Water Retention Remedies

Water retention, edema or fluid retention is a condition which results in abnormal collection of fluid within the body tissues. There are two types of water retention, generalized and localized, depending on the swelling occurring throughout the body or only in some parts. Retention of water in the tissues is normal up to an extent, but excess water retention, when swelling in arms, legs, face, stomach becomes visible, should be treated immediately. There are several symptoms and causes of water retention, and water retention remedies vary according to these causes. We mostly relate water retention to weight gain, and identify it as the first symptom.

Remedies for Water Retention

There are several water retention remedies, some depending on the cause and some specific to men and women. Slight and temporary water retention can be treated with the help of these simple steps.

Natural Remedies for Water Retention

• Low Salt Diet: Reducing daily intake of sodium in any form is the best cure for water retention. Even packaged, processed and junk food contain high level of sodium, so their intake should be reduced.
• Water: Increasing the intake of water helps treat water retention. Dehydration results in the tissues to accumulate and conserve water, leading to water retention. So drinking more water hydrates the body and stops the fluid retention.
• Natural Diuretics: Caffeine in small quantity is a natural diuretic and one of the best water retention remedies. Other natural diuretics for water retentions are cranberry, apple cider vinegar, banana, cabbage, cucumber and watermelon. Any other fruits rich in vitamin C also make excellent diuretics.
• Exercise: Regular exercise is a must to avoid water retention. Exercise helps in the normal body function including the circulatory system, thereby helps in flushing out water from tissue spaces.
• Rest: Daily rest is extremely important in case of water retention in legs. Legs should be kept elevated with the help of support. Support stockings are also helpful for increasing circulation. Even lying down with legs elevated higher than head also reduces water retention.
• Improved Diet: Take food rich in vitamin B6 like red meat and brown rice. Low fat dairy foods and fruits are an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin V5.

Remedies for Water Retention in Men

The main factor contributing towards water retention in men is the insulin hormone. Mostly affecting older men, high insulin level results in sodium imbalance and water retention. High estrogen level causes water retention mostly in overweight men. Dehydration due to excessive drinking of coffee and alcohol also is a common cause of water retention in men. So water retention remedies for men specific to these causes are:

• Reduce intake of salt.
• Limit coffee and alcoholic drinks.
• Drink minimum 2 liters of water a day.

Remedies for Water Retention During Pregnancy

Water retention during pregnancy is a common phenomenon and can be caused by various factors like hormone imbalance, humidity, excessive drinking of coffee, high sodium food, etc. Different water retention remedies during pregnancy to ease discomfort are:

• Wear flat shoes.
• Refrain from wearing tight clothes.
• Drink lot of water to avoid dehydration.
• Reduce coffee and salt intake.
• In sitting position, keep legs elevated with a support.
• Exercise regularly.

Remedies for Water Retention During PMS

Medical studies attribute the fluid retention during this period to hormone imbalance and rise in sugar levels. This imbalance affects the kidney function and results in retention of fluid in the kidneys. Some simple water retention remedies during PMS are:

• Take calcium supplements.
• Herbal tea, like parsley tea, relieves cramps and also functions as a diuretic.
• Take vitamin B6 supplements. Consume foods rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, like oat, brown rice, green leafy vegetables, etc.
• Take over-the-counter PMS pills. They contain caffeine and act as a mild diuretic.

Self care would describe the above given steps more appropriately, than the term water retention remedies. Depending on your diet, the water retention might vary, so these self care steps would be applicable only in mild cases. They would aid your general health and well being, but would be ineffective for any underlying condition. So it is always advisable to see a doctor as these symptoms might be an indication of some other serious medical condition which would need immediate medical treatment.