Maryon Stewart

As the day progresses my calves and ankles are becoming progressively puffy and recently I have noticed that I am waking in the morning with puffiness. I would be interested to know whether this is due to my diet and whether there are any supplements that might be of help?
~Marilyn

Maryon's Answer:

Fluid retention, often referred to as Oedema, often occurs in women during their premenstrual phase, but it can occur at any time, even after the menopause. It affects everyone differently with women reporting that shoes don't fit and rings as well as clothes feel tight and uncomfortable. Although it can be associated with medical conditions like heart or kidney failrue or underactive thyroid, and it is best to have a medical check to elimiate these possibilities, the most common cause for this problem is the escape of small quantities of fluid from the delicate blood vessels, out into the surrounding tissues, often aggravated by excessive salt consumption.

Once 'outside', this fluid tends to collect, giving rise to feelings of 'heaviness' and discomfort and for a lot of women, long periods standing or sitting only make the problem worse.

Blood vessels are thought to 'leak' because the collagen that 'patches' the leaks up becomes less effective, partly due to damage by too many free radicals in the body. Until now, the main approach has been the use of diuretics, which cause the body to expel fluid through urine.

However, this approach tends to flush out good nutrients and doesn't tackle the underlying cause of the problem, which in most cases is that the blood vessels need help. Reducing the 'leakage' is clearly the best approach.

Researchers have identified natural compounds known as flavonoids, present naturally in tiny amounts in fruits, some seeds and vegetables, have the ability to 'seal up' these leaky blood vessels in the way nature intended, whilst putting the brakes on free radical damage.

Scientists have now found a way to extract and concentrate them and products containing these flavonoid extracts are very popular. The supplement Colladeen is one of the most potent flavonoid extracts ever produced and has been used successfully in scientific studies, here in the UK. You will need to take one or two capsules daily, except for when pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should also reduce your salt and alcohol intake, follow the Very Nutritious Diet in the Natural Health Bible, and drinking a cup of coffee in the morning whilst sitting with your legs up might help to offload some of the fluid that has accumulated overnight.