Category: Points of interest

Swollen Feet? Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Swollen Feet

by Top10HomeRemedies TeamFebruary 9, 2019 17

Swollen feet is a common problem that anyone can suffer from. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. Usually, this problem arises when fluid accumulates in the tissues, leading to swelling known as edema.

This can occur for several reasons, such as being overweight, standing or sitting for long periods of time, aging, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), nutritional deficiencies, lack of physical exercise and poor blood circulation.

An injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle or a foot can also cause swelling in your feet.

People who have diabetes, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, and pregnant women are more prone to this problem.

As the swelling increases, it can cause general discomfort and people may find it difficult to walk or stand. Other symptoms may include pain, inflammation and redness in the feet.

Luckily, there are plenty of effective tips and remedies to treat swollen feet at home, so you can get back out and enjoy the world.

However, if the swelling is painful or occurs often, consult your doctor. It can be a sign of heart, kidney or liver problems that may need timely treatment.

home remedies for swollen feet

Here are the top 10 home remedies for swollen feet.

1. Contrast Hydrotherapy

This type of hydrotherapy, which includes both cold and warm water, is highly effective for reducing swelling in your feet. While the warm water helps improve circulation, cold water helps reduce swelling and inflammation.

  1. Fill 2 foot tubs– one with cold water and the other with warm water.
  2. Soak your feet in the warm water for about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Immediately put your feet in the cold water for about 1 minute.
  4. Continue alternating for 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Repeat a few times daily until you get relief.

2. Massage

A foot massage is one of the best remedies for swollen feet. It creates pressure on the affected area that helps relax sore muscles and improve circulation. It also encourages excess fluid drainage to reduce swelling.

  1. Rub some warm mustard oil or olive oil on the affected area.
  2. Gently massage the area for 5 minutes in an upward direction, rather than downward. Avoid applying too much pressure.
  3. Do this several times a day.

It is most effective to massage your feet during or after taking a bath.

Note: If the swelling in your feet is due to pregnancy, see a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage.

3. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt works fast to reduce swelling and can help alleviate pain and discomfort, too. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt is easily absorbed through the skin and helps improve circulation and reduce swelling. It is also relaxing for sore, tired muscles and even helps neutralize foot odor.

  1. Mix ½ cup of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water.
  2. Soak your swollen feet in it for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Repeat up to 3 times a week.

4. Ginger

Ginger is a natural diuretic that helps treat swollen feet. It helps dilute sodium, a major contributing factor behind swelling. In addition, its anti-inflammatory property helps reduce swelling.

  • Massage your swollen feet with ginger oil when massaging a few times daily.
  • You can also drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea or chew some raw ginger slices.

5. Dandelion

The diuretic property of dandelion helps the body metabolize extra fluids, making it a great remedy for swollen feet. According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, dandelion has a diuretic effect that helps treat water retention.

It also helps regulate the sodium level in the body.

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried dandelion leaves in a cup of hot water. Cover, steep for 5 minutes and strain it. Drink this herbal tea 2 or 3 times a day.
  • You can also take dandelion tincture or supplements, but only after consulting a doctor.

6. Lemon Water

Drinking lemon water helps flush out excess fluid and toxins from your body, which can reduce swelling in the feet and other areas of the body caused by water retention. In addition, it helps keep the body hydrated and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a cup of warm water.
  2. Sweeten it with a little raw honey.
  3. Drink this lemon water a few times daily.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar also helps reduce swelling in your feet. Its high potassium content helps reduce fluid retention, a common cause of swelling in the feet.

  • Mix equal amounts of warm water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Soak a towel in the solution, wring out the excess liquid and then wrap the towel around your swollen feet. Do this for 10 minutes, a few times daily.
  • Also, add 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Add some raw honey and drink it twice daily.

8. Coriander Seeds

coriander

A popular Ayurvedic treatment for swollen feet is coriander seeds. The anti-inflammatory property of these seeds helps reduce swelling as well as improve circulation.

  1. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of coriander seeds to 1 cup of water.
  2. Boil it until the quantity reduces by half.
  3. Strain the solution, let it cool slightly and drink it.
  4. Repeat 2 times a day until you get relief.

9. Exercise

exercise

Regular physical exercise is important for preventing swelling in your feet. Exercise stimulates circulation and prevents blood from pooling in your lower extremities.

  • Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do to lessen swelling and relieve inflammation and pain.
  • Enjoy 30 minutes of walking or jogging, at least 5 days a week.
  • Do some leg strengthening and stretching exercises.
  • Do some yoga daily to help improve your circulation.

10. Magnesium

green leafy veg

Magnesium deficiency in the body can also contribute to swelling in the feet due to edema. Eat foods rich in magnesium to help fight this problem.

  • Eat magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, soybeans, avocado, bananas and dark chocolate.
  • You can also take magnesium supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.

Note: People with heart or kidney disease should avoid taking magnesium supplements.

Additional Tips

  • To reduce swelling, elevate your legs so that they are above the level of heart.
  • Limit your salt and caffeine intake, as they are common causes of foot swelling.
  • Eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned versions, which often contain added salt for preservation.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and promote detoxification.
  • Avoid sitting for long hours. Take short breaks and walk around a bit.
  • During long journeys in a car, plane, bus or train, consider wearing compression socks to prevent foot inflammation.

Resources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19678785

Seafood Chowder

Rich Seafood Chowder

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 celery rib, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 3 cups seafood stock
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound uncooked shrimp (41-50 per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, drained
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
  • Minced fresh parsley

Directions

  • In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and carrot; cook and stir until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • Add stock, potatoes, Worcestershire, salt and pepper; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes.
  • Add the shrimp, clams, crab and cream cheese; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink and and cheese is melted, 4-5 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

Test Kitchen tips Mix and match your favorite seafood in this chowder.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 272 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1076mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Originally published as Seafood Soup in Simple & Delicious December/January 2019

Types of Poetry~ April, National Poetry Month

See the source image

Hot Drinks linked to Cancer

The link between hot drinks and cancer

A review published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer recently classified drinking very hot beverages as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” raising the risk of cancer.

The findings were based on evidence from studies that showed a link between hot beverages and cancer of the esophagus. A group of scientists analyzed data on the carcinogenicity of a range of beverages, including coffee, tea and mate — a popular steeped South American brew high in caffeine.

What they found was that esophageal cancer seemed to be higher in countries that drank very hot beverages at temperatures of 70 °C (158 °F) because temperatures this high can cause significant scald burns in the esophagus. In fact, a previous study published in 2009 mirrored these same findings. This now places hot beverages in the same category at smoking and alcohol drinking, major causes of esophageal cancer.

Less common in the United States

In 2012, esophageal cancer killed approximately 400,000 people worldwide and was responsible for about 5% of all cancer deaths.

The esophagus is a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach and carries the food you swallow to your stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually starts in the cells that line the esophagus, according to the Mayo Clinic, but can occur anywhere along the esophagus.

Esophageal cancer commonly strikes in the lower portion of the esophagus. It’s not as common in the United States and seems to be prevalent in Asia and parts of Africa. Additionally, more men than women seem to get it.

Drink your coffee this way

Twenty-five years after claiming that one of the most popular beverages in the world was “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” the World Health Organization’s cancer agency now has downgraded the cancer risk. An exhaustive review found no conclusive evidence of a carcinogenic effect just from drinking coffee — and that’s a big thumbs up. Unless of course your coffee is really hot — and that’s a big thumbs down.

https://www.thealternativedaily.com/drink-coffee-way-avoid-throat-cancer/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=N190407

Tip

Use a Bag of Water With Pennies Inside to Deter Flies

To make this ingenious fly deterrent, fill a heavy-duty freezer bag with water, table salt, lime juice, and add a few pennies. Hang the bag above a door or anywhere you have a fly problem. Make sure the bag is hanging in a place where it can reflect light. When the water and the coins reflect back into the flies eyes, it causes an unpleasant sight and causes them to have a hard time focusing on where they are flying. The flies eventually learn to avoid the area.

Versatile Blogger Award Challenge Accepted

The Rules

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.

2. Include a link to their blog.

3. Select 7 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.

4. Nominate those bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award.

5. Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

Thank you goes to Vickie, for nominating me.https://vicklea.com/

Anyone who wishes to can participate, please tag me though, I want to learn more about you!.

7 Things About Me

  • I am adopted since I was a baby.
  • I have never met my biological dad, he died right before I was adopted.
  • I have trust issues because I was adopted and from events, growing up.
  • I love music and poetry. I can write, I can play the piano and I can sing!
  • I love all creatures. I think God gave them to us because he knew how much we could learn from them, and feel for them, and to help us.
  • I love to garden and be in the dirt. Getting my fingers dirty has never bothered me.
  • I have 3 kids and 3 grandkids. Being their mother and grandmother is my calling, I believe. Thank you, Lord, for giving them to me.
https://atomic-temporary-146728299.wpcomstaging.com/2018/08/02/random-acts-of-kindness-raka/

Strawberry Bread

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries
  • 3 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
  • Add all ingredients to list

Directions

  • Prep30 m
  • Cook45 m
  • Ready In1 h 25 m
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
  2. Slice strawberries and place in medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle lightly with sugar, and set aside while preparing batter.
  3. Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in large bowl; mix well. Blend oil and eggs into strawberries. Add strawberry mixture to flour mixture, blending until dry ingredients are just moistened. Stir in pecans. Divide batter into pans.
  4. Bake in preheated oven until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes (test each loaf separately). Let cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn loaves out of pans, and allow to cool before slicing.
More pictures of Strawberry Bread

Footnotes

  • Partner Tip
  • Reynolds® Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 281 calories;

16.6 g fat; 31.2 g carbohydrates; 3.3 g protein; 31 mg cholesterol; 161 mg sodium.

Did a You Know