Fluid retention is often a concern for many people, however, they are not always sure what this condition means. To begin with, it is worth bearing in mind that all parts of the body need water to function. In that order of ideas, a healthy body is capable of balancing the amount of fluid that enters or leaves the body.
However, according to the medical encyclopedia MedlinePlus, a fluid imbalance can occur when the subject loses more water or fluid than they consume. The opposite can also happen, that is, when more water is consumed than the body is capable of eliminating.
The human body is constantly losing fluids through respiration, perspiration, and urine. As such, if the person does not consume enough fluids, he may suffer from dehydration. The consulted source notes that the body may also have difficulties in eliminating liquids. Consequently, excess fluid accumulates in the body.
Regarding the causes, MedlinePlus details that some diseases can lead to fluid imbalance:
- after surgerythe body often retains large amounts of fluid for several days, causing swelling of the body.
- in heart failurefluid builds up in the lungs, liver, blood vessels, and body tissues because the heart does a poor job of pumping to the kidneys.
- When the kidneys do not work well Due to long-term (chronic) kidney disease, the body is unable to get rid of unnecessary fluids.
- The body can lose too much fluid due to diarrhea, vomiting, severe bleeding, or high fever.
- Lack of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) can cause the kidneys to remove too much fluid. This causes extreme thirst and dehydration.

The plant to counteract swelling
As usual, alternative medicine offers some natural options to combat, in this case, fluid retention. However, it is pertinent to mention that home remedies do not have scientific support, so their effectiveness is not guaranteed 100%.
That being said, before resorting to any treatment of this nature, It is best to consult with a trusted doctor.
The portal Health 180 He maintains that dandelion tea “has a diuretic action that helps detoxify the body and stop retaining fluids.” In this sense, he shares a recipe to reduce inflammation in the feet, ankles, legs and hands.
Ingredients:
- A handful of dandelion flowers.
- A cup of water.
Preparation:
- Bring the water with the dandelion flowers to a boil.
- Once it reaches its boiling point, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Strain and drink three times a day.

The diuretic action of dandelion could help eliminate retained fluids and, in turn, reduce swelling.
Another option to take advantage of the properties of the dandelion is to allocate a little of the previously related infusion to massage the affected area. Of course, the right time to do it is when the infusion is not hot.

Dandelion properties
The portal better with health details that the dandelion stands out for its high content of vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, tannins and other nutritional elements that benefit health.
Additionally, this plant contains active ingredients with anti-inflammatory effects that improve joint and cardiovascular health. Regarding its diuretic effect, the cited source specifies that “it helps to combat fluid retention in tissues and, in turn, inflammation. It is especially recommended for obese patients and with common ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and kidney stones.
Dandelion also stimulates urine production. and prevents difficulties such as cystitis, urethritis and infections. This effect facilitates the renal function of the organism.
Since not all organisms react in the same way, it is advisable to consult a health professional before going to dandelion to counteract fluid retention.