Is it true that lettuce causes fluid retention?

It is not true that lettuce promotes fluid retention.Instead, it stands out for its sedative effect. It is recommended in nervous people, with stress or anxiety. In insomnia problems, a good salad with lettuce is recommended before going to bed. Due to its high fiber content, it is also indicated for people with constipation or those who are overweight or obese. The tender green leaves are the best since they are the most digestible and nutritious. The ideal is to eat them raw with oil and lemon.

Endive and escarole belong to the same genus of vegetables but are of a different species. Endive is a variety of chicory. It is so white because it grows in the dark, which makes it contain fewer nutrients. The same happens with the internal leaves (heart) of lettuce and escarole: since they are not exposed to the sun and there is no chlorophyll function they are less nutritious than the green ones. This means that if its consumption is abused, intestinal gases can increase.

Both endive and escarole, as they contain bitter substances, whet your appetite and stimulate both the production of bile by the liver and the emptying of the gallbladder. In addition, endive exerts a certain diuretic effect.

Lettuce prevents fluid retention

Neither lettuce, nor endive nor escarole retain fluids in the body. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Is about healthy foods, rich in fiber, minerals, especially potassium, and in folates or folic acid. Specifically, potassium offsets the effect of sodium and favors the elimination of liquids.

Diseases that are so frequent and risky to health, and that are the result of fluid imbalance in our body, such as hypertension, can improve with their intake.

Hypertension is often the result of un excess sodium in the diet, due to abuse of meat, seasoned or canned products and precisely in these cases the contribution of potassium from these vegetables helps to balance the body and stop the retentive action of sodium liquids. Therefore lettuce, endive and escarole act as regulators of organic fluids.

The salt in the dressing does favor fluid retention

The ideal way to consume them is as a first course, in a salad dressed with virgin olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice. You have to be careful with the salt. that it can promote fluid retention, hypertension and other problems.

What is fluid retention?

Edema or fluid retention is caused by a increase in the amount of fluid found in tissues outside of cells (interstitial fluid).

The Causes They can be several: circulatory problems, congestive heart failure, kidney or liver diseases, etc.

The most common symptoms They are swelling in the ankles and calves, in the eyelids, hands, arms, face and abdomen. The sensation of heavy legs is also associated with fluid retention, as well as the sensations that socks, stockings, shoes, rings, and watches are tighter than usual.

Natural remedies for fluid retention

Include more fresh and raw plant foods in your diet. Drink water and herbal teas. Practice physical exercise regularly. Sleep what your body needs.

Some medicinal plants can promote the elimination of liquid. Some are dandelion, nettle, horsetail or cherry tails.

In any case, It is important that you talk to your doctor Learn about the possible causes of fluid retention before attempting to treat it yourself.