Foods to Avoid for Edema

Edema is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluids in your body. It is most commonly seen in pregnant women and the elderly, although it can affect anyone. The fluid collects in your hands, feet, legs, ankles and face. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that contain high amounts of sodium may help decrease your edema.

Starches

High intakes of sodium causes your body to retain fluids 1. Talk to your doctor about how much you should consume each day 1. Most healthy adults should limit their sodium intake to 2,300 mg a day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Read food labels to help you limit the sodium in your diet 1. A low-sodium food item contains less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.

Vegetables

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Vegetables are naturally low in sodium and can be a healthy choice when prepared fresh or frozen without any added sauces or salty seasonings. Some canned vegetables contain sodium -- read the Nutrition Facts labels on foods to avoid salty varieties. You should also avoid any frozen vegetables with added sauces. Tomato and vegetable juice also contain high amounts of sodium and should be avoided if you have edema.

Meats and Meat Alternatives

Like vegetables, fresh meats prepared without added sauces are naturally low in sodium. However, processed meats may contain significant amounts of sodium. Meat choices to avoid when you have edema include:

• bacon
  
• sausage
  
• luncheon meats
  
• hot dogs
  
• ham
  
• canned tuna

Canned legumes can also be a source of sodium, prepare your own using dried beans to limit your sodium intake. Salted nuts contain high amounts of sodium and should be avoided, instead choose unsalted nuts.

Dairy Foods

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Processed dairy foods such as hard and soft cheese may contain high amounts of sodium and should be avoided if you are trying to control edema. Buttermilk also contains high amounts of sodium and should be avoided.

Convenience Foods

Convenience and prepared foods tend to be very high in sodium and should be avoided by people with edema. High sodium convenience foods include frozen meals, soups and rice and pasta mixes. Fast food and most restaurant foods also contain high amounts of sodium. You should avoid all fast food if you have edema and you may want to request your food be prepared without salt at sit-down restaurants.

Seasonings and Condiments

Seasonings and condiments can also be a source of sodium in your diet. Avoid any seasonings that mentions salt in the title such as garlic salt or celery salt. In addition, you want to avoid high-sodium condiments such as catsup, prepared salad dressings and soy sauce.