Edema refers to fluid buildup in the tissues of the body. This leads to swelling of the legs, hands, feet and other areas of the body. Fluid accumulates in the tissues when there is leakage from the capillaries due to damage, excess pressure or reduced levels of albumin. Edema may also occur in pregnant women. Conditions such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis and swelling of the lymph nodes may also be responsible for edema. Another common factor responsible for fluid retention is excessive consumption of salt. In some cases, edema occurs in the lungs. This is a serious condition known as pulmonary edema. It is important to seek immediate medical care in case of symptoms such as pressure in the chest, breathlessness or any type of difficulty breathing.

Causes of Edema
Edema usually occurs when the body suffers from some kind of inflammation or injury. Skin infections, insect stings or joint sprains commonly lead to swelling due to fluid retention. Under certain circumstances this may in fact be beneficial, as in case of an infection, as the fluid enables a greater number of white blood cells to enter the affected part of the body. Underlying medical conditions and imbalances of various components in the blood can also cause edema. Some of the common edema causes include:

There are certain risk factors that can increase the possibility of edema. These include:
-- Nephrotic Syndrome
-- Hypertension
-- Kidney disease
-- Excessive intake of alcohol
-- Smoking
-- Sedentary lifestyle
-- Past surgeries involving removal of lymph nodes

Diet for Edema
-- The main step in treating edema is to reduce your consumption of salt. Restrict salt intake to below 2100 mg of sodium per day. Eating salty foods can cause edema to worsen.

-- Make sure that you drink plenty of water every day. This will help in cleansing your system by flushing out toxins. It also gets rid of excess fluid in the body. Your daily water intake should be at least 8 to 10 glasses.

-- Avoid consuming processed foods such as packaged goods and junk food. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also refrain from drinking caffeinated and carbonated beverages. Instead drink fresh fruits and vegetables juices.

-- A juice fast is sometimes recommended for individuals who suffer from severe or chronic edema. Going on a juice fast for a week or two is known to provide relief from fluid retention. However it is important to consult your doctor first.