What is water retention?
Hormone changes, plane flights, and also too much salt can all cause your body to retain excess water. The body is made up mainly of water and when your hydration level is not balanced, your body tends to hang on to that water. Water retention can cause you to feel heavier than normal, and less nimble or active. It might also cause:
• bloating
• swelling
• puffiness
Water retention is actually a known health issue, and may occur on a daily basis. There are a number of factors that might cause it including:
• diet
• genetics
• menstrual cycle
You may be able to help to relieve water retention by making lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of water retention may be:
• bloating, more specifically in the abdominal area
• having swollen legs, feet, as well as ankles
• puffiness of your abdomen, face, and hips as well
• weight fluctuations
• stiff joints
• indentations in your skin, not so different from what you see on your fingers when you have been in the bath or shower a long time
There are a lot of factors can cause water retention, including:
• flying in airplane: The changes that happen in the cabin pressure and sitting for an extended period of time can certainly cause your body to hold on to water.
• standing or sitting for too long: The gravity keeps the blood in your lower extremities. So it is actually very important to get up and move around often to keep blood circulating. In the case where you have a sedentary job, schedule a certain time to get up and walk around.
• menstrual changes and fluctuating hormones in your body
• eating too much of sodium: You can get too much sodium by using a lot of table salt or ingesting processed foods and soft drinks.
• Some medications: Medications have some water retention as a side effect.
These include:
– chemotherapy treatments
– some over-the-counter pain relievers
– antidepressants
– blood pressure medications
• having weak heart: Having a weak heart that can not pump blood well can cause the body to retain water.
• deep vein thrombosis : Leg swelling may be a cause by DVT, which is a clot in a vein.
• pregnancy: The change in weight during your pregnancy can cause the legs to retain water if you do not move around regularly.
Consistent water retention may be a symptom of a serious condition such as:
• deep vein thrombosis
• fibroids in women
• pulmonary edema, or some fluid buildup inside of your lungs
In case your body doesn’t return naturally to its balanced state, you should seek some medical help. Your doctor will be able to determine if you need any of the following to relieve your water retention:
• diuretics
• birth control pills
• special supplements
Remedies for water retention are as follows:
1. Follow a low-salt diet
You should definitely try to limit your consumption of sodium to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. This certainly means that shopping the perimeter of the grocery store and not eating processed, packaged foods. Also try adding spices instead of salt to flavor vegetables and lean proteins.
2. Add in potassium- and magnesium-rich foods
They will help balance out your sodium levels. Options include:
• bananas
• tomatoes
• avocados
• sweet potatoes
• leafy vegetables, as for example spinach
3. Intake a vitamin B-6 supplement
There is a study that was published in the Journal of Caring Sciences, and according tot hat , vitamin B-6 significantly helped with premenstrual symptoms like water retention.
4. Eat proteins
The so known protein attracts water and keeps your body balanced. There is a special protein called albumin keeps fluid in the bloodstream and prevents it from leaking out and causing swelling.
5. Keep your feet elevated
Elevating the feet can help move the water upward and away from your lower extremities.
6. Wear compression socks or leggings
These are becoming more popular and easier to find and they are available at athletic clothing stores and many online sites. Compression socks are actually made to fit tight. They might feel a little uncomfortable at first, and the purpose of compression apparel is to squeeze your legs and prevent fluid from accumulating.
7. Try your doctor’s help if your problem persists
Your doctor will be able to prescribe a diuretic medication to make you urinate more.
You can be able to live a healthy life if you naturally retain water. It is an actual common health issue. The side effects are a little more than feeling like you’ve gained some weight and your clothes fit tighter than usual. In case you feel concerned about your symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Prevention
It is fort he best to follow a healthy diet and limit foods high in sodium. Write a diary of what you’re doing and eating when you feel like you’re retaining extra water and this will help you pinpoint the causes. Then you may be able to make appropriate lifestyle changes to help prevent water retention.
Takeaway
Water retention is a very known health issue that can be caused by a number of factors, including diet, menstrual cycles, and genetics as well. You max help to relieve water retention by making some lifestyle changes. If your water retention persists, talk to your doctor who may prescribe medications.
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