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. Aggravated cases lead to severe heart ailments, chronic lung malfunctions, diabetes, and in some cases cancer. Serious disorders needs prompt medical attention. Suitable medical treatment with a change in dietary lifestyle is the necessary directive. Some simple home remedies can help reduce bloating, pain, and stigma.

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

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.

Protein in the 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 the blood. You need to follow a healthy and balanced diet if you want to get rid of the symptoms of edema.

Pregnant women are likely to experience weak circulation of blood in the legs. Swelling in the 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.

Hormone imbalance during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is another cause. Increased level of stress always results in hormone imbalance, and thus can lead to edema. Some other contributing factors are abnormal levels of insulin, cortisone, estrogen and progesterone.

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 can affect sodium levels in the body.

Elderly people who are diagnosed with varicose veins may notice water retention in the legs. They need to undergo proper treatment for varicose veins. They should reduce the intake of salt in everyday diet. Sodium levels in the blood increases as a result of excessive salt in the diet.

The 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.

Idlers lacking physical exercise of any form are more likely to experience water retention in the 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. Lymphedema or swollen lymph after surgeries is a common situation. The accumulated fluid can be gradually drained by increasing your physical activity.

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 the body by following a juice diet or any effective detox diet helps get rid of toxins fast. Supplementation of food with diuretic attributes or medications supplying deiuretic needs is a helpful remedy.

Embarking treatment in diuretics should be done only after thorough investigation of the cause. In certain cases, this treatment may aggravate the fluid retention, especially of those induced by adequate lack of protein percent in the body.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.