My ankles swell

Swelling ankles are a fluid issue. Provided your kidneys check out okay from your physician, this condition, as discussed all over this web site, correlates with adrenal problems. The major point to understand here is that most physicians will prescribe a diuretic to remove the fluid when you are most likely already losing a lot of fluid along with sodium. The mineralocorticoid aldosterone is secreted by your adrenal glands and works with the kidneys to hold onto sodium (and chloride), which not only retains sodium in your body, but also water. This maintains the electrolyte and water balance in your body. Stressed out adrenal glands, especially in the later stages of chronic stress, tend to produce less aldosterone and therefore more sodium is lost. Since you will lose more water with a lowered sodium level than from the lowered aldosterone, you will become dehydrated more easily. It is interesting to note that even though you lose more fluid with the lowered adrenal gland function, edema (or swelling), especially around the ankles is a common occurrence as your body tries to regulate the electrolyte imbalance. Often, diuretics can make your condition worse over time, and you’re definitely not having the swelling from a diuretic deficiency.