Hydration and Edema: Finding the Right Balance

When excess fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, a person might experience swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes even the hands. This phenomenon is known as edema, and a variety of issues can cause it. Edema can be severe enough that the fluid in your tissues gets boggy, and pressing on a swollen area can leave behind an impression. While many people assume that drinking less water can help reduce edema, the opposite may actually be true. Balancing the right amount of hydration can positively impact edema and may allow someone to manage the condition effectively. We’ll give you insight into the question, “Does drinking water help edema?” so that you can be on your way to managing the condition to the best of your ability. 

Will Drinking More Water Help With Edema?

It is not surprising that many people assume drinking less water would mean less swelling or edema. However, staying well-hydrated can actually assist the body in maintaining fluid balance and reducing excess water retention. When the body senses dehydration, it holds onto water as a protective mechanism, potentially worsening edema. 

Drinking enough water helps the kidneys efficiently remove excess fluids and toxins from the body. When you’re properly hydrated, it also helps the kidneys flush out extra sodium, a mineral that can lead to water retention. High sodium makes the body hold onto water to dilute the amount of sodium. Drinking sufficient water helps balance this out and may keep your body from retaining so much fluid in the peripheral tissues. 

Drinking water may also encourage your lymphatic system to move excess fluid away from tissues. It’s reliant on enough water intake to keep the channels moving to flush out debris and toxins in the body. Edema water retention may be improved when your lymphatic system is supported and working as intended. 

The key to hydration and edema is balance. While drinking enough water is important, excessive water intake may lead to an imbalance in electrolytes. The goal is to maintain consistent hydration levels throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once. It’s important to note that different medical conditions respond differently to hydration, and some conditions, such as kidney failure, require restricted hydration, which your medical provider should manage. 

Best Water Pill for Edema: Are They Necessary?

Diuretics, commonly referred to as "water pills," are not always the best solution for everyone. In fact, unless there is a specific medical condition that benefits from such treatment, many medical providers will turn to other solutions. Natural methods, such as proper hydration, dietary adjustments, and activity, can better manage mild to moderate edema without the need for medication. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any diuretics to ensure they are appropriate for your specific needs.

Keeping Edema From Interrupting Your Life

Now that you’ve answered some questions about edema, you may want to know what else could help. Managing edema effectively often requires a combination of strategies, including movement. Edema can limit your mobility and be uncomfortable, which makes exercise difficult, even when you’re motivated. This is where Juvent’s Micro-Impact Platform® can bridge the gap. Using gentle frequencies, the platform supports circulation and mobility in less than 20 minutes of use per day. By standing on the plate as part of a daily routine, customers may feel improvements in their comfort and mobility that allow them to go about their day with greater ease. By promoting natural movement, our Micro-Impact Platform complements other edema management strategies like hydration and diet.

Try a Varied Lifestyle to Fight Edema

Edema and water retention can disrupt your life, but proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance. Rather than avoiding water, focus on drinking adequate amounts throughout the day while incorporating supportive habits like movement and a balanced diet. If you experience persistent or severe edema, consulting a healthcare professional can help you determine the best course of action. Using the tools at your disposal and finding the right balance will get you feeling like your best self again. 

FDA Disclosure

In the US, the Juvent device is considered investigational for the treatment of osteoporosis or improvement/maintenance of bone mineral density and our claims have not been reviewed or cleared by the FDA to treat any disease or condition. (2) Calculated over the 20+ year expected life of a Juvent. The JUVENT® Micro-Impact Platform® is Registered as a Class I medical device for exercise and rehabilitation. JUVENT products are covered by the following issued patents, pending patents and their foreign equivalents: 6,843,776 6,884,2277,094211 7,207,954 7,207,955 7,985,191 8,114,036 11/369,611 11/486,538. Juvent, Dynamic Motion Therapy, Micro-Impact Platform, and the symbol are Registered trademarks of Regenerative Technologies Corporation.