Water retention during heat

When it's hot outside, your veins dilate to dissipate body heat and regulate body temperature. This vasodilation can cause fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. This causes swelling in the legs, feet and hands.

During periods of heat hormonal changes can occur in your body. In particular, the hormone aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating the salt and water balance, can be affected and lead to increased water retention.

At high temperatures, you sweat more to lower your body temperature. This not only causes you to lose water, but also salts such as sodium. When your body loses sodium, it tries to compensate by retaining water. This can lead to swelling as the body tries to make up for the lost sodium with water.

The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system and helps to remove waste from the body's tissues. The lymphatic system can be affected by heat and does not work efficiently. This can cause water to accumulate in the tissues.

Based on the causes, appropriate measures must then be taken to prevent or reduce water retention.

Water retention in the heat can be uncomfortable and affect your well-being. One possible cause of water retention in the heat is the dilated function of the veins due to the high temperatures. There are some useful tips to promote your health and reduce water retention, especially in summer.

• Adequate fluid intake: Adequate hydration is crucial to prevent water retention. Drink water regularly to keep your body hydrated. Try to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as they can have a dehydrating effect. Ideally, you should drink water, diluted fruit juices or unsweetened herbal teas in summer.
• Avoid a diet high in salt: A highly salty diet can contribute to water retention. Therefore, reduce your consumption of salty foods such as ready meals, snacks and fast food. Make sure you eat a balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables and contains few processed foods. Our vegan bowlswhich can be prepared in just a few minutes.

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• Cool and shady surroundings: Stay in cool and shady environments in hot weather to avoid overheating. Look for places with air conditioning or fans to keep your body cool. Wear loose and airy clothing that allows your skin to breathe and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Cooling measures such as cold compresses or ice packs can help to relieve swelling in high temperatures. This can constrict the blood vessels and reduce fluid retention.
• Physically rest and relieve the legs: Avoid excessive physical exertion in hot weather as this can lead to increased stress on the cardiovascular system. Try to avoid prolonged standing or sitting as this can lead to fluid retention in the legs. Instead, it is advisable to elevate your legs regularly to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Light exercise such as yoga is ideal for promoting vein health in summer.
• Regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat retention in the heat. Light physical activity activates the muscle pumps in the legs, which help to pump the blood in the veins more efficiently towards the heart. This can help to reduce the accumulation of fluid in the legs and feet. Try to be more active during the summer by incorporating walks, bike rides or other forms of exercise into your daily routine.
• The elevation of the feet can also contribute to the treatment. When you elevate your feet, gravity is used to drain excess water from your legs. Try to elevate your legs several times a day for about 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling.
• In some cases, a drug therapy may be considered to remove excess fluid from the body. Dehydrating medications, also known as diuretics, can help to eliminate excess water. However, it is important to take these medications only under medical supervision, as they have specific dosages and possible side effects.

Self-treatment methods such as cooling measures and elevating the feet in summer may provide temporary relief, but it is important to treat the underlying cause of water retention to achieve long-term relief.

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For severe and persistent water retentionthat does not go away on its own, you should see a doctor. Severe swelling and water retention can be a sign of an underlying condition or health problem that requires medical examination and treatment.

If other symptoms occur in addition to the retention, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat or other unusual symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If you already suffer from pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, kidney problems or other chronic illnesses and notice water retention in the heat, you should consult your doctor. The underlying condition may increase the risk of retention and require specific treatment.

It is important to pay attention to your body and react to possible signs of complications. A doctor can perform a thorough examination, determine the cause of water retention and recommend appropriate treatment measures.