Ankle swelling is a common disorder among the obese. According to Contra Costa Health Services, foot and ankle swelling results from the pressure excess weight places on the lower extremities and weakened veins. Certain medications can cause swelling and poor cardiovascular function which can contribute to swollen ankles. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cut off the blood flow and add to the swelling. Support stockings, elevating legs above the heart and diet variations can help to reduce the swelling.
Reduced Salt Diet
Salt increases water retention and contributes to swollen ankles. According to Contra Costa Health Services, excessive salt is hidden in many prepared and processed food. A low-salt diet includes more salt reduction than simply avoiding the added sodium from a saltshaker. Most restaurant food is highly salted. Canned vegetables often contain added salt, as do prepared meats such as deli lunchmeat and canned hams. Most American diets contain more than sufficient sodium levels for the body's needs. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, the human body needs about 2,400 mg of sodium to function properly; that equals approximately 1 tsp. of table salt a day. A reduced salt diet to eliminate or help reduce swollen ankles should consist of approximately 1,500 mg of sodium. In addition to reducing swelling, lowered salt intake can lower high blood pressure and increase the efficiency of high blood pressure medication.
Low-Calorie Diet
Obesity is one of the main causes of venous insufficiency, a disorder in which blood flow from the legs back to the heart is disrupted. According to MedlinePlus, the problem resides in deep leg veins when the valves controlling blood flow do not operate properly. A restricted diet that reduces calories to lower weight can help reduce the chronic pain that comes from ankle swelling caused by the reduced blood flow. Combined with an exercise program designed to move the legs every day, a weight-loss diet will improve circulation and lead to a number of other health benefits, including better overall cardiovascular functioning, lowered blood pressure and reduced discomfort.
High Protein Diet
Cirrhosis of the liver is a disease that commonly causes swelling in the ankles and legs. Scar tissue in the liver prevents normal waste elimination that often results in edema, or fluid accumulation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, while a damaged liver cannot be repaired, a diet high in quality protein can reduce the progression of the disease. Your doctor should monitor your protein intake because an excess of protein can cause further complications, such as confusion and coma. The most effective protein to relieve swelling due to cirrhosis comes from vegetable proteins such as soy, not meat. People suffering from cirrhosis should avoid protein sources from shellfish as well because it often carries bacteria that can further damage a weakened liver. Quality protein should make up approximately 20 to 25 percent of the day's total calories, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
