Home remedies for water retention have been used across the globe for centuries. Able to flush out fluid in the legs and get rid of water weight all over the body, home remedies for water retention may already be in your pantry now. Before you can use these simple DIY remedies for water retention to slough off extra pounds, it is important that first you understand why your body is retaining water in the first place.
Why is My Body Retaining Water?
Causes of water retention are different for everyone and while it is common for fluid in legs and ankles to build up and cause swelling, it is never a pleasant experience. While excessive water retention is common for all types of people across age groups for different reasons many people are not in their best health and so not all body systems are working together at optimal function. For this reason, many different causes of water retention exist. They can include cardiovascular or circulatory problems, nutrient deficiency, pregnancy, high-sodium diet, thyroid problems and more.
If you are struggling with your weight it could be that you are also suffering with water retention. Check for these common fluid retention symptoms:
- Unwanted or unexplained weight gain
- Skin discoloration
- Areas of the skin that stay indented when pressed inward (edema)
- Aches, pains and muscle stiffness
- Tenderness in the joints
5 Home Remedies for Water Retention
Water retention is a common problem, however if you want to get rid of water weight fast, you can turn to these DIY therapies. Here are 5 remedies for water retention – that actually work!
1. Go Raw. Whole natural foods are the best source of nutrients. However, most people do not get the proper amount of nutrients needed to reduce water retention from their diet alone. For this reason eating raw foods may help to ease symptoms of water retention like puffiness, bloating and swelling.
Get rid of water retention with these whole, raw foods: green beans, soy beans, peas, almonds, avocado, banana, yogurt, celery, apple cider vinegar, asparagus, beet root, garlic, pumpkin, artichokes, cherries, blueberries, leafy greens like spinach, dandelion, parsley and kale.
In one clinical trial, a specific class of antioxidants known as flavonoids was shown to offer beneficial effects for water retention. Some study participants had significant improvements in leg health scores. Foods that offer this highly beneficial compound include red wine, chocolate, cranberry juice and apples.
2. Sweat it Out. Not only is exercise one of the best ways to promote a healthy cardiovascular system, but it also encourages sweating. Because your skin is the body’s largest detoxification organ it also is a major player in removing unwanted waste from your body. One of the most enjoyable home remedies for water retention, gentle exercise also promotes the circulation of the lymphatic system. This system commonly becomes congested, especially without regular exercise causing water retention, swelling all over the body including the legs, ankles, feet and even the abdomen (belly).
A brisk 15-minute walk can help to reduce mid-day, or evening bloating and water retention symptoms like fluid buildup in legs, puffiness, a bloated feeling and unwanted water weight.
3. Drink More Water. When excess fluids build up in your body, it may not occur to you to drink more water. If you feel puffy or bloated already, drinking more water may be the last thing on your mind. However, fluid retention that causes swelling in the ankles and puffy eyes can actually be relieved by flushing the body of waste products that linger in the urinary tract. So, even if it feels strange – drink up!
TIP: Add a touch of sparkling water and fruit to your glass for a sweet, bubbly flavor.
4. Diuretics. These are natural foods, herbs and even dietary supplements that work to flush off extra water. Used in many different natural medicine practices, diuretics are known to remove excess fluid mainly consisting of water and minerals and then also stimulate the kidneys to remove any lingering sodium via the urine. When diuretics flush out this last bit of sodium and urine as bodily waste, the diuretic has done its job.
– Natural. Get rid of water retention with these natural diuretic foods: dandelion greens, hawthorn berries, horsetail, juniper, parsley, hibiscus, black cumin, ginger, black coffee along with green and black tea.
– Prescription. A doctor may prescribe a diuretic water pill especially if you have fluid retention due to high blood pressure, heart failure, liver problems, kidney dysfunction, edema or diabetes. They may include thiazide, loop diuretic and potassium sparing diuretics. These are how to get rid of water retention overnight and are generally effective on most people.
5. Cut Back on Carbs & Salt. While a balanced, healthy diet is the best way to lose water weight, you may not already know that these foods only make things worse. Clinical trials can confirm that reducing your intake of sodium rich foods may be one of the best home remedies for water retention.
Cut back on these high-carbohydrate foods:
- Sweets (cake, candy, cookies, syrup)
- Fruit & starchy vegetables (apples, potatoes, corn)
- Beans & legumes (kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas)
- Dairy (milk, cheese)
- Grains (rice, oatmeal)
- Dressings (dips, spreads, sauces)
- Beverages (juice, soda and beer for alcohol water retention)
AVOID these foods that contain refined carbohydrates (at all costs!):
- Pasta
- White rice
- Crackers & chips
- Bagels
- Donuts
- Muffins
- Boxed cereal
- Convenience foods
- Fast food
- Pizza dough
- Sweetened drinks
Related: Best Diet Plan And Exercises To Lose Your Love Handles
Reduce high-sodium foods including:
- Canned foods
- Breads & rolls
- Cold cuts & cured meats
- Frozen foods
- Cereal
- Fish, chicken & bacon4
Talk to Your Doctor
It is completely normal to retain some water inside your body. However, if you have a weight loss goal, a health concern or other reason to get rid of water weight, consider these 5 home remedies for water retention. If they do not give you the results that you want for example if you still have puffy, fluid in ankles of your legs, then consider talking to your doctor about your medications. They may be able to help you understand that some medications you are currently taking including birth control, pain relievers or even beta-blockers could be causing some of the excess fluid and how to reduce water retention fast.
Discussing your goals, concerns and results of using these 5 home remedies for water retention with your doctor is the best way to get the results you want. So, don’t forget to include them in your long-term plan to get rid of water weight.
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