Water retention, also known as fluid retention or edema, occurs when excessive amounts of fluid build up inside the body. It can occur in the circulatory system or within tissues and cavities throughout the body. The result is swelling in the hands, feet, ankles and legs. There are several possible causes of water retention, most of which are not too serious or out of the ordinary. For example, it’s very common for some women to experience the condition during pregnancy or before their periods. However, in some cases, water retention can be a symptom of a more severe medical condition, such as kidney disease or heart failure. That’s why if you’re suddenly or severely experiencing swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately. But in cases where the puffiness is mild and there are no underlying medical complications, water retention can be reduced. Here are seven things that may trigger water retention and what to do about them. Salt Salt is made out of sodium and chloride. In the body, sodium binds to water and helps maintain the balance of fluids both inside and outside of cells. If you eat a lot of foods that are high in salt, especially processed […]