How To Get Rid Of Water Retention?

We have to retain a great deal of water to stay alive, since the human body is mostly water (about 70 to 75 percent). This is what keeps our body cells working as they should. Water is the basic material that provides the shape of cells and of the body overall. But there is a portion of the population that has difficulty with keeping the body’s water content at the proper level.

That’s when it’s time to learn how to get rid of water retention. If you experience problems with swelling and bloating due to excess water you can take some steps to remedy the situation (and improve your health).

What’s the Cause

When we talk about water retention we are generally referring to the excess fluids, mostly water that build up in the cells and in the soft tissue of the body. More severe situations can lead to serious health problems such as kidney failure and cardiac arrest.

One of the major factors in water retention is intake of sodium. We have to have sodium in the correct amount to keep the body’s electrolytes in balance. However, too much salt in the body can draw necessary water and vital fluids from some locations while causing it to build up elsewhere.

Everyone should get the right amount of fiber in the daily diet. This helps with digestion and elimination of wastes. But some people simply don’t include enough fiber in their meals, which can lead to water retention. If you continue to get too much salt and not enough fiber you are likely to suffer by retaining water.

Two other steps you can take to get rid of water retention are: get in the habit of doing some daily exercise; talk with your doctor about medications that might have water retention as a side effect. There are also some steps you can take to reduce water retention during pregnancy.

Medical Help

If water retention has developed to the point that you are constantly uncomfortable and are starting to feel pain in the joints or other parts of the body, you should see your doctor immediately. You may find that medical professionals recommend many of the same basic steps we have already mentioned: low-sodium diet, extra fiber, exercise and so on.

Doctors usually start their list of recommendations with changes in the diet. You’ll probably have to cut out junk food, soft drinks and similar items. Extra fruits and vegetables (without added salt) will be a step in the right direction. It’s also possible to battle water retention with extra vitamins, especially Vitamin B.

One of the ways to get rid of excess water in the body is to add more water. That’s right. Though it seems to go against common sense, you should drink plenty of clear, fresh water while cutting down on alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks. This will help the body flush out wastes and will keep the body cells in healthy operation condition.

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