6 Ways To Get Rid Of Water Retention Fast And Naturally
Water retention, also known as edema, is a condition in which excess of fluid is retained by the body tissues. As a result, water accumulates in the entire body or in specific parts, like the feet and the ankles.
Accordingly, water retention can be classified into two categories – generalized edema, where swelling is observed throughout the body, and localized edema, which affects only certain parts of the body. No mater what type you may be suffering from, it obviously is important to get rid of water retention. But before learning about the cures, let us first get to learn about the causes behind this condition.
What Causes Water Retention?
Excessive sugar and salt in diet – excess salt intake makes the body retain water and causes swelling. Excessive sugar levels can make insulin levels raise higher, and this makes excretion of sodium difficult.
Kidney problems – Kidney infections and diseases hamper normal functioning and make it difficult for the body to get rid of excess fluid and sodium.
Premenstrual syndrome edema – changes in hormone levels before menstruation can increase the chances of water retention.
During pregnancy – water retention, particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy, is quite common.
Staying in one position for too long – sitting or standing for too long can lead to water being retained in the ankles.
6 Tips for Getting Rid Of Water Retention:
1.) Bring Changes In Your Diet To Get Rid Of Water Retention
Those suffering from water retention should reduce salt intake. If you have more sodium than is needed, it can make your body retain excess fluids. So, you need to avoid those foods that contain sodium in high amounts, including bacon, olives, salted chips, canned soups and condiments like soy sauce and barbecue sauce.
Almost every processed food is rich in salt content, and you need to avoid them as much as is possible. To get rid of the fluid buildup in your body, you must have foods rich in potassium. Bananas and cabbage are amongst such foods that are rich in potassium, and thus you must include them in your daily diet.
2.) Have Vegetables, Fruits, And Herbal Teas To Get Rid Of Water Retention
Vegetables and fruits rich in Vitamin A and C helps remove excessive water present in the kidneys by eliminating the waste. Drinking herbal teas before your menstrual cycle begins will also help you get rid of excess fluid buildup. The uva-ursi and parsley tea can prove to be very beneficial, so make sure you have at least few cups every day, before the onset of your menstrual cycle. Juice of cranberry and lemon, and green tea if taken regularly can also rid your body of excess fluids.
3.) Drink Lots Of Water To Get Rid Of Water Retention
Just because you are suffering from edema, it does not mean you will reduce your intake of water. In fact, if you drink enough water, about 7-8 glasses each day, it will eliminate excess salt and water from your kidneys more effectively. Drinking a warm glass of water with juice of a lemon every morning will also prove immensely beneficial.
4.) Increase Your Fiber Intake To Get Rid Of Water Retention
Fiber rich foods help the body in removing toxins, including unwanted water and salt. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, so you need to add them to your daily diet. Oatmeal, multi-grain food, and fiber cereal can also help cure the problem of water retention.
5.) Exercise Daily To Get Rid Of Water Retention
If you exercise everyday for 40-60 minutes, it can prove greatly helpful in getting rid of excess fluids. You can participate in activities like biking, running, walking and aerobics, as it will help flush out excess salt from your body in the form of sweat. Such activities also increase urine flow, and thus reduce excess body fluids.
6.) Manage Stress To Get Rid Of Water Retention
Stress can also cause hormonal imbalances, and this can lead to water retention. So, it is important to follow stress management techniques like meditation, breathing exercises and massage therapy to relax and eliminate stress. If you are interested to learn other ways to manage stress, click here.
Other Useful Tips to Eliminate Water Retention:
- Discover if you are sensitive to any food, and avoid it. If you eat something you are sensitive to, it results in inflammation, and thus your body might hold on to water and/or weight.
- Opt for a dry sauna to help your body release toxins and stored water.
- Soak yourself in a hot bath with Epsom salt for about 30 minutes to reduce fluid retention.
- Reduce your toxic load once in a season by cleansing your body. A cleanse helps remove toxins from your body. Once you eliminate toxins, your body will be able to get rid of excess water or/and weight.