Fluid retention, or oedema, is a common occurrence in men and women that can be a sign of more serious health concerns. Fluid builds up in the body when the lymphatic system that normally drains fluid from our tissues back into the bloodstream can’t keep up. T

he resulting excess of fluid in the tissue can cause swelling in the feet and ankles, fatigue, rapid weight gain, and stiff and achy joints. There are many causes of oedema that range from standing too long, to oral contraceptives. Women tend to experience oedema around the time of their menstrual cycles.

It is important to pay attention to your fluid levels in your body because it can be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, lung disease, thyroid disease, and other very serious medical conditions. Oedema is also a sign of poor diet as it can be caused by a diet that is too high in salt, or deficient in certain minerals.

Although there pharmaceutical options for relieving the symptoms of oedema known as diuretics, they can have adverse effects on the body -- especially the kidneys.

For the relief of occasional oedema and fluid retention, there are several safe, natural alternatives to prescription drugs that have no adverse side effects. These natural diuretics are readily available, and are also less expensive that traditional pharmaceutical options.

Natural Treatments for Excess Fluid:

Dandelion tea
Dandelion tea is available just about anywhere you can buy tea blends, and is one of nature’s most effective diuretics. All you need to do is steep it in hot water like any other tea and drink to 2-3 times a day.

Green tea
Again, green tea blends are very readily available anywhere you normally buy tea. You can even find a wide variety of pre-made green teas, just make sure they are all natural, and not a concentrate added to water like with some of the soft drink-type green tea blends.

Rose Hips
Rose hip tea is a gentler diuretic, best used for mild oedema. It is available as a blend, most commonly with hibiscus. Rose hip tea has also been shown to be very effective at treating certain circulatory conditions that lead to fluid retention.

Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is a natural diuretic but also helps support good kidney function and circulatory health. ACV is a very potent natural anti-inflammatory compound as well, so it is great for reducing inflammation in joints that can cause fluid to build up in feet and ankles.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers are almost 90% water, so they naturally help flush excess fluid from our bodies. It seems counteractive to add more water to your system when you are already retaining fluid, but the water content in cucumbers works to expel extra fluid and toxins that has built up in our bodies.