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Why the legs swell
The feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs and swelling in the legs depend on a accumulation of fluids at the level of the adipose tissue. It is a common condition especially in women and known as water retention. Excess fluid causes edema mainly at the level of legs, ankles, thighs and buttocks, easily detectable by some symptoms. First, the areas of the body where fluids accumulate appear red compared to the rest of the body. If you then press the area with your fingertips, the area remains white for a few seconds, there is further confirmation of the presence of swelling.
As regards the causes, the swelling in the legs is due to blood and lymphatic circulation disorders which, slowing down, do not allow a effective removal of metabolic waste produced by the cells that make up adipose tissue. In turn, circulation disorders can result from a genetic predisposition or hormonal factors and are aggravated by certain conditions and situations including one excessively sedentary lifestyle, a diet low in fresh food and rich in salt, from overweight and obesity and, finally, from digestive disorders. In the absence of interventions aimed at counteracting swelling, water retention can lead to appearance of cellulite, more difficult to eradicate.
What is cellulite
Cellulite is formed like consequence of a stagnation of liquids which lasts over time. Due to the slowing of blood and lymphatic circulation, the metabolic wastes produced by the cells of the adipose tissue are not removed adequately and they accumulate in the subcutaneous fat. Leaking fluid from cells weakens and damages surrounding tissues, leading to one state of inflammation and to the synthesis of scar tissue. As cellulite progresses, the skin appears less and less toned and elastic, the affected areas start to be sore if pinched and the classics are formed “Holes” typical of cellulite.
The phenomenon it does not resolve spontaneously and indeed it tends to get worse with evident orange peel from the knees to the buttocks. The last stage of cellulite occurs normally in old age or in case of obesity and severe overweight but, since it is a condition that is difficult to solve if not irreversible, it is important to intervene in time.
What to do
To counteract swelling in the legs and cellulite, it is essential to intervene on the factors that can be controlled, preventing the accumulation of liquids and promoting their elimination. In this sense, it is essential to act onsupply and lifestyle. At the table it is advisable eliminate or significantly reduce the intake of salt, also paying attention to that “hidden” in packaged foods, rich in sodium and other additives. Better to consume fresh, water-rich foods, such as seasonal fruit and vegetables, to be combined with whole grains, legumes and the right quantities of lean meats and unprocessed fish. Instead, pay attention to licorice, which promotes water and sodium retention.
Blood and lymphatic circulation can be improved thanks to one active lifestyle. It is not absolutely necessary to exaggerate, on the contrary, an excess of physical activity or inadequate exercises may not solve or even aggravate the problem. To reactivate the circulation it is enough walk briskly every day and do light gymnastics three or four times a week, even with free body. If you spend a lot of time sitting or standing for work it is important to take some time breaks every thirty / sixty minutes to reactivate the circulation: getting up on tiptoe, taking a few steps back and forth or simply twisting the ankles may already be enough. When given the chance it is very useful keep your legs raised, for example placing a pillow under the calves when lying down or lifting the legs against a wall, with the back resting on the floor.
Blood and lymphatic circulation can be improved thanks to draining massages or by alternating jets of cold and hot water in the shower. Finally, there are several natural remedies that, associated with what we have seen, can be of great help to have light legs without orange peel.
Natural remedies
Natural remedies for swollen legs and cellulite generally work draining excess fluids, reducing inflammation and promoting blood circulation, especially by improving the tone of the vessels.
The best natural remedies for water retention and cellulite are:
- Gotu kola
- Birch
- Ivy
- Butcher’s broom
- Horsetail
- Ortosiphon
- Juniper
- Pilosella
- Ash tree
- Meadowsweet
- Sweet clover
- Bean
- Cherry
Some of these remedies can be taken internally and, in this case, the best form of administration of these remedies is the herbal tea, as it adds the benefits of water to the properties of plants, promoting diuresis and ensuring tissue hydration. Others, such as ivy, are used externally, making use of effective creams massages draining.
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