Worst Foods for Oedema You Should Be Aware Of

Introduction

Oedema is a common condition that affects many people all over the world. In simple terms, oedema is defined as swelling that occurs due to fluid accumulation in the tissues, and is particularly seen in the hands, feet, ankles, arms, and legs. There are many factors that can lead to oedema, such as heart or kidney diseases, less protein in blood, lung infection and poor blood flow, which requires medical attention when severe¹. Additionally, it is necessary to know that even the foods you eat can play a crucial role in avoiding and managing the oedema. 

In this article, we will discuss the nature of oedema, types of food that can worsen oedema, explore healthier alternatives, and various lifestyle changes that may help in managing and avoiding this condition. Furthermore, we will also discuss oedema that occurs during pregnancy and answer some frequently asked questions. 

Understanding Oedema

Definition and symptoms of Oedema  

Oedema occurs when fluid leaks from small blood vessels into nearby tissues, leading to the following symptoms¹.

• Hands, feet, or legs swell up¹.
• Skin may look shiny³.
• The affected areas could hurt and feel warm¹.
• The skin around the swollen areas may lose its stretch. 
• Mild pain or soreness in affected area. 
• Inability to wear clothes or jewellery due to discomfort¹.
• A depression may be seen on pressing the swelling, which may take time to get back to normal¹.
• Difficulty moving the affected joints¹.

Causes of Oedema  

• Too much salt in the diet³. 
• Long spells of sitting or standing still³.
• Some drugs, such as blood pressure drugs³.
• Poor vein function, resulting in water retention in legs³.
• Pregnancy³.
• Problems with the kidneys, liver, lung or heart³.
• Allergies, burns, infection, clots or trauma³.

Types of Oedema 

The types of oedema are based on the area of the oedema and its root cause. Some well-known types of oedema include:  

• Peripheral oedema: Arms and legs are affected.  
• Pulmonary oedema: Fluid builds up in the lungs⁴.
• Cerebral oedema: Excess fluid retention in the brain⁵.
• Macular oedema: The retina of the eye swells up⁶.
• Periorbital oedema: Swelling around the eyes⁷.

Diagnosis & Management 

A healthcare provider will examine the affected area, inquire about medical history, any trauma, onset, position change, triggering factors, and may request additional tests to determine the root cause of oedema. Some possible tests include blood tests, ultrasound exams, vein studies, or other necessary diagnostic studies⁸. Mild oedema usually resolves on its own, but more severe cases may require medication to manage the underlying cause¹.

• Clinical Trials: Clinical trials in progress play a crucial role in finding new ways to manage and control oedema. By taking part in trials, patients contribute towards better understanding of oedema. 
• Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Home remedies that may help reduce oedema include:  
  • Applying pressure on area with oedema, using hot or cold cloth. 
  • Regular exercise and walking.  
  • Keep swollen areas, for example, the feet, raised. 
  • Keep your salt intake in check³.
• Compression stockings: Pressure stockings help with blood flow. Plus, they help keep fluid from building up in your limbs³.
• Preparing for a Doctor’s Appointment: If you have any questions regarding your oedema, a health professional may help. Make a list of symptoms, health history, medicines, and questions for your appointment.  

Avoid consuming pickled vegetables if you have edema. These foods are high in sodium due to the pickling process, which involves soaking them in a solution containing salt and vinegar. High sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate edema symptoms. Opt for fresh vegetables instead to help manage edema more effectively

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Foods That Make Oedema Worse: The Top Culprits

Foods that may worsen oedema include:  

1. High-salt Foods  

High salt intake increases the sodium content in your body, which retains more fluid and worsens oedema³. High sodium is found in unhealthy foods like fast foods, sauces, canned soups, deli meats, and bakery productions.  

2. Processed Foods  

Processed foods are not only high in fat, they may also cause edema. Examples are chips, crackers, cookies, candy, and ice cream. 

3. High-fat foods  

Fat-rich foods such as baked goods, meats, and cheese take longer to digest, which may lead to bloating and oedema. 

4. Foods and Drinks that Contribute to Inflammation  

Foods and drinks that cause inflammation may worsen oedema. Common examples include refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and alcohol². 

5. Certain Dairy Products 

Lactose, found in dairy products like milk and ice cream, can lead to an upset stomach and bloating in people who are lactose intolerant. Probiotic-rich yogurt or lactose-free alternatives might help in such individuals. 

6. Foods that Cause Gastrointestinal Distress

Some foods can trigger stomach upset and add to oedema. These include:  

• Apples: Apples have fructose, a natural sugar found in many fruits. Too much of it can trigger inflammation and bloating. Lower-fructose fruits like berries or bananas may be a better option.  

High-processed refined carbohydrates such as pasta may also increase water retention in the body. It is best to avoid these if you have edema and opt for healthier options. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Healthier Alternatives for Oedema Management and Risk Reduction

Knowing what to eat and drink plays an important part in dealing with oedema. Making good dietary choices may help keep your health in check.  

1. Foods to Consume  

Pick nutrient-rich, low-inflammation, and low-sodium foods to manage oedema.  

• High-potassium foods: Foods rich in potassium may help decrease water retention. These include potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, spinach, beans, yoghurt, beets, lentils, and salmon.  
• High-fibre foods: Fibre-rich foods are good to maintain cholesterol, which in turn lowers the risk of heart problems. They may also help reduce weight, which can help in reducing swelling.  
• Foods rich in antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce oedema⁹. Consume colourful fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries, kale, and spinach.  
• Anti-inflammatory foods (including vegetarian options): Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet to help reduce the risk of heart disease, for example, fish such as sardines, mackerel, and tuna; fruits; vegetables; nuts; seeds; olive oil; and spices like ginger and turmeric.  

2. Optimal Hydration  

Drinking adequate amount of water each day to avoid fluid retention. You may add lemon, mint, or berries to your water for a refreshing twist. Overdrinking water can add to oedema.  

3. Elevating the Feet and Taking Breaks  

Regular breaks throughout the day help avoid long periods of sitting or standing and raising your legs above your heart level helps drain the oedema. 

4. Wearing Loose, Comfortable Clothing 

Avoid tight clothes that can limit blood flow and add to oedema symptoms. 

5. Waist-high Compression Stockings  

Use waist-high compression stockings to avoid fluid build-up in your limbs by promoting better blood flow with gentle pressure. 

6. Physical Activity and Healthy Weight Maintenance  

Regular workouts and a healthy weight boost circulation, and overall health, and help reduce oedema symptoms.  

Oedema in Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings many changes to your body. One of them could be swelling or oedema. It’s crucial to know what triggers it and how to manage it¹⁰.

Triggers and Warning Signs  

Swelling in pregnancy usually starts in the second term and may get worse by the third term. 

• First trimester: Hormonal changes can cause fluid retention.  
• Second trimester: More blood volume and hormonal changes can lead to swelling, especially in the hands, feet, or face. 
• Third trimester: As the uterus grows heavier and the baby’s weight puts pressure on blood vessels, circulation slows down and oedema may worsen.  

Home Remedies for Oedema 

Here are some self-care tips that may help you manage oedema.  

• Keep a check on salt intake and eat a balanced diet. 
• Stay active with light exercises like walking. 
• Rest with your feet raised and change positions often. 
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes and supportive shoes.  
• Drink enough water throughout the day. 

Seeking Medical Advice When Necessary  

Sudden severe swelling or swelling with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or vision problems need quick medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a serious pregnancy complication like preeclampsia. 

Always remember, whether you are pregnant or not, if home remedies do not help, the swelling keeps getting worse, or it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical care. 

Also Read: Why Should You Drink Water in the Morning Before Brushing?

Conclusion

In summary, understanding and managing the impact of oedema on your body is crucial for overall health and well-being. Be aware of the types and causes of oedema and identify the foods and drinks that can aggravate the condition. Focus on healthier alternatives and adopt beneficial lifestyle changes to keep oedema at bay. Moreover, it’s essential to recognise the triggers and warning signs of oedema and know when to seek medical guidance. Stay proactive and make informed decisions to lead a healthy, active life.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: Causes and signs of edema. [Updated 2022 Apr 25]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/ 

2. Berkowitz DM, Danai PA, Eaton S, Moss M, Martin GS. Alcohol abuse enhances pulmonary edema in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2009 Oct;33(10):1690-6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4241570/  

3. Edema (Swelling) and Cancer Treatment [Internet]. NIH. Updated Oct 30, 2024. Cited Sep 9, 2025. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/edema  

4. Malek R, Soufi S. Pulmonary Edema. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan– [updated 2023 Apr 7; cited 2025 Sep 8]. PMID: 32491543. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557611/  

5. Nehring SM, Tadi P, Tenny S. Cerebral Edema. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [updated 2023 Jul 3; cited 2025 Sep 8]. PMID: 30725957. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537272/  

6. National Eye Institute. Macular Edema [Internet]. National Institutes of Health; [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-edema 

7. Arakelyan H. Periorbital Edema. Periorbital Edema. 2019. Available from: https://www.academia.edu/38932778/Periorbital_Edema  

8. Trayes KP, Studdiford JS, Pickle S, Tully AS. Edema: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Jul 15;88(2):102-10. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0715/p102.html  

9. Mori T, Kawamata T, Katayama Y, Maeda T, Aoyama N, Kikuchi T, Uwahodo Y. Antioxidant, OPC-14117, attenuates edema formation, and subsequent tissue damage following cortical contusion in rats. Acta Neurochir Suppl. 1998;71:120-2. doi: 10.1007/978-3-7091-6475-4_36. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9779162/ 

10. Davison JM. Edema in pregnancy. Kidney Int Suppl. 1997 Jun;59:S90-6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9185112/  

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