Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity within the abdomen. The term ascites comes from the Greek askos which means bag or sack. Under normal conditions men have little or no fluid in the abdominal cavity, but women can have up to 20 ml depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle in which they are. In patients with ascites, this minimum quantity is multiplied, reaching 10, 15, or more liters, in extreme cases of massive ascites.
Causes Ascites
Its most frequent cause is liver cirrhosis, which in turn can have multiple origins, although the most frequent are cirrhosis of alcoholic origin and that caused by hepatitis B and C. There are many other diseases that can cause it, such as some tumors , certain infectious diseases, gynecological diseases, kidney problems, and other rarer ones such as some autoimmune processes.
Natural remedies
- Epsom salt
Pour 1/4 cup of Epsom salt into a bucket of warm water and mix well. Soak your feet in this water for 15 to 20 minutes. Perform this remedy every alternate night (or every night). It is important to note that Epsom salt detoxifies the body and soothes the swollen legs that normally occur during ascites.
- Fenugreek seeds
Macerate a handful of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight. Then, the next morning, filter the liquid and drink once a day, preferably in the morning. This remedy has a hepatoprotective and anticancer effect. It reduces inflammation and helps eliminate free radicals that are causing damage within the body.
- Garlic
Chop 3 to 4 garlic cloves and use a juicer to extract the juice. Take 1/2 tablespoon of garlic juice on an empty stomach. Repeat this every morning. It should be noted that regular use of this ingredient can help reduce the swelling associated with ascites. Garlic, too, has anticancer properties.
- Ginger
Crush 1/2 – 1 inch long piece of ginger lightly and put it in the cup of hot water. Let the ginger stay there for five to seven minutes. Strain the water and add a pinch of honey. Take while still warm three times a day after each meal. Ginger is considered a good remedy to combat leg swelling, especially caused by ascites.
- Castor oil
Gently massage the abdomen and back with a little castor oil. Use straight friction, gentle rubbing of the point, and kneading motions. Massage for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat daily.
- Cantaloupe
Peel the bitter melon and remove the seeds. Cut into small pieces and grind to obtain a paste. Extract the juice from this paste. Dilute approximately 30 ml of bitter melon juice with water and drink. Take this juice three times a day for quick relief. Regular consumption of bitter melon juice provides immediate relief from ascetic pain. It is beneficial for treating liver disorders due to its tonic and antibiotic properties.
- Onion
Add onions to your meals and salads or eat raw. Include onions in your daily diet as it helps to get rid of fluid retention. Onions are considered diuretic and remove toxins and excess fluids from the body. If eaten continuously for a couple of days, onions can alleviate the symptoms associated with ascites.
- Pineapple
Consume pineapple daily, as it is also a natural diuretic.
- Oatmeal
Ingest oatmeal because it is not only great for your heart but also for treating ascites.
- Dandelion root
Boil 1 handful of dandelion root in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes. Strain the decoction and let it cool down. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Take up to three cups of this preparation a day. This is a natural diuretic. Helps reduce excess fluid in the abdomen. It also aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects on the liver affected by cirrhosis.
