Most home remedies for ascites can be easily found in your kitchen. Yes, diet has a significant contribution to your recovery from ascites both in terms of immediate reduction of symptoms as well as long term relief.
Ascites is a condition of accumulation of excess fluid in your peritoneal or abdominal cavity. It is also known as abdominal dropsy, hydroperitoneum or simply peritoneal cavity fluid.
Depending on the amount of protein found in the peritoneal fluid, ascites is generally divided in to two categories, exudative and transudative ascites.
Problems in the liver are the main causes of excess accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Heart and kidney problems and range of other medical conditions such as cancer, tuberculosis and many more can cause ascites.
SAAG or the “Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient” is one method which determines if the ascites is caused by liver and heart conditions or by other medical conditions. In this method Albumin level in the peritoneal cavity fluid is compared to the serum Albumin. A SAAG score of more than. 1.1 indicate ascites deleted to liver cirrhosis or congestive heart failure (CHF). Score lower than 1.1 indicate other causes of ascites.
Symptoms of Ascites
Mild form of ascites will not cause any significant symptoms and it can go unnoticed for a long time until ascites takes a severe form.
Some of these symptoms of ascites such as nausea, acid reflux and loss of appetitea etc are common with other conditions, and that is why it becomes difficult in early stages to pinpoint them to ascites.
Following are some of the most common symptoms of ascites.
- Increased size of abdomen
- Bulging flanks around abdomen
- Content heaviness feeling in abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Chronic cough
- Lower back pain
- Nausea
- Inability to perform physical activities.
In severe cases of ascites, you may feel fluid waves if you tap or push your abdomen. You may feel swelling of legs and bruising when your ascites are caused by cirrhosis of liver.
Symptoms of unexplained weight loss and chronic fatigue syndrome can be associated with ascites caused by cancer.
Causes of Ascites
4 out of 5 documented cases of Ascites are caused by advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis of liver. The next bigger contributor cause of ascites is congestive heart failure. Kidney damage or kidney failure is another equally pervasive cause.
Alcohol abuse, many types of cancers and tuberculosis are other causes of ascites.
It is therefore important to treat the underlying cause of ascites to reduce the symptoms. At the same time the water must be removed through the use of diuretics.
Ascites can not be taken lightly. You should consult remain under doctors monitoring.
Following home remedies can help to reduce symptoms and reduce fluid from the abdominal cavities.
Home Remedies for Ascites
1. Low Salt Diet
Sodium is the main cause of water retention in the body. If you have ascites then reduce your salt intake. Further accumulation of water will stop and you will feel symptomatic relief.
2. Add Potassium and Magnesium Rich Food
Electrolyte balance to counter ill effects of sodium is achieved by eating potassium and magnesium rich food items. This balance lowers blood pressure and reduces water retention. All dark leafy greens, Yogurt, avocados, mushrooms and bananas are good potassium and magnesium rich foods to choose from.
Eat and Drink Natural Diuretics to Get Relief from Ascites
The main objective in ascites is to reduce body fluids and there are many food items which act as natural diuretics.
3. Citrus Fruits and Juices
All citrus fruits are natural diuretics. Eat oranges,mandarins, tangerines and grapefruits and drink their juices.
Drink diluted lemon juice in water.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple is potassium rich as well as a good diuretic. Eat or drink juice.
5. Oats
Oats are also good natural diuretics. They are also good for your heart health in addition to a good remedy for ascites.
6. Beets
Beets are potassium rich and help the body pass sodium through urine. Add beets to your salads.
You can also make a cocktail if beetroot and orange juice.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider is not only good diuretics to reduce body fluids, but also reduce associated symptoms of ascites such as acid reflux and heartburn.
There are a number of food items that can achieve the same objective of reducing fluid from your abdomen caused by ascites. Use them but remain under regular monitoring of a doctor to ascertain what you are doing us helping you and to what extent. Ascites is a serious condition and proper medical attention is necessary.