spices,salt and

carbohydrates).

Tackling fluid retention

by Dr ROSEMARY LEONARD, Daily Mail

luid retention, or oedema, can occur for various reasons. Many women suffer a

minor degree of oedema pre-menstrually, because of changes in hormone levels.

Rarely, more noticeable fluid retention can be caused by an underlying medical

disorder, such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease. But in most cases, there is

no detectable cause, and it is now so well recognised that it has been given a

medical label: the fluid retention syndrome.

Swelling occurs in the hands, feet and abdomen, and to a lesser degree in the

face and breasts. It is less obvious in the morning, but worsens as the day

progresses.

Swelling is always worse in hot weather, and can also be exacerbated by stress,

high-carbohydrate meals, alcohol and prolonged standing.

It is thought that in many cases leaking capillaries (the tiny blood vessels

within the skin) are to blame, allowing salts and water to transfer out from the

blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue. Anything that widens the blood

vessels, such as heat or stress, worsens the problem.

Insulin is also thought to be important, because as well as controlling blood

sugar levels, it also has a relaxing effect on capillaries.

Diuretics, which make the kidneys excrete more water, have, at best, a temporary

effect on this type of fluid retention. Within hours, any excess fluid

re-accumulates, often to a greater degree.

Far better is to tackle the underlying cause:

* Weight control should be a top priority. Research has shown that weight loss

of as little as 7lb can make a significant difference to fluid retention.

* Diet is all-important. Avoid meals with a high carbohydrate content,

especially sugary food . Concentrate instead on eating plenty of fresh fruit and

vegetables. Fibre is helpful, too, because this can prevent constipation, which

can make abdominal bloating worse. Salt encourages fluid retention, so avoid

salty foods and do not add salt to meals.

* Take regular exercise. If you are prone to ankle swelling, walk as much as

possible in low-heeled shoes to exercise your calf muscles, encouraging good

circulation. If you are prone to abdominal bloating, tone up your muscles with

daily stomach exercises.

* There is no need to avoid HRT, because it has not been proven to make oedema

worse. However, if other measures fail, try switching to either a lower dosage,

or a different route of administration, for instance patches or gel instead of

tablets.

* In hot weather, sweating helps to cool your body, and can help reduce

swelling. Make sure your sweat can evaporate by wearing clothes made of natural

fibres, such as cotton or linen.

* Avoid diuretics. They can upset the sodium/potassium balance in your blood

stream, make you thirsty and, in the long term, make oedema worse.

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