To maintain proper bodily function various fluids pour into the tissues from the blood on a regular basis. The Lymphatic system is a complex system of pipes setup throughout the body that transports this liquid (lymph) from the tissue and channels it back into the main blood flow. Water Retention (also called Fluid Retention or Edema) takes place when fluids are not properly drained from the tissue back into to the blood stream.
There are two types of Fluid retention disorders. The first of these is known as Generalized Edema. This condition is identified as a body-wide swelling of the tissue. The second type is referred to as Localized Edema and as the name implies, this condition is described as the swelling of only certain parts or organs in the body.
There are multiple causes of Water Retention. They include, but are not limited to the body’s response to warm weather, a high salt content in the diet andcertain hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. There are number of serious medical conditions responsible for the symptoms of Fluid retention, so it is always advised that a physician be consulted to ensure that Edema is not a symptom of kidney, heart or liver trouble, or signs of another organ disease.
Hesperidin belongs to the group of “citrus bioflavonoids”. The organic compound, hesperidin, is the main flavonoid in oranges, lemons and grapefruits. The peel and skin of citrus fruits carry the maximum concentration of hesperidin. Thus, juice with pulp is richer in hesperidin than the one with no pulp. In Europe, hesperidin, combined with the flavone diosmin, is used to treat hemorrhoids and venous insufficiency. Hesperidin and other flavonoids may decrease capillary permeability and thereby reduce inflammation.
Another useful bioflavonoid is known as Rutin. Rutin contains quercetin and rutinose. Various fruits, vegetables and plants have a fairly high content of Rutin. Buckwheat, however, has the highest content of Rutin. Throughout digestion, a large amount of Rutin is broken down to quercetin. Rutin also strengthens the capillaries, an important property to individuals with a tendency to bleed or bruise easily.
Rutin is a strong antioxidant that may help optimize the action of vitamin C. When Rutin is taken jointly with vitamin C, the activity of vitamin C shows a marked increased. Studies have confirmed that Rutin may help decrease edema caused as a result of a venous insufficiency. Water Retention is sometimes a symptom of vitamin C deficiency. Therefore, supplementing vitamin C may reduce the severity of Fluid Retention.
Studies have demonstrated that Horse chestnut is a useful treatment for the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. In fact, it may be as effective as compression stockings in relieving the symptoms of leg Edema. Horse chestnut strengthens the tone of the veins and can therefore be used to assist the body to in managing hemorrhoids as well as varicose veins in the legs.