Cause: Excessive Sodium
Sodium plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions such as blood volume, blood pressure, and body fluids. However, an excessive intake of sodium can lead to water retention as the body tries to balance out the sodium levels. This retention of water can cause a condition called edema, where excess fluid leaks from capillaries or small blood vessels into the surrounding tissues.
Cause: Kidney Disease or Damage
When the kidneys are functioning properly, they help eliminate waste from the body through urine and filter blood before it returns to the heart. However, if the kidneys are diseased or damaged, various complications can arise, including the development of edema. Edema is characterized by the accumulation of extra fluid and sodium, typically in the legs and around the eyes.
One of the causes of edema related to kidney problems is nephrotic syndrome. This condition occurs when the tiny blood vessels responsible for filtering blood in the kidneys become damaged. As a result, the amount of protein in the blood significantly decreases, leading to fluid retention within the body.