What Are the Causes of Puffiness?

Puffiness can make you look tired and ill, even when you feel awake and completely well. There are many causes of puffiness that can be relieved by avoiding salt, getting plenty of rest, and and increasing vitamin and mineral intake. While most puffiness can be relieved in similar ways, the causes of puffiness can be very different.

Lack of Movement

Puffiness and fluid retention can be caused by lack of movement. This can be caused by long trips in a car, sitting for hours at a time at a desk or bed rest when you are sick. Puffiness from lack of movement can usually be seen around the ankles and in the lower legs.

Excess Salt

Consuming too much salt is one of the leading contributors of fluid retention. Puffiness from the over-consumption of salt can usually be identified by the appearance of puffy eyes and swollen facial features, as well as swollen fingers.

Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, can cause fluid retention in and around the ocular areas. Most noticeable around the eyes, puffiness caused by a thyroid disorder can usually be treated by thyroid hormone replacement.

Kidney Infection

When there is a kidney infection, the body can have trouble processing sodium. This can make the body retain fluids and can contribute to puffiness. To treat a kidney infection, seek the council of a medical professional.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep can cause the area around the eyes to seem puffy and bloated. This can be exacerbated by the use of products to promote alertness, such as caffeine. To correct puffiness caused by lack of sleep, try to reduce the use of stimulants and get at least eight hours of restful sleep every night.