9 Foods That Cause Edema in the Body

The problem of edema, which is more common especially in the summer months, is due to the high water and salt retention in the body. It usually occurs in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. In some cases, it can occur throughout the body. There is no single answer to the question “why does edema occur”. Some drugs, diseases, infections, indigestible foods, and allergic reactions can cause edema.

9 Foods That Cause Edema in the Body

When a large amount of fluid accumulates in the tissues, swelling occurs in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. This condition is called edema. It occurs when fluid leaks from small blood vessels into surrounding tissues. The leaking fluid causes swelling of the place where it accumulates.

Edema is a health problem that needs attention. It can occur in a small area such as fingers, hands, feet, or in the whole body. Edema is common during pregnancy. In addition, some drugs, infections, and various diseases can cause edema.

When people say “ edematous things”, salt and foods high in salt are usually spoken. Because it is known that eating salty causes edema by keeping water in the body. However, salty foods are not the only culprits for edema. Now that we have answered the question “Why does edema occur”, we can now move on to the list of foods that cause edema. Here are the foods that make edema in the body…

1) Yogurt

• Yogurt is a gut-friendly food thanks to the probiotics it contains. It is known to eliminate problems such as bloating and indigestion.
• But for some people, it’s the other way around. Lactose found in dairy products, especially fermented lactose like yogurt, can cause bloating in some people. This causes the body to retain water, that is, edema occurs in the body.
• Since low-fat and non-fat yogurts contain more lactose, they may cause more gas and bloating problems than yogurt made from fatty milk.

2) Watermelon

• Watermelon, the refreshing fruit of the summer months, contains high fructose.
• Unfortunately, many people cannot fully digest fructose and this leads to edema.
• By following the reaction of your body after eating watermelon, you can understand whether this summer fruit bothers you.

3) Caffeinated Drinks

• Excessive caffeine consumption is known to cause edema in the body.
• Experts often state that daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400 mg.
• Caffeine intake exceeding 400 mg can cause various problems in the body, especially bloating and edema.
• Alcohol, as well as caffeinated beverages, cause edema in the body.

4) Vegetables Containing Raffinose

• Although vegetables are known as healthy foods, we must say that some vegetables cause bloating and edema.
• So what vegetables are these? We are talking about vegetables that contain a type of carbohydrate called raffinose.
• Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts are vegetables containing raffinose.
• Unfortunately, the enzyme necessary for the digestion of raffinose cannot be produced by our body, and this can cause edema in some people.

5) Artificial Sweeteners

• Artificial sweeteners called sorbitol and xylitol, which are found in many packaged products offered for sale on market shelves, especially chewing gums, are digested slowly by the body.
• This can cause problems such as gas, bloating, and even diarrhea in some people.

6) Packaged Foods

• Processed and additive-containing foods, ready-made sauces, and foods containing high carbohydrates have the property of retaining water in the body.
• This can cause digestive problems such as edema, bloating, and indigestion in some people.

7) Dry Beans

• The outer shell of the bean contains a type of fiber that cannot be digested by the body.
• This can cause problems such as swelling and edema in some people.
• This is the reason why beans are soaked in water for a day before cooking. In this way, the indigestible fiber type is broken down.

8) Cereals

• Today, indigestible substances are found in many types of cereals, especially modern wheat.
• Both these substances and the problem of gluten intolerance, which affects more and more people every day, also cause edema.

9) Pickled Foods

• When it comes to edematous foods, the first thing that comes to mind is pickled foods.
• We mentioned that salt retains water in the body and causes edema. It is recommended that a healthy adult consume no more than 5 mg of salt per day.
• Consuming pickled foods containing excessive amounts of salt also causes water retention and edema in the body. Therefore, pickled foods containing large amounts of salt should be consumed in moderation.