Edema Treatment Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet, and avoid foods that tend to worsen edema symptoms, such as caffeine, alcohol, salt, fried foods, milk and dairy products, animal protein, sugar, processed grains, white flour, chocolate, olives, pickles, tobacco, and soy sauce. Whole grains and watery fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, apples, potatoes, grapes, beets, onions, cabbage, and citrus, should be a regular part of your diet because these foods can help reduce fluid buildup and retention. For chronic edema conditions, also be sure to include diuretic foods in your diet such as celery, carrot, parsley, cilantro, cranberries, pomegranate, corn, barley, rye, and adzuki beans. Herbs: Diuretic herbs can help alleviate the symptoms of edema. One such herb is dandelion leaf, which is also a rich source of potassium. Dandelion helps replace the potassium that is flushed from the body via diuresis. Take one teaspoon of dandelion tincture three times a day, or an infusion of the fresh leaves three to five times a day. Horse-chestnut seed extract can also be helpful. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. We suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you. Juice Therapy: To help reduce swelling and fluid buildup, drink pear, pineapple, watermelon, and cranberry juice. Cucumber, parsley, celery, carrot, and dandelion is another helpful juice combination for edema. Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients are all helpful when seeking to prevent or reduce edema symptoms: vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and potassium. Free-form amino acids and alfalfa tablets can also be helpful.
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