When the lymph system does not release water, it causes excess fluid buildup in the tissue cells resulting in uncomfortable swelling and bloating. Water retention, also known as edema, can be present in any part of the body, but due to gravitational forces, it is more common in the legs, ankles and feet. But you don't have to walk around feeling like a blimp, as a few simple tweaks in your lifestyle can naturally cure water retention in the body.
Causes of Water Retention
The most common cause of water retention in women is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). But PMS is not the only reason women retain water. Oral contraceptives, pregnancy and menopause can be water-retention culprits as well. Both men and women can suffer from edema because of excessive sodium in the diet, drug side effects, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration or health conditions such as heart problems, liver disease, hypothyroidism, arthritis, kidney disease and allergic reactions.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes can be a natural way to cure water retention in the body. Since sodium plays a major role in edema, your daily intake of salt should be reduced. But completely eliminating salt from the diet is never an option because the body uses small amounts to this element to maintain fluid in the blood cells, absorb nutrients from the small intestines and transfer information to the muscles and nerves.
You can effectively reduce your salt intake by nixing junk foods out of your diet, buying foods labeled "Low Sodium," avoiding table salt and eliminating high-sodium foods such as bacon, olives, ham, canned soups, salted crackers, condiments and fast foods from your diet.
Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables such as bananas and cabbage help rid the body of excess fluid. And fruits and vegetables that are full vitamin A and C such as carrots and tomatoes help remove water from the kidneys to flush away waste.
Drinking herbal teas such as parsley tea and uva-ursi before your menstrual cycle can remove excess water from your body and prevent premenstrual bloat. These herbal teas can be easily found at health food stores.
The last thing someone who is suffering from edema wants to do is guzzle water. But drinking the recommended eight to 10 glasses per day enables the body to release water more efficiently. Also, add a little lemon to your water occasionally to encourage your cells to get rid of extra fluid.
Exercise
Regular exercise such as walking, running, biking and aerobics naturally cure water retention because physical activity flushes salt from the body through sweating, dilates blood vessels, moves water through the body and increases urine flow. Opt for 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity five days a week. Though your goal is to reduce water retention during exercise, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
If your edema is a result of a medical condition or pregnancy, consult a doctor before making any changes in your diet or exercise habits.
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