Water Retention and How to Treat

How to treat Water Retention

Lessen your intake of salt and salty foods. Too much salt in the body can cause fluid retention to worsen. Many processed foods contain high values of sodium that should also be avoided, so check the nutritional information on products you eat to make sure that they do not contain high levels of sodium. Avoid adding additional table salt to your food, and stay away from salty snacks like chips, peanuts and pretzels.

Drink plenty of water if you are aware that your fluid retention is due to premenstrual syndrome, too much salt in your diet or another minor cause. You may feel that you have enough water in your body already, but being well hydrated will help you flush out excess water instead of storing it in your body.

Eat foods with diuretic properties. There is a long list of diuretic foods such as celery, lettuce, carrots, onions, asparagus, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Take vitamins daily that will reduce fluid retention.

•Vitamin B6 is known to reduce the effects of fluid retention, especially in mild cases such as fluid retention due to premenstrual syndrome. Large quantities of Vitamin B6 can also be found in foods such as red meat, salmon, tuna, bananas and brown rice.

•Vitamin B5, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin D will reduce water retention and can also be found in foods such as fresh fruits and low-fat dairy.

•Supplement minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium can help with water retention as well, and are known to act as mild diuretics to help the body release excess water. Calcium is also found in yogurt, milk and dark leafy greens like spinach. Potassium helps the body to get rid of excess fluid in the body, but also stabilizes the amount of sodium within the body. Potassium is found in fruit such as bananas citrus and melons.

Consider using herbs as diuretics to release excess water and lessen the effects of fluid retention. There are many herbs that work as diuretics; among them are dandelion leaf, parsley, corn silk and hawthorn.

Take a ginkgo supplement or drink it in a tea. Ginkgo can help with circulation, so it may benefit you if you have water retention due to circulation problems.

Exercise often to release excess body fluid and increase circulation. Exercise can greatly help with fluid retention problems because the body will heat up and sweat out excess water, and better circulation will reduce and prevent fluid retention in the future.

Avoid drinks that will dehydrate the body such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Although caffeine and alcohol is a diuretic, consuming it will only dehydrate you and worsen fluid retention.

Sleep with your feet elevated higher than your heart. Just place pillows under your legs to make then higher then your heart when you lay down.

Tips

•Dehydration can cause fluid retention because when the body is dehydrated it holds onto water instead of allowing the body to dispel it. In order for the body to process fluid correctly, it must be properly and consistently hydrated. The body will then use the fluid that is necessary to keep it hydrated, and dispel excess fluid instead of holding onto it, causing fluid retention.

•If you believe fluid retention may be the cause of dehydration you may be experiencing thirst, lack of urination, weakness, dizziness, cramping, headaches and dry mouth.

Warnings

•Do not take any new supplements before consulting your doctor, especially if you are currently taking any medication.

•Do not consume large amounts of water to treat fluid retention if you have chronic liver problems. Consult your doctor if you have liver problems, or believe you may have liver problems and are experiencing fluid retention in your abdomen or other parts of the body. Water consumption can have a negative effect on organs trying to process excess fluid in the body already.

Things You'll Need to treat Water Retention

•Water
•Diuretic vegetables
•Multivitamins
•Mineral supplements
•Diuretic herbs
•Daily exercise

FOODS THAT CAUSE INFLAMMATION

VEGETABLE OILS

Inflammation is a condition that damages healthy tissue, raises blood pressure, and can potentially encourage cancer cells to grow, Since consuming too many omega-6 fatty acids (in relation to omega-3s) can increase the risk of inflammation, swap omega-6-laden soy, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, safflower. Switch out mixed vegetable oils and use extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

MARGARINE OR SPREADS WITH PARTIALLY-HYDROGENATED OIL

Trans-fatty (partially-hydrogenated) acids definitely increase inflammatory biomarkers in the body So avoid them in general. Ghee (clarified butter) is a good alternative: “Yes, butter contains omega-6 fatty acids, but clarified butter has an intense flavor, so you can use a lot less of it than normal butter." A way to get a rich, buttery taste without a heavy dose of omega-6 fat in recipes is to take half a teaspoon of ghee and blend it with some olive oil.

FATTY MEATS/PROCESS MEATS

Inflammatory foods increase risk for chronic health problems such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disease. And though the jury’s still out, a couple of studies point to saturated animal fats as inflammatory culprits. Instead of fatty meats like burgers, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, or ribs, studies suggests eating more omega-3-rich fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna, as well as beans and nuts.

WHOLE OR 2% MILK

To lower your saturated fat intake, limit your consumption of whole and 2% milk; instead, opt for (organic) skim or 1% milk. Other ways to top your cereal include organic almond, rice, hemp, hazelnut, oat beverages.

CREAM CHEESE

Instead of cream cheese, substitute small amounts of naturally soft, spreadable cheeses like goat cheese (which I'm against) or part-skim ricotta when topping toast or making dips they're naturally lower in saturated fat.

PROCESSED CHEESES (SUCH AS AMERICAN)

Pass up processed cheese and enjoy small amounts of natural, hard cheeses for more flavor (and less sodium). If you can find it, vegetarian or vegan cheese or made from the milk of grass-fed animals is best.

SUGAR-ADDED CEREALS

There are some studies that show that a high sugar diet fuels inflammation. Cut back on sugary cereals and choose low-sugar, high-fiber varieties instead. Another anti-inflammatory breakfast option? Oatmeal especially minimally-processed steel cut oats.

FULL-FAT, SUGARY YOGURT

Even yogurt with “fruit on the bottom” can have a surprising amount of sugar. Choose low-fat or nonfat yogurt (preferably organic), or go for Greek yogurt to get an extra dose of protein. Sweeten plain yogurt with a teaspoon of agave or brown-rice syrup, a dash of cinnamon, and some diced fruit.

WHITE BREAD

As with sugar, eating too many refined carbohydrates can lead to inflammation. Limit white flour bread (and pasta) and eat more high-fiber, 100% whole-grain varieties.

PRE-SEASONED FOODS AND SEASONING MIXES

A high sodium to potassium ratio in your diet is thought to create an inflammatory response. Season your side dishes and entrées with fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, basil, sage, and rosemary, or try no-sodium-added spice mixes.

COFFEE

A recent study showed that coffee drinkers who have more than 1 cup a day have increased levels of C Reactive Protein. Men had a 30% increase and women had a 38% increase in CRP levels. Since coffee drinkers also tend to smoke more, exercise less, and eat fewer fruits and vegetables more studies need to be done to establish coffee as an independent risk factor.

HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX CARBOHYDRATES/TRANS FATS

these foods cause excess production of insulin which incites the inflammatory process by producing arachidonic acid. These are quickly digested carbohydrates such as foods with high concentrations of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, refined baked goods and snacks, and soft drinks. Many of these foods are also high in Trans fats like processed baked goods, chips and snack foods, and deep fried fast food. Limit your intake of processed and fried foods that contain trans fat.

COOKING FOODS AT HIGH TEMPERATURES

This results in a browning effect, where sugars and certain oxidized fats react with proteins to form glycotoxins in the food. Glycotoxins are known to be inflammatory and form in the skin, arteries, joints, cartilage and other places in the body. Avoiding foods cooked at high temperatures also helps prevent the formation of numerous gene mutating toxins that are known to be carcinogens. Some of these foods are: French fries, hamburgers, other deep fried foods, and chips.