How to Fight Fluid Retention

Fluid retention can get under your skin when it occurs regularly. It’s actually very likely that you don’t even realise how much water weight you are carrying, until you use the article to fight your fluid retention and get it out of your life for good.

How to avoid fluid retention

Water retention occurs when your body holds onto fluid to keep certain toxins at an acceptable level within the tissues. In order to avoid it, you’ll want to reduce your salt consumption (which is toxic, by the way) considerably. Drinking enough water is also essential, so sip on some H2O throughout the day. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated, so remain vigilant to avoid this.

The other way to pump out the excess water is to use your muscles. All forms of exercise that involve muscle contraction mechanically help to get rid of that water you don’t need in there. Try to get out and walk for at least thirty minutes to start off with, or do something else that you enjoy doing. Work that body, and you’ll see very quick results.

Tips to treat and prevent fluid retention

Diuretic foods

There are many diuretic foods you can try. Here are some examples:

Lemons

Lemon water tastes good, lowers your blood pressure, and is helpful for people who suffer from urinary tract infections. The best bit, though, is how wonderfully diuretic it is. Try to get the juice of three lemons into your body every day.

Oats

Who would have thought it, eh? Well, it’ll help soak up cholesterol and provide relief when you’re retaining water. Eating oats for breakfast is a great way to reduce the fluid retention for the rest of the day. If you’re sensitive to carbohydrates, as some people are, make sure your portion of oats per day is no bigger than your palm.

Celery

Celery contains a lot of water, and the sort of natural sodium you want to consume for great health and a good fluid balance. It’ll hydrate you, too, and provides vitamin C, and a host of other beautifying and health-giving nutrients. You can juice it, adding apple and cucumber, munch on fresh sticks, or top them with nut butter for a healthy, delicious snack.

Ginger

Ginger isn’t so easy to eat a lot of, but you don’t have to consume a whole root network to get the excellent water retention-busting benefits of this orange-coloured spice. Add slices of ginger to water and let it soak in there for an hour or so before consuming it. It’ll a lovely winter warming spice, and for people with a “vatta” constitution (look up Ayurvedic type if you’re not sure which one you are). Chunks can also easily go into a cup of boiling water to make ginger tea, if you’re more of a hot drinks type of person. Enjoy with a dash of agave or stevia.

Apple cider vinegar

ACV (apple cider vinegar) as so many uses, it’s amazing. It’s wonderful for those worried about urinary tract infections, for example, and supports excellent urinary health. It also stimulates your digestive system and helps you purge unwanted water in the body. You don’t even need much to reduce water retention considerably. Try adding 2 tablespoons to water and sipping it daily.

Get exercise

Exercise is sooo important! Not only will regular exercise prevent and reduce fluid retention, it will make you thirsty and drink more water. This flushing effect is really beneficial, as you’ll be getting rid of a lot of toxins through your urine, too, which will give you a healthier body.

Avoid foods with sodium

Foods with sodium are a major culprit when it comes to fluid retention. You might not realise just how much salt you’re taking in when you indulge in junk like crisps, chips or fries, biscuits, pizza and other “foods” in packets. The best way to reduce your salt intake is to minimise these foods, and opt for fresh foods only.

Eat foods that are rich in potassium

Foods that are rich in potassium include:

• Salmon
• Almonds and macadamia nuts
• Eggs
• Fat-free milk
• Mushrooms

Eat foods with magnesium

High magnesium foods include:

• Dark green vegetables, like spinach and kale
• Avocados
• Nuts, seeds and beans
• Whole grains
• Fish
• Bananas, dried fruit
• Dark chocolate
• Yogurt