(Swelling of lower legs etc)

When we think of oedema, or swelling of tissues, mostly occurring in the lower legs, we normally assume that this is caused by water retention, and diuretics are often taken. These normally, in the long term, make matters worse. Oedema is actually leakage of fluids into the spaces between tissues, and there can be a number of causes for this, water retention being of least importance. The basic causes are as follows:

Blood is pumped positively by the heart through the arteries. Nutrients penetrate the arterial walls into the tissues, and waste materials and blood are then transported back to the heart through the veins. On the return trip, the pumping action of the heart is weakened by distance, and assistance in returning blood to the heart is needed; this is supplied by the pumping action of the contraction of large muscles, particularly in the legs. Because of the gravitational resistance encountered in lifting blood from the feet to the heart, the veins are equipped with non-return valves, which should prevent the blood from draining back down. If the venous circulation is impaired by lack of muscle contractions, and if the non-return valves are weakened, fluids will tend to return to the lower levels of the body, i.e. ankles and lower legs.

Lymphatic fluid circulates around the body, carrying components of the immune system and also waste produced by the immune system's destruction of invaders. The lymphatic circulation is driven purely by muscle contraction and relaxation, so chronic inactivity can cause pooling of lymph in parts of the body, particularly lower down.

The capillary arteries and veins are extremely small, with very thin walls; some only one cell thick. If these very thin walls become damaged, then fluids can leak out into the surrounding tissues, causing swelling. This can cause localised or generalised swelling in two ways: Fluid may be retained in order to dilute an allergen in an attempt to reduce its effects, or an allergen may instigate the release of inflammatory substances, causing inflammation.

Fluid retention is the least likely cause of oedema. It may be caused by reduced kidney activity.

The integrity of the walls of all circulatory vessels, i.e. artery and vein walls, and the walls of the lymphatic channels, needs to be ensured. If this can be achieved, then fluid leakage is minimised.

Nutritional Supplements

¨       Vitamin C; This vitamin is the most important of all for the building of collagen, the connective tissue in the body, and is very important for the integrity of the walls of all blood vessels.

¨       Bioflavonoids; Always found where there is vitamin C. Very important for connective tissue.

¨       Vitamin A and Zinc; Important for the structure of all "skin", internal and external.

¨       B Complex vitamins, particularly B1; Vitamin B1 helps to prevent buildup of pyruvic acid. Excess pyruvic acid increases membrane permeability. Vitamin B3 also helps membrane integrity. Vitamin B6 is slightly diuretic.

¨       Vitamin E; reduces the oxygen requirements of cells, and helps the regeneration of tissues.

¨       Proanthocyanidins; Found in pine bark and grape seed extracts, among others. These are very powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage and maximise tissue elasticity. Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc are also antioxidants, but far less powerful than pine bark or grape seed extracts.

¨       Selenium; Because it increases the antioxidant effects of vitamin E, and also has powerful antioxidant effects of its own, selenium would probably help.

Note A powerful multivitamin would supply adequate amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, the B vitamins and zinc. Not all multivitamins would suffice.

Herbal Supplements

¨     Gotu Kola; improves tissue elasticity and integrity.

¨       Butchers Broom; This herb has fairly powerful vasoconstrictor effects, i.e. it constricts arteries and veins. Because of this, and because of its strengthening effect on blood vessel walls, it can reduce oedema considerably. It is also very good for varicose veins.

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