Fluid retention is such a big problem because the extra water in your system is in the way!  Oxygen and vital nutrients can’t get where they need to go!

If you don’t want your health to fade, watch for signs that you may be retaining water:

• When you press your fingernail firmly into your thumb-pad, does it stay deeply dented for more than a second or two?
• When you press the tip of your finger into the inside of your shinbone, does your nail make a dent?
• Do your ankles ever swell?
• Does your shoe size increase as you get older?
• Do your rings sometimes not fit?
• Is your tummy ever tight and swollen?
• For women, do you suffer from breast tenderness?
• Does your weight fluctuate by several pound within the space of only twenty-four hours?

You should be concerned if you recognize water retention symptoms, even if your doctor isn’t!

If your symptoms are mild, pay attention to:

• Drinking water all day everyday.  Dehydration is a major cause of fluid retention.
• Insist that your health care provider test your hormone level if you have ongoing mild water retention.  Don’t wait until you retain excessive fluid as the increased work load it causes will damage your heart and kidneys.
• Eat foods in as close to their natural state as possible.  If you get rid of your water retention by avoiding processed foods, you have found your problem.  Eat whole and build your health.
• Nutritional supplements may be very helpful.
• Get rid of old pillows, carpets, and furniture as much as possible.  Treat mold and mildew in your home.  Use natural, less toxic products to clean with.
• Clean air and pure water are very important for health building and may be helpful in reducing water retention.
• It may sound strange, but it is important for you to eat enough calories everyday.  If you are starving yourself, your body will retain water.
• Enzymes and probiotics can help you absorb your food and supplements better.  The improved nutrition may reduce your water retention.

If you need additional help try looking for:

• A nutritional therapist
• A naturopathic doctor
• Many chiropractors are very knowledgeable about nutrition, you might find one that is willing to give you the extra time and care needed to isolate your problem.
• Occasionally you will find a medical doctor who uses nutritional therapy in their practice.  Less than 3% of medical schools offer significant nutritional education.  Odds are that you won’t find a medical doctor who has a real understanding of water retention, and will be able to help you.

If you retain a significant amount of fluid let swollen ankles be a RED FLAG!

If you have water at your ankles, it is very likely that you have water in your lungs.  As a matter of fact, water retention needs to be addressed before it starts collecting at your ankles.

YOU CAN’T BREATHE THROUGH WATER!

Every time your body suffers an unmet oxygen deficit, damage is caused that you will soon notice in your eye sight, short term memory, and the strength of your heart muscle.

You may have an oxygen deficit you don’t know about, but you know that you are always tired.

Ask your Doctor to check your blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• water retention (especially feet/ ankles)
• shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing
• extreme fatigue
• chest tightness
• mental confusion/ short-term-memory loss
• tingling fingers
• chronic cough
• blue coloring around lips

(If you wake up at night gasping for breath, TELL YOUR DOCTOR, OR CALL 911!  You are better safe than sorry.)

Remember that anything below 92% blood oxygen saturation level warrants treatment with supplemental oxygen, though insurance companies won’t pay until readings fall to 88%.

Your body requires more oxygen with physical activity, and levels should be checked DURING normal daily activity.

It is your best interest to prevent any low oxygen level!

It has been a while since I posted about fluid retention.  This subject is critically important for protecting your heart early on, and for preventing debilitation and death as your heart failure worsens.

Please let me know if there is more we can do to help you  combat your health robbing fluid retention.

Many blessings,

Carrie

PS- Beat heart disease, enter your name and email address in the box at the right, and get your heart defense education delivered to your inbox.

PPS– Remember everyday:

1. Relax and Release tension
2. Take deeep breaths
3. Be active in a way that adds joy to your life

Plus pure water ~whole foods~sunshine~and laughter

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… C: wait… SD: wait…

Tags: anemia, arrhythmia, arthritis, cardiomyopathy, chest pain, concentration problems, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, cough, diabetes, emotional distress, fatigue, heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, inability to sleep unless propped up, low oxygen level, lung disease, lupus, retaining fluid, shortness of breath, sleep apnea, smoking, swelling, technorati, tiredness, waking up breathless at night, weakness, weight gain