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Daily Record
Lifestyle
Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz & Nicola Roy

Six tips to get rid of swollen feet and ankles with 'excess fluid' in hot weather

For many parts of the country, the recent soaring temperatures look set to continue, which is great news for a lot of people.

But warm weather isn't always ideal for everyone, as it can cause issues like struggling to get to sleep, feeling dehydrated and increased hay fever symptoms.

Another downside to the sun is the fact it can cause trapped fluid to build up in your feet and ankles, causing them to swell and become uncomfortable. According to the NHS, this is also known as oedema.

Although this can be a real annoyance, there are some things you can do to help reduce the swelling - but you should always seek medical advice if you're concerned.

Kate Booker, nutritionist at Nutrition Geeks, spoke to the Mirror to share her tips for banishing swollen feet this summer.

Six tips to avid trapped fluid and swollen ankles

1. Keep moving

Staying active during the day and avoiding sitting for too long can help banish fluid build-up.

Kate said: "Exercise daily, even if this is just a walk, boosts circulation and reduces the fluid build up. There's so many other benefits like boosting mood, making vitamin D from the sun and getting steps in too."

2. Feet in the air

If you find your ankles are starting to swell, try putting them up in the air against a wall.

Kate explained: "When your feet are higher than your heart, it allows the fluid to drain. You could also put them on a chair if you don't want them against a wall."

3. Cook from scratch

Kate strongly suggested staying away from packaged and processed foods that are high in processed salt, as it can increase the swelling in your body.

She added: "We do need salt but it's better to avoid table salt which is processed and use a mineral rich sea salt that is unrefined instead. Eat a nutrient dense diet with antioxidants and real ingredients."

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking water is essential during warm spells (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This is vital when the weather is warm, and Kate explained how it can help protect against swollen ankles.

She said: "When we sweat, we sweat out minerals too so keep in mind that these will need to be replenished.

"Some important minerals to consider are: potassium, highest in fruit and vegetables; sodium, which we can take from good quality sea salt; magnesium, which we can get from green leafy veg, dark chocolate and Epsom salt baths.

"Reducing alcohol and avoiding excess caffeine can help avoid dehydrating yourself."

5. Massage

Giving yourself a quick foot massage can be really beneficial, as it can help "increase circulation and stimulate blood flow".

To help support drainage you could do "gentle, sweeping motions towards the heart". She added: "You could use an oil like coconut oil or olive oil."

6. Feet on the earth

It's a well-known fact that wearing tight shoes can increase swelling of the feet when the weather is hot.

Kate recommended: "Allow your feet to breathe, walking barefoot without restrictive tight shoes. You'll also get the added benefit of grounding too."

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