How to Get Rid of Water Retention

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues is known as water retention or edema. It results in swelling and discomfort. Causes of water retention can be as serious as heart disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and cancer. Edema caused by serious diseases needs prompt medical attention. Along with medications, dietary alterations and lifestyle changes help reduce edema. Some simple home remedies can help reduce bloating, pain, and stigma.

How to Lower the Symptoms of Water Retention

Water retention in legs is common in the elderly and it is called peripheral edema. Due to gravitational effect, water is mostly retained by the tissues in legs, ankles and feet. The treatment may vary according to the causes; as there exist several water retention causes. Hormonal imbalance, excessive consumption of certain medications, accumulation of wastes and toxins, very low calorie diet, high blood pressure, pregnancy, etc., can cause edema.

Plenty of Water
It is necessary to know that dehydration is one of the main causes of edema. You need to drink plenty of water if you want to get rid of water retention fast! On an average, an adult needs a minimum of 6 to 8 glasses of water everyday. Anything less than this and you run the risk of dehydration, and consequently, water retention.

Sufficient Protein
Protein in blood promotes removal of excess water from your body tissues. If you are following a very low calorie diet, then you may experience scarcity of protein in blood. You need to follow a healthy and balanced diet if you want to get rid of the symptoms of edema.

Pregnancy
Pregnant women are likely to experience weak circulation of blood in legs. Swelling in ankles and legs are common symptoms of water retention during pregnancy. In spite of increasing weight, discomfort, and tiredness, pregnant women should perform exercises (as advised by the doctor) regularly. Walking can help reduce edema. A balanced diet is a must.

Stress Free Life
Hormone imbalance during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause water retention. Increased level of stress always results in hormone imbalance and thus can lead to edema. Abnormal levels of insulin, cortisone, estrogen and progesterone can cause edema. Leading a stress free lifestyle with the help of yoga, meditation, laughter clubs, etc. is essential if you want to maintain the balance of hormones in the body. Abnormal hormone levels affect sodium levels in body and lead to edema.

Low Salt Diet
Elderly people who are diagnosed with varicose veins may notice water retention in legs. They need to undergo proper treatment for varicose veins. They should reduce the intake of salt in everyday diet. Sodium levels in blood increase as a result of excessive salt in diet. Body requires more water to dilute this excessive sodium and therefore the body tends to hold water. Those who suffer from edema should incorporate foods low in sodium, in their diet.

Physical Activity
'Couch potatoes' are more likely to experience water retention in legs. Make sure that you exercise regularly. Those in hospital beds or wheelchairs should also perform some exercises as suggested by the physiotherapist and the doctor. Those who are on long-haul flights should get up and walk around. This helps prevent water retention. Lymphedema or swollen lymph after surgeries is a common situation. The accumulated fluid can be gradually drained by increasing your physical activity.

Medications
Certain birth control pills or painkillers can affect hormone levels and lead to water retention. So check your routine medications again. Your doctor may prescribe some different medications, if required. Women need to take extra care to avoid hormonal imbalance. Cellulite contains fat and water, and can cause irritation, swelling and pain. Metabolic wastes and toxins are stored in cellulite. Occasionally undergoing detoxification of body by following juice diet or any effective detox diet helps get rid of toxins fast.

The water retention remedies, mentioned above, are easy to follow and completely safe. You can lower the symptoms of edema in a natural way, without any side effects.