Ask a doctor - Does drinking more water reduce edema?

Q. Does drinking more water reduce edema?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Yes, drinking more water can help reduce edema to some extent, but it's not a guaranteed solution for all cases. Let me explain.

Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues. It often occurs in the legs, ankles, and feet, but can also affect other parts of the body. There are various causes of edema, including poor circulation, heart problems, kidney issues, pregnancy, certain medications, and sitting or standing for long periods.

One common misconception is that if you're retaining water, you should drink less water. However, this isn't necessarily true. In fact, dehydration can sometimes worsen edema because your body holds onto water to prevent further water loss.

So, drinking more water can help in a couple of ways:

1. Maintaining Fluid Balance: When you're adequately hydrated, your body is less likely to retain excess water. This is because your body doesn't feel the need to hold onto water if it knows there's more coming. However, it's important to strike a balance—drinking too much water can also lead to swelling in certain conditions, especially if your kidneys aren't functioning properly.

2. Improving Circulation: Staying hydrated can also help improve blood circulation, which can reduce swelling. Proper circulation helps your body remove excess fluid from tissues, which can alleviate edema.

That being said, simply drinking more water may not be enough to completely resolve edema, especially if it's caused by an underlying medical condition. If you're experiencing persistent or severe swelling, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

In addition to staying hydrated, there are other lifestyle changes and treatments that may help reduce edema, such as elevating the affected limbs, wearing compression stockings, exercising regularly, reducing salt intake, and following any medical advice provided by your doctor.

Remember, every individual is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to listen to your body and seek medical advice if you're concerned about swelling or edema.