Oedema

~ Is a condition that causes too much fluid to accumulate in the body .
~ It is kidney's job to eliminate excess fluids from the body in the urine .
~ If fail to eliminate excess fluids properly then fluid can soon build up in the tissue and result in swelling .

• Risk factor

~ Prolonged periods spent sitting or standing ( the pressure of fluid in the legs from doing either pushes it into the surrounding tissue )
~ High blood pressure ( abnormal pressure in the blood capillaries can result in the abnormal exchange of fluids to and from the tissues )
~ Heart failure ( when the heart can't pump blood round fast enough to clear fluid from the tissue)
~ Kidney problems ( cause large amounts of protein to be lost in the urine and cause fluid to be accumulate in the tissue )
~ Diagnosed with oedema may prescribe diuretic drugs that stimulate the kidneys to increase urinary water output .
~ Side effects :

1. Low blood pressure
2. Dizziness
   
3. Tinnitus
4. Impotence
5. Stomach upset
6. Nausea

• To ward off oedema

~ Put the feet up
~ Wearing support stockings
~ Cut down on the amount of salt
~ Eat more potassium - rich foods ( excrete water) (leafy green vegetables , citrus fruits , sunflower seeds)
~ Add fresh parsley ( cleanse the blood and stimulates the movement of toxins through the kidneys)
~ Celery ( excrete a diuretic action)
~ Drink plenty of water - 2 litres a day
~ Avoid tea and coffee ( dehydrating effect and cause fluid retention)