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How often do you find yourself unpleasantly surprised when you notice swelling on your face or various parts of your body in the morning? Have you ever thought that this is not only an aesthetic but also a medical problem? What do doctors and nutritionists think about this problem? What does official medicine and science say about food and nutrition? Nutritionist Olga Stepanova answers the question.
Edema: are they really dangerous?
Edema is the formation of an excessive amount of fluid in the body’s tissues, which leads to an increase in their volume. Edema can be localized in certain parts of the body (e.g., legs, feet, arms, face, or abdomen) or generalized, when all body tissues are swollen.
But morning edema differs from the others in that it usually appears after sleep and can disappear within a few hours after waking up. One of the main causes of morning edema is fluid retention in the body, which can occur due to the position of the body during sleep. When a person sleeps on their side or on their stomach, the natural circulation processes in the tissues of the face and other parts of the body are inhibited, which can lead to a problem.
In addition, morning edema can be associated with an increase in cortisol levels in the body during a night’s sleep. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is responsible for the body’s stress response. It can contribute to fluid retention in body tissues.
Other possible causes of morning edema include the effects of previous alcohol consumption. They can also be triggered by an increased level of sodium in the body as a result of eating late in the evening or at night. Both doctors and nutritionists agree that morning sickness can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, or gastrointestinal diseases.
“If morning swelling has become a regular occurrence or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or nutritionist for an examination and to determine the exact cause,” emphasizes Olga Stepanova.
Causes of edema: the opinion of a doctor and nutritionist
When it comes to edema in the context of nutrition, it can be associated with certain disorders in the body that can be caused by an improper diet. For example, consuming foods with a high sodium content can lead to fluid retention in the body, which in turn can cause edema.
Also, edema can be associated with insufficient fluid intake. If the body does not receive the normal amount of water, it may begin to retain it.
In the medical context, edema can be caused by the following:
- heart disease. In particular, in heart failure, edema can develop in the legs, hips, and abdomen;
- kidney disease. Because of this, they may not be able to remove enough fluid from the body;
- liver disease. For example, in case of liver cirrhosis, fluid can be retained in the body;
- allergic reactions. Usually, the response to irritation is swelling of the skin, lips, eyes, or respiratory tract;
- disorders of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema or other problems can cause swelling in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body.
- pregnancy, menstrual bleeding, use of certain medications, and others.
It is worth adding that these manifestations can be dangerous depending on their causes. If systemic edema is associated with impaired heart, kidney, or liver function, it may indicate a serious disease that can develop into heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, or hepatic coma.
Swelling can also be dangerous if it occurs as a result of an allergic reaction or trauma. In such cases, the manifestation can be life-threatening, as it can compress the airway or lead to anaphylaxis.
“Edema can also pose a threat if it is the result of excessive salt intake. This can lead to high blood pressure and the development of cardiovascular diseases,” the nutritionist notes.
Diet and treatment: how to solve the problem of edema
A doctor and a nutritionist have their own ways of overcoming the problem. In particular, the treatment of edema depends on its source. If they occur due to heart failure, kidney or liver disease, treatment is aimed at finding the causes and treating specific diseases. Obviously, improving the general condition of the body will also reduce edema. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe:
- a diet with limited salt intake;
- use of diuretics, which help to speed up the release of fluid from the body;
- compresses of cold water or ice;
- massage to improve blood circulation.
A nutritionist has additional recommendations. To prevent edema, it is important to eat a healthy diet and consume enough fluids throughout the day. In particular, you can avoid consuming foods high in sodium, such as salty foods and canned foods, and increase the amount of foods that contain a lot of potassium. These include bananas, potatoes, avocados, and other fruits and vegetables.
“It is also important to ensure adequate protein intake, as it helps to retain fluid in the blood vessels, and to avoid foods rich in sugar and unhealthy fats. Eating right and consuming enough fluids can help prevent swelling and reduce it during treatment,” notes Olga Stepanova.
