Do you suffer from edema? Well, if you do, then there are a number of remedies that can help you out. And the best thing about these remedies is they are effective and yet inexpensive. Would you like to know more? Read ahead!
What Is Edema?
Edema is basically the collection of water in between the layers of the skin. Usually edema is mostly characterized by a swelling, and mirrors many of the properties of inflammation. While edema mostly affects the legs, arms and feet, other forms may even affect the brain or the blood vessels (1).
Now that you know what edema is and that it is not restricted to simply the arms and feet, let’s look at some foods that can help you treat this condition. Listed here are the 9 popular foods to consume when you have edema.
1. Saffron:
Saffron or Crocus sativus Linnaeus, is one of the most expensive and exotic spices. Saffron has been a regular ingredient in many home remedies across multiple cultures.
Saffron contains metabolites, which exhibit antitussive, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties. Saffron has many anti-inflammatory properties, and is an ideal food for edema, especially when caused by inflammation (2).
2. Turmeric:
Used in most households across the Indian subcontinent, turmeric is an important part of cuisine. Turmeric also contains curcumin, which is an effective antioxidant. Turmeric is regularly used in many medications to treat allergies and other disorders like edema and inflammation. Curcumin’s potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics make it one of the best foods for edema (3).
3. Chili Peppers:
Capsaicin is the active compound that makes chili fiery hot. Capsaicin has known anti-inflammatory properties. It is tough to know how capsaicin acts, but scientists know that capsaicin helps curb inflammation. As a result, chili peppers have become an especially effective remedy for edema and inflammation (4).
4. Ginger:
The Gingerbread man is not all that Ginger can be used for; ginger has many health benefits as well. Ginger is rich in natural analgesics that mimic the effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). As ginger’s constituent analgesics are natural, they don’t overheat the body, or cause night sweats or fever. This makes ginger an effective, yet a safe cure for edema and inflammation (5).
5. Vitamin C:
Another important nutrient available in many citrus fruits and quite a lot of vegetables, vitamin C cures afflictions like allergies and infections. Vitamin C activates Vitamin E-activity, which makes it essential for reducing inflammation and in turn cures edema (6).
6. Whole Grains:
Did you know that consuming whole grains helps reduce edema? The processed white grains we usually consume contain significantly lesser fiber and roughage than whole grains. Fiber restricts C-reactive protein levels and eliminates C-reactive protein from the body. A high level of C-reactive protein usually leads to inflammatory conditions. So, consider consuming the healthier whole grains that help keep edema away (7).
7. Pineapple Core:
Pineapple core is usually what causes itching in many people’s throats, but it is brilliant for treating inflammatory conditions like tendinitis, a regular feature of edema. Pineapple core is rich in Bromelain, which is a chemical combination of digestive and proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes usually help reduce inflammation.
8. Nuts And Fish:
There aren’t many richer sources of Omega-3 fatty acids than fish, especially oily fish. Fish like sardine, salmon, tuna and mackerel are crammed with omega-3s.
Nuts contain loads of calcium, fiber and Vitamin E. These vitamins are essential for reducing and treating inflammatory conditions and edema. The presence of Omega-3 fatty acids is a bonus, as they also help treat inflammation and edema (8).
9. Cruciferous Vegetables:
Cruciferous vegetables aren’t just good for your eyesight; they also contain Vitamin E. Vitamin E is essential for the body as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it one of the best remedies for edema. So, like your mum always said, “Eat your green vegetables!” (9)
What else are you waiting for? Consider including these foods in your anti-edema diet. Don’t let edema get you down. To tell us about any alternative therapies you have tried or to share your experiences of Edema with other readers, leave a comment below.
