Fluid retention is a common problem, and there is a growing interest in natural solutions. This phenomenon, characterised by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body, can give rise to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. The use of non-prescription remedies such as BOP is an attractive alternative for those looking for natural, gentle methods to remedy this condition.
What causes water retention?
Water retention, also known as oedema or fluid retention, is the accumulation of too much fluid in the body. This can cause swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and legs, known as peripheral oedema.
A number of factors can contribute to water retention. Among them, hormonal changes or pregnancy are common, affecting the regulation of fluids in the body.Physical inactivity, recognised as a significant cause, can reduce the efficiency of venous return, encouraging the accumulation of fluids.
Chronic illnesses such aschronic renal failure andcongestive heart failure can also lead to fluid retention, due to a reduction in the body’s ability to eliminate excess fluids. Capillary leak syndrome and lymphatic dysfunction (lymphoedema) are other medical causes, often linked to disorders of the circulatory system.
Obesity, malnutrition, infections that trigger inflammation and swelling, and allergies are also contributing factors. In addition, certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium channel blockers and certain diabetic drugs, can increase the risk of fluid retention.
BOP: A herbal medicine for elimination
BOP, a coated tablet, is a herbal formulation traditionally used to treat mild cases of fluid retention and to increase urine production in cases of minor urinary disorders. It is important to stress that this medicine should only be used after a doctor has ruled out any serious illness.
Composition and active ingredients
B O P contains dry extracts of two main medicinal plants:
- Birch(Betula pendula Roth and/or Betula pubescens Ehrh.) at a concentration of 76 mg per tablet.
- Olive(Olea europaea, L.) at a concentration of 45.5 mg per tablet.
These extracts are obtained using water as the extraction solvent and are combined with other components such as talc, corn starch, magnesium stearate and sucrose.
How should BOP be taken?
The recommended dose of BOP is 2 tablets in the morning, 2 tablets at midday and 2 tablets in the evening, with a maximum of 6 tablets per day. The tablets should be swallowed with sufficient water, and adequate fluid intake should be maintained during treatment. Its use is based on how long it has been used, and it is recommended that a doctor be consulted if no relief is observed after 14 days of treatment.
Contraindications and precautions
B O P should not be taken if you are allergic to birch, birch pollen, olive or any of its ingredients. It is not recommended for patients with conditions requiring reduced fluid intake, such as severe heart or kidney disease. This medicine is also not recommended for children and adolescents under the age of 18.
Nettle: an effective plant for oedema
Nettle stands out as a versatile natural solution for combating water retention. Renowned for its high mineral content and diuretic properties, this plant offers a host of health benefits.
To effectively reduce water retention, nettle can be taken as an herbal tea. This method of preparation extracts the plant’s active compounds, making them easier for the body to absorb. Nettle tea acts by stimulating the kidneys, increasing urine production and encouraging the elimination of excess fluids.
As well as being used as an herbal tea, nettle can be incorporated into thedaily diet. Added to meals, it enriches dishes with its precious nutrients while providing its diuretic benefits. Once cooked, nettle leaves can be used in the same way as spinach or other green vegetables, adding nutritious variety to the diet.
Nettle is also known for its high content of essential minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, contributing to balanced overall nutrition. This mineral richness makes nettle particularly useful not only for managing fluid retention but also for general health support.
The benefits of potassium in managing fluid retention
Potassium, an essential mineral for the human body, plays a crucial role in regulating fluids and combating water retention. Adequate potassium intake is essential for maintaining a healthy fluid balance.
Regulating water balance
Potassium helps to regulate the balance between intracellular and extracellular fluids. This balance is fundamental in preventing water retention. In fact, a low potassium intake can upset this balance, encouraging the accumulation of fluid in extracellular spaces, and therefore water retention.
Interaction with sodium
Potassium interacts closely with sodium, another essential mineral. A diet high in sodium and low in potassium can contribute to water retention. Increasing potassium intake can help counterbalance the effects of sodium, thereby promoting water excretion and reducing oedema.
Food sources of potassium
Natural sources of potassium include fruit (such as bananas, oranges and avocados), vegetables (such as spinach, sweet potatoes and tomatoes), legumes, nuts and dairy products. Incorporating these foods into your daily diet can be an effective strategy for increasing potassium intake.
Effects on cardiovascular health
In addition to its role in managing water retention, potassium is also beneficial for cardiovascular health. It helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is particularly important for people suffering from oedema linked to heart problems.
Precautions
Although potassium is an ally in the fight against water retention, it is important to consume this mineral in the recommended amounts, as excess can have harmful effects, particularly in people with kidney disease. It is advisable to consult a health professional to determine individual potassium requirements and avoid any imbalance.
Is vitamin B6 effective in cases of water retention?
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in many bodily functions, including the management of fluid retention.
Role in water balance
Vitamin B6 helps to regulate the body’s water balance. It is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of proteins and electrolytes, which are essential for maintaining an appropriate fluid balance. An adequate intake of vitamin B6 can help prevent and treat oedema by promoting better fluid balance.
Interaction with other nutrients
Vitamin B6 does not work in isolation. It works in synergy with other nutrients, such as magnesium, to optimise fluid balance. This synergy is crucial for improving the body’s efficiency in managing water and electrolytes.
Food sources of vitamin B6
Natural sources of vitamin B6 include chicken, fish, potatoes, bananas, nuts and legumes. A diet rich in these foods can help to achieve the recommended intake of vitamin B6.
Effects on the hormonal system
Vitamin B6 is recognised for its role in maintaining hormonal balance, particularly in women. It can be particularly useful in reducing water retention associated with hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle.
Precautions and dosage
While beneficial, it is important to note that vitamin B6 consumption should be within recommended limits. Over-consumption can lead to undesirable effects. It is advisable to consult a health professional to determine the correct dosage, particularly for people with specific health conditions or taking certain medications.
Effectiveness of Nutergia Ergydraine in the management of water retention
Ergydraine by Nutergia is a dietary supplement specially designed to support the body’s elimination and detoxification functions, making it effective in the management of fluid retention. Unlike BOP, which focuses onincreasing urine production for minor urinary disorders, Ergydraine takes a more holistic approach.
The Ergydraine formulation combines plants traditionally used for their diuretic and detoxifying effectiveness. Meadowsweet andLinden sapwood actively contribute to promoting renal elimination, helping to combat water retention. Blackcurrant plays a dual role in both detoxification and weight control, which can be beneficial in cases of water retention linked to overweight problems.
An effective natural remedy for detoxification and weight loss
Unlike BOP, which focuses on the symptoms of water retention in a more targeted way, Ergydraine offers a more comprehensive approach. Theartichoke in Ergydraine is renowned for its detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the body of toxins that can contribute to water retention. In addition, blackcurrant is renowned for its support in weight control, a factor often linked to water retention.
Trace elements and blood sugar regulation
Ergydraine is enriched with chromium, an essential trace element that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. This mechanism can indirectly influence fluid retention, especially in individuals with fluctuating blood sugar levels.
NHCO Aqualysis, cellulite and drainage
Aqualyse by NHCO is a natural food supplement designed to act specifically on fluid retention thanks to its active ingredients. By incorporating extracts of plants such as dandelion and milk thistle, Aqualyse promotes detoxification and natural drainage of the body, essential mechanisms for combating excessive fluid accumulation.
Diuretic and detoxifying effects
The synergy of plant extracts with chlorella not only has a natural diuretic effect, but also eliminates heavy metals, which are often involved in inflammatory processes that can aggravate fluid retention. Unlike a targeted drug such as BOP, Aqualyse offers a more global approach, acting on both water retention and the body’s toxic load.
Liver support and renal drainage
The presence of choline in Aqualyse plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal liver function, an important factor in the management of body fluids. Components such as couch grass rhizome and sweet clover contribute to diuresis and improved circulation respectively, complementing the renal water elimination action, where options such as B O P focus exclusively on increasing urinary output.
Boosts metabolism and facilitates slimming
With active ingredients such as green tea and mate, Aqualyse boosts the metabolism and promotes a draining effect that can be particularly beneficial as an accompaniment to a slimming programme, where fluid retention is often an obstacle.
Antioxidant protection
Enriched with vitamins C and E, Aqualyse also protects cells against oxidative stress, which can indirectly influence fluid retention and general well-being.
How should I take Aqualyse?
Ideal for those looking for a product suitable for regular, seasonal use, Aqualyse can be renewed after a one-month break. With its strawberry flavour, it is aimed at consumers looking for a pleasant-tasting alternative that can be easily incorporated into a daily wellness routine, offering a different approach to that of a drug such as BOP.
Sources
- Peripheral Edema
Amandeep Goyal; Austin S. Cusick; Beenish S. Bhutta. Author Information and Affiliations. Last Update: August 17, 2023. - Physiology, Edema
Daniella Lent-Schochet; Ishwarlal Jialal. May 1, 2023.
