Bad for older people with edema: Features of use

Bad for older people with edema: Features of use

I. Understanding of edema in old age: causes and consequences

Edema, or fluid retention in tissues, is a common problem among the elderly. It is important to understand that swelling is a symptom, not an independent disease. Ignoring edema can lead to serious complications that worsen the quality of life and general health.

• Age -related changes and their influence: Antition is accompanied by a number of physiological changes that predispose to the emergence of edema. Reducing the elasticity of blood vessels, deterioration of renal function, reduction of muscle mass (especially in the legs) – all this contributes to the retention of the fluid. The heart muscle can also weaken with age, which leads to a deterioration in blood circulation and, as a result, to swelling. Hormonal changes, especially in women during menopause, can also play a role.
• The main causes of edema: The causes of edema in older people are diverse.
  • Heart failure: The weakened heart muscle cannot effectively pump blood, which leads to its stagnation in the veins and the release of fluid in the tissue. Swelling for heart failure is usually symmetrical and localized in the lower extremities. They are often accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue and rapid heartbeat.
  • Kidney diseases: The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and excretion of excess fluid. For kidney diseases (chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome), this function is disturbed, which leads to retention of fluid and electrolytes in the body. Edema for kidney diseases usually generalized, that is, they spread throughout the body, including the face and hands.
  • Liver diseases: The liver plays an important role in protein synthesis, including albumin. Albumin maintains oncotic blood pressure in the blood that is necessary to keep the fluid in the vessels. For diseases of the liver (cirrhosis), the production of albumin is reduced, which leads to a decrease in oncotic pressure and the release of fluid in the tissue. Edema for liver diseases is usually localized in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and lower extremities.
  • Venous failure: The valves in the veins of the lower extremities help the blood move up to the heart. With venous insufficiency, these valves are damaged, which leads to stagnation of blood in the veins and the exit of fluid in the tissue. Edema for venous insufficiency is usually localized in the lower extremities, especially in the area of ​​the ankles and legs. They intensify by evening and decrease after rest.
  • Lymphedra: The lymphatic system is responsible for drainage of fluid from tissues. In case of damage or blocking the lymph vessels (for example, after surgery to remove the lymph nodes), the liquid accumulates in the tissues, causing the lymph. The lymphedem is usually localized in one limb and can be painful.
  • Reception of some drugs: Some drugs, such as non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers and hormonal drugs, can cause fluid and swelling delay.
  • Malnutrition: Protein deficiency in the diet can lead to a decrease in oncotic pressure in the blood and fluid flow into the tissue.
  • Long stay in a standing or sitting position: A long stay in the standing position or sitting leads to stagnation of blood in the veins of the lower extremities and the release of fluid in the tissue.
• The consequences of edema: Edema not only worsens the quality of life, but can also lead to serious complications.
  • Mobility restriction: Swelling of the lower extremities makes it difficult to walk and reduce physical activity.
  • Soreness and discomfort: Edema can cause soreness, a sense of severity and bursting in the limbs.
  • Skin damage: Clear skin becomes thinner and vulnerable to damage, which increases the risk of infections and trophic ulcers.
  • Reducing the quality of life: Edema can lead to social isolation, depression and a decrease in self -esteem.
  • Deterioration of organs: Edema of internal organs, such as lungs (pulmonary edema) or brain (brain edema), can be life -threatening.

II. The role of dietary supplements in the complex treatment of edema in the elderly

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) can play an auxiliary role in the complex treatment of edema in older people. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not a replacement for drug therapy prescribed by a doctor. They can be used as an addition to the main treatment aimed at eliminating the cause of edema.

• Principles for choosing dietary supplements: When choosing dietary supplements for the treatment of edema in older people, the following factors must be taken into account:
  • The reason for the edema: The choice of dietary supplements should be based on the cause of edema. For example, with heart failure, dietary supplements that improve the function of the heart can be useful, and with venous insufficiency – dietary supplements that strengthen the walls of the vessels.
  • Individual characteristics of the body: It is necessary to take into account the age, state of health, the presence of concomitant diseases and the drugs taken.
  • Safety: Choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who have passed clinical trials and have quality certificates.
  • Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that there are no components that can cause allergic reactions or interact with the drugs taken.
  • Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will help determine the cause of edema, choose the right dietary supplement and evaluate its safety.
• The main groups of dietary supplements used for edema:
  • Diuretics (diuretics): Some dietary supplements have a mild diuretic effect and can help to remove excess fluid from the body. Such dietary supplements include extracts of herbs, such as a braid, horsetail, lingonberry, parsley. It is important to remember that an uncontrolled technique of diuretic products can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disorders. The use of diuretic dietary supplements should be agreed with a doctor, especially in the presence of kidney and heart diseases.
  • Venotons: Bades containing flavonoids (diosmine, hesperidine, routine, troxerutin) improve the tone of veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and reduce the permeability of capillaries. They can be useful for venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Venotonics help reduce swelling, soreness and fatigue in the legs.
  • Bades that improve the function of the heart: With heart failure, dietary supplements containing Coenzyme Q10, magnesium, potassium, L-carnitine can be useful. Coenzym Q10 is involved in the production of energy in the heart cells, magnesium and potassium are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle, and L-carnitine improves metabolism in the heart cells.
  • Dietrs that support the function of the kidneys: For diseases of the kidneys, dietary supplements containing herbs that have nephroprotective properties (for example, a threspreads of the head) can be useful. These dietary supplements help improve the filtration function of the kidneys and reduce fluid retention.
  • Bades with anti -inflammatory action: Inflammation can contribute to the development of edema. Bades containing omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, bromelain can help reduce inflammation and improve the general condition of the body.
  • Bades that improve lymphatic drainage: Some dietary supplements containing herbal extracts, such as horse chestnut, Donnik, can help improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling with lymphedhem.
  • Dietrs containing electrolytes: When taking diuretics, it is important to maintain a balance of electrolytes in the body. Bades containing potassium, magnesium, sodium can help replenish the loss of electrolytes.
  • Antioxidants’ dietary supplements: Antioxidants protect cells from damage by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of edema. Bades containing vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.

III. Review of specific dietary supplements and their components

A detailed overview of some specific dietary supplements and their components is given here, which can be useful for edema in older people. It is important to remember that this information is an introductory nature and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

• Flavonoids (diosmine, hesperidine, routine, troxerutin): Flavonoids are a group of plant pigments with antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. They are widely used as venotonics for the treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Flavonoids strengthen the walls of blood vessels, increase their tone and reduce the permeability of capillaries, which helps to reduce swelling, soreness and fatigue in the legs. Diosmin and hesperidine are often used in combination. Rutin and Troxerutin are also effective venotonic. It should be borne in mind that flavonoids can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea and headache.
• Extract of horse chestnut (Eszin): Horse chestnut extract contains escin, which has anti -inflammatory, decongestant and venotonic effects. It is used to treat venous insufficiency, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Escin helps reduce swelling, soreness and itching in the legs. Horse chestnut extract can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
• Donnik extract: Donnik extract contains kumarin, which has an anticoagulant and lymphatic drainage effect. It is used to treat venous insufficiency, lymphedem and thrombophlebitis. Donnik extract helps to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. It should be borne in mind that kumarin can dilute blood, so Donnik’s extract should be used with caution when taking anticoagulants.
• Tolknyanka, horsetail, lingonberry, parsley: These herbs have a mild diuretic effect and can help to remove excess fluid from the body. They can be useful for edema associated with kidney diseases and heart failure. It is important to remember that an uncontrolled technique of diuretic products can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disorders. The use of diuretic herbs should be agreed with the doctor.
• Coenzim q10: Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the production of energy in heart cells and has antioxidant properties. It can be useful in heart failure to improve the function of the heart muscle and reduce symptoms, such as shortness of breath and edema. Coenzyme Q10 is usually well tolerated, but in rare cases it can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea and headache.
• Magnesium and potassium: Magnesium and potassium are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle and maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body. The deficiency of magnesium and potassium can aggravate the symptoms of heart failure and contribute to the development of edema. When taking diuretics, it is important to replenish the loss of magnesium and potassium.
• L-Carnitin: L-carnitine improves metabolism in the heart cells and increases the resistance of the heart muscle to the loads. It can be useful for heart failure to improve the function of the heart and reduce symptoms, such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of edema. They are also useful for the health of the heart and blood vessels.
• Curcumin: Kurkumin is an active component of turmeric, which has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation and improve the general condition of the body.
• Bromelain: Bromelain is an enzyme contained in pineapples, which has anti -inflammatory and decongestant effects. It can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc: These vitamins and minerals are antioxidants and protect cells from damage to free radicals, which can contribute to the development of edema. They also strengthen the immune system and improve the general condition of the body.
• Lespeedeza head: The extract of the threesome of the head -oned has nephroprotective properties and can help improve the filtration function of the kidneys and reduce fluid retention in kidney diseases.

IV. Features of the use of dietary supplements in the elderly: dosage, interaction with medicines, contraindications

The use of dietary supplements in older people requires special attention, since at this age a decrease in the function of organs and systems is often observed, as well as polypragmasis (taking a large number of drugs).

• Dosage: The dosage of dietary supplements for the elderly should be reduced compared to the dosage for young people. This is due to the fact that in older people metabolism slows down and the function of the kidneys and liver decreases, which can lead to the accumulation of dietary supplements in the body and increase the risk of side effects. The dietary supplement should start taking a minimum dose, gradually increasing it under the supervision of a doctor.
• Interaction with drugs: It is important to consider the interaction of dietary supplements with the drugs taken. Some dietary supplements can enhance or weaken the effect of drugs, as well as increase the risk of side effects. For example, dietary supplements containing kumarin (Donnik extract) can enhance the effect of anticoagulants, which can lead to bleeding. Bades containing St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of some drugs, such as antidepressants and contraceptives. Before taking any dietary supplement, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all the drugs taken, including vitamins and other dietary supplements.
• Contraindications: Bades have a number of contraindications that must be taken into account when they are appointed to older people. For example, dietary supplements contain diuretics are contraindicated in severe renal failure and electrolyte disorders. Bades containing horse chestnut extract are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Before taking any dietary supplement, you must carefully study the instructions and make sure that there are no contraindications.
• Side effects: Bades can cause side effects, especially in the elderly. The most common side effects of dietary supplements include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness and allergic reactions. When any side effects appear, you should stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
• Doctor control: Reception of dietary supplements in the elderly should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will help to choose the right dietary supplement, determine the dosage and evaluate the safety of its application. Regular consultations with a doctor will help to timely identify and eliminate possible side effects and interactions with drugs.
• The selection of the manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers with good reputation and quality certificates. Avoid the purchase of dietary supplements in dubious places, as they can contain poor -quality ingredients or be a fake.
• Individual approach: The approach to the use of dietary supplements in the elderly should be individual. It is necessary to take into account the age, state of health, the presence of concomitant diseases, the drugs taken and individual characteristics of the body. Only a doctor can determine which dietary supplements will be safe and effective in each case.

V. Alternative methods for treating edema and their combination with dietary supplements

In addition to taking dietary supplements, there are other methods of treatment of edema that can be used in the complex. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not a replacement for the main treatment prescribed by a doctor. They can be used as an addition to other treatment methods.

• Life change change: A change in lifestyle can significantly reduce swelling and improve the general state of health.
  • Salt consumption restriction: Excess salt in the diet contributes to the retention of fluid in the body. It is recommended to limit salt consumption up to 2-3 grams per day. The use of salted products such as sausages, smoked meats, pickles, canned food and fast food should be avoided.
  • Balanced nutrition: The diet should be balanced and contain a sufficient amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. Protein deficiency can lead to a decrease in oncotic pressure in the blood and fluid flow into the tissue. In the diet, low -fat meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grain products should be included.
  • Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity helps improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps to reduce edema. Moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, cycling and gymnastics, are recommended. Before starting classes, you need to consult a doctor.
  • Raising the legs: Raising the legs for 15-20 minutes several times a day helps to improve venous outflow and reduce swelling in the lower extremities.
  • Wearing compression knitwear: Wearing compression knitwear helps to improve venous outflow and reduce swelling in the lower extremities with venous insufficiency. Compression knitwear must be selected by the size and degree of compression.
  • Massage: Massage of the lower extremities helps to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. Massage should be carried out by a qualified specialist.
  • Limiting fluid consumption: In some diseases, such as heart failure and renal failure, it is necessary to limit fluid intake. The doctor will determine the optimal amount of fluid that can be consumed during the day.
• Medication: Drug treatment is the main method of treatment of edema caused by serious diseases.
  • Diuretics (diuretics): Diuretics are prescribed by a doctor to remove excess fluid from the body with heart failure, renal failure and other diseases. There are various types of diuretics, and the doctor will select the most suitable in each case. When taking diuretics, it is necessary to control the level of electrolytes in the blood and make up for their losses.
  • Venotons: Venotonics are prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. They help improve the tone of veins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and reduce the permeability of capillaries.
  • Preparations for the treatment of the underlying disease: With edema caused by heart failure, renal failure, liver diseases and other diseases, the underlying disease is necessary. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate drugs and give recommendations on a change in lifestyle.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapeutic procedures can be useful to reduce edema and improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
  • Lymphodrenazhny massage: Lymphodrenal massage helps to improve the outflow of lymph and reduce swelling with lymphedhem and other diseases.
  • Electrophoresis with drugs: Electrophoresis with drugs helps to deliver drugs directly to the tissue, which can be useful to reduce edema and inflammation.
  • Magnetotherapy: Magnetotherapy can help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
• Folk remedies: Some folk remedies can help reduce swelling, but their effectiveness is not proven by scientific research. Before using folk remedies, you need to consult a doctor.
  • Parsley decoction: The broth of parsley has a mild diuretic effect.
  • Cabbage leaf compresses: Compresses with cabbage sheet can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Baths with sea salt: Baths with sea salt can help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.

The combination of dietary supplements with other methods of treatment of edema can be useful for achieving the best result. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for the main treatment prescribed by a doctor. They can be used as an addition to other treatment methods under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will help to choose the optimal combination of treatment methods and evaluate their effectiveness and safety.

VI. Elderly edema prevention

The prevention of edema in the elderly plays an important role in maintaining health and quality of life. Preventive measures are aimed at eliminating risk factors and strengthening the body.

• Nutrition recommendations:
  • Salt consumption restriction: Excess salt in the diet contributes to the retention of fluid in the body. It is recommended to limit salt consumption up to 2-3 grams per day. The use of salted products such as sausages, smoked meats, pickles, canned food and fast food should be avoided.
  • Balanced nutrition: The diet should be balanced and contain a sufficient amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. Protein deficiency can lead to a decrease in oncotic pressure in the blood and fluid flow into the tissue. In the diet, low -fat meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grain products should be included.
  • Sufficient water consumption: Insufficient water consumption can lead to bloodworm and blood circulation deterioration. It is recommended to use at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day if there are no contraindications from the doctor.
  • Alcohol consumption restriction: Alcohol can contribute to the delay of fluid in the body and a deterioration in the function of the liver and kidneys. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption or completely abandon it.
• Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity helps to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps to reduce the risk of edema. Moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, cycling and gymnastics, are recommended. Before starting classes, you need to consult a doctor.
• Weight control: Excessive weight increases the load on the heart and blood vessels, which can contribute to the development of edema. It is recommended to maintain healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
• Refusal of smoking: Smoking worsens blood circulation and increases the risk of developing heart and vessels, which can lead to edema. It is recommended to refuse smoking.
• Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations help identify diseases in the early stages and prevent the development of complications, such as swelling. It is recommended to undergo medical examinations at least once a year.
• Take of drugs only as a doctor’s prescription: Some drugs can cause fluid retention in the body and edema. Take medications only as prescribed by a doctor and strictly follow his recommendations.
• Wearing comfortable shoes: Wearing uncomfortable shoes can violate blood circulation in the legs and contribute to the development of edema. It is recommended to wear comfortable low -heeled shoes.
• Avoiding a long stay in a standing or sitting position: A long stay in the standing position or sitting leads to stagnation of blood in the veins of the lower extremities and the release of fluid in the tissue. It is recommended to regularly change the position of the body and take small breaks for walking.
• Prevention of venous insufficiency: For the prevention of venous insufficiency, it is recommended to wear compression knitwear, do exercises to improve blood circulation in the legs and avoid a long stay in the standing or sitting position.
• Prevention of kidney diseases: For the prevention of kidney diseases, it is recommended to observe a diet with salt and protein restriction, use a sufficient amount of water and avoid taking nephrotoxic drugs.
• Timely treatment of diseases: Timely treatment of diseases, such as heart failure, renal failure, liver disease and venous insufficiency, helps prevent the development of edema.

Compliance with these simple recommendations will help older people to reduce the risk of edema development and maintain health and quality of life.