First of all, you should know that water retention is the build-up of fluid in the circulatory system or within tissues and cavities. Water retention can cause swelling in the hands, feet, ankles and legs and is common in women during pregnancy or before their period. According to the experts, this condition usually affects people who are physically inactive, such as someone who is bedridden or sitting through a long flight. Ladies and gentlemen, you shouldn’t be worried, because many of the causes of water retention are non-life-threatening. But sometimes, it can be a symptom of severe medical conditions such as kidney disease or heart failure.
In this article we are going to show you 6 simple tricks, which will help you treat and prevent this both aesthetic and health problem:
- Excessive Sodium Intake
You should definitely reduce the sodium intake, if you want to reduce your water retention problem. It’s very simple – just avoid salt and processed foods that contain high amounts of salt. This is due to the fact that salt is made up of sodium chloride and the sodium binds water to the body and helps maintain the balance of fluids inside your body. There are many studies that have found that increased sodium intake leads to an increased retention of fluid inside the body. Processed food products such as processed meat, certain condiments and even canned vegetables have all been found to have a high sodium content.
- Magnesium Deficiency
Increasing your magnesium intake may help reduce water retention. Study confirms – just 200 mg of magnesium per day reduced water retention in women who are experiencing premenstrual symptoms. Ladies and gentlemen, this means that you should consume foods rich in magnesium, such as: nuts, whole grains, spinach and peas. It can also be consumed in the form of a supplement.
- Vitamin B6 Deficiency
First of all, you should know that Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in many different foods. According to a study, conducted by group of experts at the Journal of Caring Sciences, women who were experiencing water retention due to premenstrual syndrome benefitted from taking vitamin B6. During the clinical trial the women reported that they found vitamin B6 helped reduce their symptoms more efficiently than any of the other supplements that they were given. You should consume more foods rich in vitamin B6, such as: bananas, potatoes (with skin), tuna and pork.
- Potassium Deficiency
Potassium is a mineral that is imperative to the proper function of cells, tissue and organs inside the human body. This mineral can help you reduce the water retention in the body in two ways: by increasing sodium levels and by increasing your body’s production of urine. You should consume foods that are high in potassium, such as: apricots, beets, Brussels sprouts and bananas.
- Dehydration
We all know that insufficient amounts of water lead to dehydration of the body. In this case, the body reacts by retaining water as a way to survive. The regular consumption of water and juices high in potassium can reduce edema and dehydration. So, make sure you drink lots of water until the water retention is gone, and avoid soda drinks and coffee, as they additionally dehydrate your organism.
- Excessive Consumption of Processed Foods
Excessive consumption of processed foods usually leads to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, and high insulin levels cause the body to retain more sodium by increasing re-absorption of sodium in the kidneys. This usually leads to more fluid volume inside the body. Examples of refined carbs include processed sugars and grains, such as table sugar and white flour.
Other Ways to Reduce Water Retention
- Move around
- Drink more water
- Horsetail
- Parsley
- Hibiscus
- Garlic
- Fennel
- Corn silk
- Nettle
- Cranberry juice
Source: Health & Love Page