Retaining Water

Medically, the condition of retaining water in the body is known as edema. It is often classified into two different categories. One is localized edema where water retention occurs only in certain parts of the body and the other is generalized edema where water is retained in several parts of the body. It can be identified with symptoms of swelling and tenderness in those areas where water is retained. This occurs more commonly in the extremities of the body like hands, feet, ankles.

Causes

The condition of retaining water arises when fluid get accumulated inside body tissues. This fluid is leaked into the body tissues from the blood vessels. In normal condition, the task of draining out of this excess fluid from the body tissues is carried out by the small tubes of lymphatic system. When the lymphatic system fails to do so, then it results in water retention. It can be triggered by a number of factors. Women may retain water during pregnancy or menopause or menstrual cycle. In such cases, the problem is related to hormonal imbalance. It can be a symptom of improper functioning of some vital organs of the body like kidney problem, thyroid problem, liver problem or heart problem. It can be a side effect of some medicines such as birth control pills. Those who have thyroid problem may get swelling in the ankle, feet and hands due to water retention. Consumption of high amount of salt can give rise to this problem.

How to Stop Retaining Water

Retaining water in legs and hands causes a lot of discomfort. Therefore, you can try out one or more of the following remedies for controlling water retention:

Drink Plenty of Water
Sometimes your body starts storing water simply because there is not enough water in the body. This way the body tries to keep some water in order to prevent dehydration. If you keep the body hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water, then water retention is likely to stop.

Reduce Sodium Intake
Table salt is high in sodium content. Therefore, you must add minimum amount of salt to your daily meals when you have edema. Soft drinks, processed foods or canned foods are rich source of sodium and hence you should strictly avoid them. That does not mean that you have eliminate sodium completely from your diet. To meet daily requirements of sodium in your body, include fresh fruits and vegetables which are natural sources of sodium.

Exercise Regularly
Exercising improves blood circulation throughout the body. This in turn is beneficial for flushing out of the water which is retained in the extreme ends of the body. Do some simple exercises like walking for half an hour a day for best results. However, avoid any kind of weight training exercises.

Use Natural Diuretics
Diuretics increase the frequency of urination and thus the chances of retaining water in the body is reduced. A cup of cranberry juice acts as an excellent natural diuretic. Lemon juice has diuretic properties too. You can add one teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of water and have it once a day.

Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Take a cup of hot water, add one teaspoon of honey and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into it. Drink this concoction at least once daily. Apple cider vinegar have a natural tendency to extract out unwanted toxins and water from the body.

However, if the remedies do not improve the condition of swelling within 7 days, then you must consult a doctor. They first identify the causes and carry out the treatment accordingly.