Article: Since salt causes fluid to stay in your body and increases the size of your edema, avoid processed foods, meats, soups, and snack foods. Instead, opt for whole grains, unsalted snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables, or fresh meat. Check the nutritional label and limit yourself to the recommended portion size for your meal.  If possible, opt for low-sodium items so you don’t consume as much salt.  Rather than using salt to season your food, opt for different herbs, spices, or even lemon juice to add new flavors to your dishes. If you’re going out to eat, ask them to prepare your food without salt and get condiments on the side. Even though edema is caused by fluid buildup, water helps flush the affected area and removes excess fluid. Try to have about 8 glasses of water spread throughout the day that are 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) each. Do your best to avoid drinks that have caffeine or sugar since they can dehydrate you more. Many sports drinks have a high sodium content, so avoid having them. Limit the amount of alcohol or smoking of any kind since it stresses your body and can make you feel more dehydrated. Wait until your edema goes down or heals completely before you start drinking or smoking again, or else you may feel more pain or increase the size of the swollen area. Smoking and drinking can limit the nutrients getting to the edema and may cause it to get worse. Aim to be active for around 4–5 days each week for at least 30 minutes at a time. Try walking, jogging slowly, swimming, or lifting light weights since they won’t stress your body out as much. As you get more comfortable with light exercises, try increasing the intensity or weight you’re using to help relieve pain even more.  Light exercise allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected area so it’s able to heal faster. If you feel a lot of pain from your edema, talk to your doctor about what exercises will work best for you. Rub a moisturizing cream or lotion into the affected area 2–3 times each day so your skin doesn’t dry out. Be mindful of the activities you’re doing so you don’t hurt yourself or get injured where you have swelling. If possible, try to keep the area covered with clothing so you’re less likely to cut or scrape it. If you have dry skin, you’re more prone to injury and it may take longer for you to recover.

What is a summary?
Switch to a reduced-sodium diet to help control your fluid retention. Drink water throughout the day so you stay hydrated. Avoid drinking and smoking while you have edema. Incorporate light exercise into your daily routine to improve blood flow. Keep the swollen area protected and moisturized so you don’t get injured.