5 tips against swollen feet
Great for those warm, summer days, but the nice weather can also cause your feet and ankles to swell. How can you prevent this?
1. Drink enough
If you suffer from swollen feet and ankles due to the heat, it is first of all important to drink. At least two liters a day. Preferably water, but coffee and/or tea also count. If you sweat a lot or if you exercise, it is necessary to drink extra.
2. Get plenty of exercise
You may be inclined to exercise less in warm weather, but exercise is actually good! It is good for blood circulation and stimulates the muscles in your legs. This can reduce moisture. So get up regularly and walk around.
3. Eat less salt
You should never eat too much salt – the majority of the Dutch population eats more than the recommended maximum daily amount – but not at all in hot weather. Salt makes you retain moisture.
4. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages
Drinking a glass of rosé or white beer in the sun is attractive, but it is better not to consume alcohol in warm weather. The heat increases the blood supply in your arteries. This ensures that the alcohol is absorbed into your blood faster. This makes you feel the effect of alcohol sooner. In addition, alcohol removes moisture. Are you having a drink? Drink a glass of water next to every glass of alcohol.
5. Get good shoes
Do not wear tight socks and shoes in hot weather. Choose airy, good shoes.
Other causes
Not only heat is a cause of swollen feet and ankles. Overweight also increases the risk of swollen feet. In addition, some women suffer from it due to the contraceptive pill or just before menstruation. Pregnant women are also more likely to suffer from it.
In some cases, it can indicate more serious conditions of the heart, liver or kidneys. Do you have swollen feet or ankles for a long time and is that not due to one of the aforementioned causes? Then consult your doctor. He or she can rule out a condition or decide to prescribe, for example, water tablets.
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