Nutrition For Edema: Diagnosis Of The Body And The Preparation Of The Right Diet

Edema is a pathology that everyone has invariably encountered in their lives. Often they are the first warning signs of an impending threat to an organism that is in dynamic balance.

When should you start worrying and what system violations should be suspected in the first place? Is it possible to prevent their occurrence with nutrition alone? And what, in essence, should be the correct menu in case of violation of water-salt metabolism? We tried to touch on and reveal all these topics in our article.

Causes of edema

Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues and serous cavities of the human body: abdominal, pleural and pericardial. They are a vivid example of a violation of the water and electrolyte balance and can be both purely local and generalized.

These physiological processes, which play a key role both in maintaining systemic pressure and in metabolic mechanisms, are strictly regulated and depend, to a greater extent, on pressure values ​​- hydrostatic and oncotic. In the formation of the latter, mainly blood proteins are involved - especially the albumin fraction, which nobly shoulder 80% of the total work.

As you know, the liver serves as a factory for their production - the only exception is another group that primarily performs the function of immune defense - gamma globulins or antibodies produced by cells obtained during the activation of B-lymphocytes.

On the other hand, we also know that, due to their bulky size, proteins are not able to overcome the kidney filter: its fine-meshed structure remains an impenetrable barrier for them. Thus, we can draw a logical conclusion: the pathology of water-salt metabolism occurs in cases where there is a decrease in the synthetic function of liver cells and in inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, accompanied by the ingress of protein molecules into the urine.

Understanding such details of the exchange of this class of organic compounds is of considerable diagnostic value: and all thanks to the ability of proteins to “retain” water. So, with a decrease in their content in the blood plasma, water will naturally pass into the tissues adjacent to the vessels.

The second, no less common cause of edema is a violation of the formation and / or removal of lymph: the return of water from the tissues to the vascular bed is perverted (after all, the lymphatic ducts eventually flow into large venous trunks). In addition, this is accompanied by a delay in the interstitium and proteins, and we have already mentioned their effect on water exchange.

In inflammatory and allergic reactions, when under the action of biologically active substances (the so-called inflammatory mediators, the most striking of which, of course, is histamine), the permeability of the vascular wall increases, which will result in the release of protein molecules into the tissues. A similar mechanism is observed in intoxication.

Edema also occurs with venous stasis - this most clearly indicates the pathology of the heart muscle. As a rule, they occur in the late afternoon, in the afternoon, on the lower extremities and disappear by morning. Their appearance can also be facilitated by vein thrombosis (with blockage of their lumen, further blood flow is also disturbed), as well as with insufficiency of their valves.

Edema is also a side effect of some drugs, the mechanism of which mediates the retention of salt and water in the blood serum. The list of such drugs includes:

• antidepressants;

• antihypertensive;

• antiviral;

• cytokines and some hormonal drugs;

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen in particular).

The last and perhaps the most common cause is hypothyroidism - a decrease in the functional activity of the thyroid gland. With this disease, mucous edema appears: and all due to an increase in the ability of connective tissue components to bind water. Their localization is especially pronounced on the face (around the eyes) and limbs: shoulders and shins.

Signs of fluid retention in the body

The most obvious and the first consequence of a violation of the water-electrolyte balance that comes to mind is an increase in body weight. This, it must be said, is due not only to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, but also implies certain disturbances in the neuroendocrine apparatus. For example, hypothyroidism (which leads, as we wrote earlier, to the appearance of mucous edema) is also accompanied by a significant slowdown in metabolism: in truth, it is difficult to name those functions and biochemical reactions that thyroxine and triiodothyronine would not directly or indirectly affect.

Systemic causes of edema and some characteristic signs that you should pay attention to when examining:

1. Heart failure

   • swelling of the jugular veins;

   • swelling on the lower extremities, which appear in the evening and disappear in the morning;

   • dyspnea.

    

2. liver disease

   • ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity);

   • jaundice.

    

3. kidney disease

   • proteinuria (detection of protein in the urine);

   • oliguria (rare urination).

    

4. Thyroid diseases

   • puffy eyes;

   • tremor;

   • weight loss.

    

It is the search for the original problem that led to the development of edema - the initial task that a nutritionist or doctor should set for himself. After all, not always, you see, diuretic drugs, which we will discuss below, will bring the desired effect or at least partially cope with the relief of the main complaints and symptoms.

However, such a concept as “idiopathic edema” is still used - this term reflects weight gain without an obvious reason. In other words, it is rather a diagnosis of exclusion: the disease has an incomprehensible, inexplicable (at least at this stage in the development of medicine) etiology.

We have given several algorithms by which you yourself could suspect in yourself (we repeat, in the absence of any characteristic symptoms from other organs and systems) precisely idiopathic edema. So, they have:

• periodic swelling of the limbs;

• bloating;

• an increase in body weight in the afternoon by 1.4 kg or more;

• menstrual irregularities;

• vegetative-vascular dystonia;

• pathology of carbohydrate metabolism.

Laboratory and functional diagnostics

When edema appears, it is necessary to establish the cause that caused them: only this will ensure complex therapy and adequate correction of the diet with the introduction of the necessary support with nutraceuticals.

First of all, you need to make sure that there is an adequate process of protein breakdown and their further absorption: we have already talked about the leading role of this class of organic compounds in ensuring the proper values ​​of oncotic blood pressure, which, in essence, creates all the conditions for water filtration or reabsorption.

Inflammatory processes in the gastric mucosa, the spread of H. pylori around its entire perimeter, a decrease in the number of cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (which, in particular, is characteristic of atrophic gastritis, which, as a rule, is of an autoimmune nature) require targeted attention from specialists.

The first and main diagnostic test that is prescribed in such cases is fibrogastroduodenoscopy, a non-severe invasive intervention, with mandatory biopsy and pH-metry (measurement of gastric acidity). This is necessary not only to form a holistic picture, but also to prevent serious complications: it all starts with chronic gastritis and in most cases, in an unfavorable scenario, ends with stomach cancer.

In addition, you can conduct a test with betaine-pepsin (only if the integrity of the gastric mucosa is preserved - otherwise, it will become a powerful trigger that significantly irritates the wound surface and slows down the healing process) to determine the acidity of gastric juice: hydrochloric acid, as you know, does not only participates in the activation of proteolytic enzymes in the lumen of the stomach, but also contributes to the direct degradation of protein molecules in the composition of food. Together with protein-rich foods, you need to take one capsule of betaine-pepsin - a complex containing a drug that increases the level of acidity and an enzyme that breaks down chemical bonds between amino acids in the structure of peptide fragments. Then, only if the supplement is well tolerated, you can gradually increase the dose - however, it should not exceed 6 capsules (please take into account the variability of dosages from different manufacturers: we deliberately do not indicate them in the article, since we believe that even this diagnostic measure should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a nutritionist or doctor). The maximum tolerated dose is determined by subjective sensations - before the onset of burning and heartburn. After reaching it, you should also reduce the dose by 1 tablet with constant fixation and monitoring of your condition.

In addition to disturbances in the stomach, the main site for the breakdown of protein molecules, the pathology of the intestine is of great importance: it is on the epithelial villi that all compounds of various organic classes are absorbed.

Sometimes a protein deficiency can be associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or disorders in the formation and outflow of bile, which acts as an activator of pancreatic enzymes. In such cases, the cause of the stagnation of this golden secret or a decrease in its production by liver cells is determined, and an individually selected complex of drugs for enzymatic support is prescribed.

It is usually not difficult to suspect cholestasis, since it is accompanied by characteristic, well-defined signs:

• constipation, followed by diarrhea with fetid and greasy stools;

• itching of the skin, which does not have a specific localization;

• headache;

• weakness due to intoxication;

• discomfort in the right hypochondrium;

• bitterness in the mouth;

• belching;

• acne.

1. Thyroid panel for suspected hypothyroidism:

   • TSH;

   • T3 free and T4 free;

   • antibodies to thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin.

   In addition, it should be borne in mind that with a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, the hypothalamus, one of the key structures of the brain, naturally begins to secrete more thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates not only the production of TSH by the pituitary gland (later acting on the follicles as an activator of the formation of T4 and T3 ) but also prolactin - hyperprolactinemia is noted.

   In general, edema caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones already has a fairly vivid clinical picture. So, let's say:

   • puffy face;

   • teeth marks on the tongue;

   • fragility and hair loss.

   Study: Therapeutic masks for hypothyroidism

    

2. Clinical analysis of urine and blood.

3. Liver profile: ALT, AST, albumin; total protein, direct and indirect bilirubin.

4. Fasting glucose.

5. A decrease in the secretion of hydrochloric acid is indicated by low values ​​of amino acids in the urine, as well as a decrease in electrolytes, the absorption of which directly depends on the pH of the environment: zinc, selenium, manganese and magnesium.

1. Folate cycle genetics: MTHFR, MTR, MTRR.

Nutrition for edema

In general, as already mentioned, any correction of water-salt metabolism should begin directly with the establishment of the etiology of edema - that is, the immediate cause that contributes to their development. Only based on this, a nutritionist or a doctor will be able to correctly build a diet for the patient who applied, taking into account all the features of his digestive, endocrine and other key body systems.

Three meals a day remain the most physiological for the bulk of the population: the complete exclusion of all snacks and the observance of four- or five-hour intervals between main meals effectively prevents the occurrence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. However, for example, when the adrenal glands are depleted, which will make a significant contribution to the imbalance of water-salt metabolism, such a regimen is not only ineffective, but even contraindicated, which once again emphasizes the need for a purely individual approach.

In general, given that most of the pathological processes in our body are accompanied by oxidative stress, and modern realities of life predispose to a total deficiency of antioxidants, their replenishment should be carefully controlled - both with food and biologically active supplements, or even (in some cases) with injections. Below we have listed widely available sources of several vitamins and elements involved in protecting our cells from the army of free radicals.

• rose hip;
• sea ​​​​buckthorn;
• broccoli;
• bell pepper;
• citrus;
• strawberry;
• currant;
• kiwi;
• spinach.

• chickpeas;
• sunflower seeds;
• eggs;
• beans;
• oat bran;
• rice;
• lentils;
• brazil nuts;
• seafood.

We also recommend adding sources of dopamine or its immediate precursors to your diet: it is reasonably believed that this neurotransmitter prevents sodium retention in the body by acting on various links in the regulation of water-salt metabolism, thereby actively counteracting the development of edema.

Products containing the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, which are converted in the body into dopamine:

• almond;

• beef;

• offal;

• salmon;

• chicken;

• soya beans;

• eggs;

• pink salmon;

• cashew nuts.

Diuretic foods and drinks

The appointment of pharmaceutical preparations - diuretics - does not always make sense: it all depends on the nature of the occurrence of edema. So, let's say, if this is due to a decrease in the absorption of amino acids due to a stomach ulcer, you should work with this particular section of the digestive system and the factors that cause disruption of its work (for example, high susceptibility to stress, which leads to spasm of blood vessels supplying the stomach wall due to the release of bark adrenal cortisol).

In addition, any medicines must be prescribed strictly by a doctor and only for certain indications. However, this does not mean at all that it is necessary to remain inactive until specialized assistance is provided: in the hands of a nutritionist there are always many levers of influence on the client's diet, which can not only improve the course of the disease, but also greatly alleviate the external manifestations of the pathology.

We have compiled a list of foods that have a diuretic effect. Believe me, they are not inferior in efficiency and the most fashionable biological supplements.

1. Turnip - this root crop was used long before the formation of modern medicine as such. Our ancestors attributed to her not only diuretic properties (they were mainly decoctions from the leaves of the plant), but also analgesic. It was also used to alleviate joint pain, as well as to stimulate the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract - the latter was provided with an irritating effect, which had an essential oil prepared on its basis on the mucous membrane.

   Interestingly, its well-known anti-inflammatory effect, as recently discovered, is associated with the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa-B, which, when activated, binds to regions of the DNA molecule, triggering the expression of genes whose products actually implement the inflammatory process.

   Biologically active compounds are also concentrated in turnip seeds: vitamin A precursors, tocopherols, fatty oils.

   Study: Turnip - food and medicinal plant

    

2. Dill is another well-known diuretic product that has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Earlier, by the way, it was assumed that its combination with honey is an effective antidote for poisoning with all types of poisons.

   A decoction prepared from this plant helps to strengthen the hair roots, and also reduces the itching that accompanies allergic reactions. The use of dill was also associated with the normalization of the lipid spectrum in rats, helping to reduce “bad” cholesterol in serum, as well as providing a cardioprotective effect.

   Herb and dill juice are still used in Ayurveda for edema caused by kidney pathologies.

   Study: Promising medicinal plant dill

    

3. Turmeric is a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent, beloved and often used in folk medicine around the world. She was credited with diuretic, choleretic and analgesic actions.

   Turmeric has also been used in the treatment of jaundice and dropsy, as well as in the treatment of tumors.

   Research: Uses of turmeric in ancient and modern folk medicine

    

4. Juniper is a coniferous evergreen plant, which in some nations belongs to a number of sacred ones. So, there are even beliefs that, having eaten seven cones, a person will be reliably protected for seven years not only from various eye diseases, but also from typhoid fever, known for its rather severe course.

   I must say, there are still theories about its ability to lead to miscarriages, so the use of pregnant women, as well as for lactation, should be strictly discussed with the doctor.

   In folk medicine, decoctions based on this plant are used in the treatment of edema caused by diseases of the kidneys, liver and heart failure. In addition, juniper is also used in the treatment of gout, as well as an antifungal and bactericidal agent.

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   Its berries contain a wide range of antioxidant substances, among which are found both sterols and tannins with flavonoids. Some compounds are also able to inhibit the activity of one of the key enzymes in the synthesis of melanin, so they are used for hyperpigmentation.

    

5. Common thyme is a plant known since ancient times and used as a diuretic, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, wound healing agent.

   Its extracts are also effective in the treatment of helminthic invasion - especially in relation to tapeworms. In addition, it also has a pronounced antifungal effect, which leads to widespread use in the context of the treatment of candidiasis.

    

Prohibited Products

In the case of allergic and inflammatory edema caused by an increase in the permeability of the capillary walls under the action of histamine, it is recommended, in addition to excluding (as in the first case) trigger products, and minimizing the sources of this biogenic amine. In particular, this is indicated for patients with “breakdowns” in the main genes of the folate cycle regulators (MTHFR, MTR, MTRR), which, in fact, ensures the neutralization of histamine.

Foods rich in histamine:

• avocado;

• eggplant;

• sauerkraut;

• dairy products;

• pickled vegetables and other foods containing vinegar;

• dates;

• prunes;

• raisin;

• semi-finished products;

• canned food;

• jerky;

• beer, wine and other fermented alcoholic beverages;

• shellfish;

• smoked fish;

• food additives and dyes;

• citrus;

• cherry;

• cranberry;

• cinnamon;

• carnation;

• paprika;

• olives;

• spinach;

• tomatoes;

• pumpkin;

• soy;

• green and black tea;

• coffee;

• cocoa;

• nuts.

At the time of establishing the main cause of edema, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of basic provocative products. These include:

1. Sources of caffeine:

   • chocolate;

   • cocoa;

   • coffee;

   • green and black tea;

   • energy.

    

2. Alcoholic drinks.

3. Refined sugar - in its pure form and as part of confectionery.

4. Pickled and salted vegetables.

5. Fried (especially battered) food - including fast food.

6. white flour products.

7. Ready sauces, semi-finished products and canned food.

Interestingly, back in 1923, scientists noted that fast carbohydrates greatly contribute to the retention of electrolytes in the body.

Then an equally surprising discovery was made: restriction of food for a period of 3 days (with sufficient intake of water and minerals), followed by an exit from hunger, no less strongly influenced the prevention or, on the contrary, the occurrence of edema: for example, eating fat-rich foods increased excretion sodium, and proteins - reduced. The latter, according to the researchers, was associated with the ability of the amino acids that make up protein molecules to be converted into glucose in the liver - this is the so-called process of glucogenesis.

Thus, it is desirable to minimize the intake of simple sugars: sources of glucose, fructose, sucrose and other representatives of this class of organic compounds.