Vitamins & Edema

Fluid retention, or edema, occurs when excess fluid remains in the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, edema can occur either in one specific area or throughout the body. Developing most often in the feet, ankles, legs and hands, but also in the face and around the eyes, this swelling can be extremely painful. Often seen as a symptom of high blood pressure, edema can also be the result of a multitude of disorders and diseases. While treatment often flushes the excess fluid, it often depletes the body of much needed vitamins and minerals as well.

Identification

Disorders that can cause edema include poor kidney or bladder function, congestive heart failure, liver problems, protein or thiamine deficiency, varicose veins, phlebitis, pre-menstrual syndrome and sodium retention. Other factors that can cause edema include standing or sitting in one position for an extended length of time, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, injury and allergic reactions.

Diet

Diet should include whole foods that are low in natural sodium, and high in dietary fiber. Broiled fish and poultry and low-salt dairy product are good protein sources. Sodium, found in table salt as well as most processed products, is often restricted in diets of individuals who are prone to edema, because excess amounts cause the body to retain water. Soy sauce, pickled products, gravies and alcohol also should be limited for this reason.

Vitamins

Water-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, reduce fluid retention. While vitamin B-6 is required for the efficient functioning of more than 60 enzymes, this vitamin also helps to maintain the balance of sodium and potassium, which regulates body fluids. B-6 is one of the most recommended vitamins for individuals with edema. Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B-5, also a water-soluble vitamin, also encourage salt excretion. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble group of related vitamins, also increases salt excretion.

Minerals

Potassium is one of the major minerals essential for health. Taking certain medications for fluid retention or edema leads to the loss of potassium via the urine and is one reason to include foods high in this mineral in meals each day. Having a sufficient amount of potassium in relation to sodium is extremely important. Potassium and sodium are critical in regulating fluid balance in the body, controlling the distribution of fluids on both sides of the cell walls. When an individual has edema, this balance is impaired. Calcium also encourages salt excretion.

Treatment

In treating edema, the first order of business is establishing a reduced salt or sodium diet. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a physician my prescribe medications called diuretics to help the body flush the extra fluid. However, diuretics or a "water pill" often flushes essential vitamins and minerals as well, so a physician may also prescribe a vitamin and mineral supplement to offset this loss.