If Your Body Is Swelling It Might Be a Sign of an Advanced Illness

The occurrence of swelling in the body can be the result of many different things. Swelling is the result of an accumulation of fluid within the body’s tissues. Acute swelling is normally a localized indication of an injury, dislocation, infection, or disease. Inflammatory swelling will diminish with time; neoplastic swelling does not recede and could be an indication of a much more serious condition concerning the heart, liver, or kidneys.

Heart

Heart related illnesses and diseases affect people globally as the number one cause of death with over 375,000 individuals being affected in the United States every year. Many of these cases of heart related deaths come with warning signs such as swelling of the legs, feet, ankles, abdomen, or unexplained weight gain. These symptoms are the result of the slowing of the blood flow back to the heart from the feet. This back up of fluid fills the tissues and as a result the kidneys are not able to properly process sodium (salt) and water, which further encourages the swelling of body tissues. There are numerous recipes such as this one below, that contain ingredients which are beneficial to heart health.

Heart Healthy Smoothie

• 1 (6 ounce)container of favorite yogurt
• 1 banana or some other fruit
• 1⁄3 C. cranberry-raspberry juice
• 1 Tbsp. soy powder
• 1⁄2 C. crushed ice (more for thicker consistency)

DIRECTIONS:

• Blend juice and ice in blender.
• Add other ingredients, blending until thick.
  SERVINGS 1-2

Kidneys

The occurrence of kidney disease causes a reduction in the necessary element phosphorus. This element is essential to maintaining healthy calcium levels in the blood stream. For adults who are currently suffering from kidney disease, a dosage of 800 to 1,000 milligrams of phosphorus per day is the recommended maximum amount. Healthy adults regularly consume twice this amount of phosphorus through their diet. Foods that are low in phosphorous and protein include refined grains, green peas, green beans, pork, lamb, fish, poultry, lean beef, popcorn, honey, ginger ale, and many other foods and drinks.

Kidney Detox

• 1⁄2 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) can black beans
• 1⁄2 cup shallot, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) can white beans
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) can chickpeas
• 1⁄2 cucumber, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 lemon juiced
• 1 (8 ounce) can red kidney beans (optional)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Parsley and Cumin if desired

DIRECTIONS:

• In a large bowl, combine all listed ingredients.
• Toss with lemon juice and olive oil.
• Add the fresh spices you choose.

Note: lemon juice may substituted with balsamic vinegar.
SERVINGS 6

Liver

Intense problems with the liver will result in severe abdominal pain and requires the attention of a physician immediately. Other less obvious symptoms that may develop over time include the swelling of the legs, ankles, and abdominal pain and swelling. Other indications include itchy skin, chronic fatigue, yellowish skin and eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite, and bruising easily. If any of these symptoms are encountered, a visit to the physician is necessary. To help repair and reverse some effects of liver problems, try introducing more grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, milk, oil, and meat to your diet. To cleanse your liver of toxins, try this recipe for a morning liver boost.

Liver Cleanse

• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1⁄2 to 1 cup warm water
• 1 Tbsp. blackstrap molasses
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat water to hot but not boiling. Add olive oil, lemon juice, molasses, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Consume this drink first thing when you awake for 10 days to receive the benefits.

SERVINGS 6

Swelling of the body is a direct indication that there is an issue with a trauma, illness, or disease. The swelling of body parts such as the feet, ankles, legs, and abdomen are possible signs of a much more serious condition. Heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure are all three very serious medical conditions that are indicated by the swelling of the lower extremities and should be addressed immediately.

Major diseases of the body often come with warning signs and indications of an unbalanced system. One of these signs that should not be ignored is the swelling of the feet, legs, ankles, and lower body. If a person is encountering an unexplained swelling of parts or their whole body, it may be an indication of a much more serious condition.