{"id":24622,"date":"2026-10-29T12:25:29","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T10:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alexiadouaggeliki.gr\/?p=24622"},"modified":"2026-10-29T12:25:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T10:25:29","slug":"katakratisi-ygron","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alexiadouaggeliki.gr\/en\/2026\/10\/29\/katakratisi-ygron\/","title":{"rendered":"Fluid retention: causes, what helps and when to see a doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Swollen ankles in the evening, rings that feel tight, that feeling of \u201cholding water\u201d. Fluid retention<\/strong> is one of the most common complaints, especially among women. Most of the time it is caused by everyday habits, such as salt and standing for long hours. Sometimes, however, it is a sign that needs a doctor. In this guide you will find the most common causes, what helps in your diet and 7 things worth knowing.<\/p>\n\n

What fluid retention is<\/h2>\n

Fluid retention (or oedema) is the build-up of fluid in the tissues, which causes swelling. It usually appears in the ankles, feet and lower legs, more rarely in the hands or face. It is often mild and goes away on its own.<\/p>\n\n

Fluid retention at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n
Question<\/th>Answer<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Where does it show?<\/strong><\/td>Usually in the ankles, feet and lower legs.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Common causes<\/strong><\/td>Too much salt, many hours standing or sitting, heat, hormonal changes, certain medicines.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Salt<\/strong><\/td>The WHO recommends less than 5 g of salt a day (about one teaspoon).<\/td><\/tr>\n
Water<\/strong><\/td>Don't cut it out. EFSA considers about 2 litres of water a day in total, from drinks and food, adequate for women.<\/td><\/tr>\n
When to see a doctor?<\/strong><\/td>If the swelling is sudden, severe, in one leg only or comes with shortness of breath (see below).<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

The most common causes<\/h2>\n\n\n
Cause<\/th>What happens<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Too much salt<\/strong><\/td>Sodium \u201cpulls\u201d water. Most salt does not come from the salt shaker but from processed foods, bread, cold cuts, snacks and sauces.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Standing or desk job<\/strong><\/td>When we stay still for many hours, fluid collects in the legs.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Heat<\/strong><\/td>Blood vessels dilate and the legs swell more easily.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Hormones<\/strong><\/td>Many women feel swollen in the days before their period. It also happens in pregnancy.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Medicines<\/strong><\/td>Some blood pressure medicines, contraceptives, hormone therapy, cortisone and some antidepressants.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Medical causes<\/strong><\/td>Varicose veins, thyroid, heart, kidney or liver problems, a blood clot. These need a medical assessment.<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

What helps in your diet<\/h2>\n