Have you ever wondered why your legs, ankles or feet often swell up when you’re standing or standing for a long time?

How many times do you hear about water retention? A very widespread problem and, in summer, an even more widespread phenomenon, given the concomitance of several causes, including the heat.

To combat water retention, first of all, we understand better what it is.Have you ever wondered why your legs, ankles or feet often swell up when you’re standing or standing for a long time?

How many times do you hear about water retention? A very widespread problem and, in summer, an even more widespread phenomenon, given the concomitance of several causes, including the heat.

To combat water retention, first of all, we understand better what it is.

The first definition we need to know is that of the "lymphatic system". The lymphatic system consists of a dense network of vessels that, together with the circulatory system, have the fundamental task of finding waste substances, excess liquids and toxins to facilitate the elimination.

The movement of the lymph to ensure the drainage of fluids and toxins must be facilitated by muscle movement, in fact, the contraction of the muscles, in a normal situation, acts on the movement of the lymph within the vessels.

Physical activity is therefore a fundamental element in the health of the lymphatic system and, compatible with the individual health condition, is recommended to promote the drainage of excess fluids and eliminate them naturally.
Otherwise, with muscle immobility the lymph cannot move and therefore tends to stagnate, causing the known effect of swelling of the surrounding tissues.

Draining what they are and what they are for

How many times have you heard about products that promise immediate and effective drainage!
Pills, syrups, herbal teas and creams. Do they work? How to choose?

In general, when we speak of a draining substance we mean an active substance that can naturally facilitate the elimination of excess liquids from the body. This activation may occur due to an action on the lymphatic system or renal system.

Drains can be classified into:
1. Interior
2. External

Drains for internal use

These are products in which the active ingredients are ingested in the form of syrups, tablets, herbal teas and, typically, it is a mix of natural substances that act on the lymphatic and renal system with:

• Diuretic action:
  the active ingredients act on the kidneys by increasing urine production (i.e. pineapple, birch, cucumber, pilosella, centella, ortosiphon).
• Improve digestive and depurative function:
  use substances that improve and stimulate intestinal activity or that act on the liver promotes the elimination of waste substances and toxins, In addition, very often carminative substances are also present that physically eliminate the gases present inside the intestine - thus reducing the annoying feeling of puffed belly - (i.e. natural fibers, dandelion, artichoke).
• Facilitate the operation of the microcirculation:
  All those substances that promote the circulation of body fluids ensure that the capillaries have adequate permeability to prevent the leakage of fluids present in the vessels, therefore, it avoids that they end up in the tissues causing the famous edema and swelling.
• They have an antioxidant action:
  active ingredients with antioxidant function, reduce the formation of the dreaded free radicals.

Drains for external use

These are products in which the active ingredients are assimilated by the body through dermal administration, usually they are creams and gels that are massaged to be absorbed and, Often, the real benefit of these products is given by the action of the massage which, mechanically, favors the lymphatic movement and the drainage of excess fluids and toxins.

The active ingredients in these products, thanks to the massage, help to reduce edema and swelling and are rusco and escina.

Having to favour one form of drainage rather than the other, we can say that internal drains are usually more efficient because they act on the key mechanisms related to water retention, however, it is not to be underestimated the mechanical effect of massage that, Moreover, it enhances the possible effect of a drainage taken orally.

A healthy lifestyle, a lot of drinking, a good diet and exercise are always essential elements for the health of the person, as well as, significantly help to reduce water retention.

If more help is needed, good drains, taken as recommended dosage, favour the escape of excess liquids by restoring to the person that sense of well-being desired.