6 ways to beat water retention

Are you suffering from water retention?

Also known as fluid retention or oedema, according to Healthline, water retention occurs in the circulatory system or within tissues and cavities. It can cause swelling in the hands, feet, ankles and legs.

There are several reasons why it happens, many of which are not serious.

Some women experience water retention during pregnancy or before their monthly period.

People who are physically inactive, such as when bedridden or sitting through long flights, may also be affected.

1. Eat Less Salt

Salt is made of sodium and chloride.

Sodium binds to water in the body and helps maintain the balance of fluids both inside and outside of cells.

If you often eat meals that are high in salt, such as many processed foods, your body may retain water. These foods are actually the biggest dietary source of sodium.

The most common advice for reducing water retention is to decrease sodium intake. However, the evidence behind this is mixed.

Several studies have found that increased sodium intake leads to increased retention of fluid inside the body.

On the other hand, one study of healthy men found that increased sodium intake did not cause body fluid retention, so this may depend on the individual.

Sodium can bind to water in the body, and decreasing your salt intake may help reduce water retention.

2. Increase Your Magnesium Intake

Magnesium is a very important mineral.

In fact, it is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions that keep the body functioning.

Moreover, increasing your magnesium intake may help reduce water retention.

One study found that 200 mg of magnesium per day reduced water retention in women with premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

Other studies of women with PMS have reported similar results.

Good sources of magnesium include nuts, whole grains, dark chocolate and leafy, green vegetables. It is also available as a supplement.

Magnesium has been shown to be effective at reducing water retention, at least for women with premenstrual symptoms.

3. Increase Vitamin B6 Intake

Vitamin B6 is a group of several related vitamins.

They are important for the formation of red blood cells, and they also serve many other functions in the body.

Vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce water retention in women with premenstrual syndrome.

Foods rich in vitamin B6 include bananas, potatoes, walnuts and meat.

Vitamin B6 may help reduce water retention, especially in women with premenstrual syndrome.

4. Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium is a mineral that serves several important functions.

For example, it helps send the electrical signals that keep the body running. It may also benefit heart health.

Potassium appears to help reduce water retention in two ways, by decreasing sodium levels and increasing urine production.

Bananas, avocados and tomatoes are examples of foods that are high in potassium.

BOTTOM LINE:

Potassium may reduce water retention by increasing the production of urine and decreasing the amount of sodium in the body.

5. Try Taking Dandelion

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an herb that has been used as a natural diuretic in folk medicine for a long time.

Natural diuretics may help reduce water retention by making you pee more often.

In one study, 17 volunteers took three doses of dandelion leaf extract over a 24-hour period.

They monitored their fluid intake and output during the following days, and reported a significant increase in the amount of urine produced.

Although this was a small study with no control group, the results indicate that dandelion extract may be an effective diuretic.

BOTTOM LINE:

Dandelion may help reduce water retention, especially when consumed as a leaf extract.

6. Avoid Refined Carbs

Eating refined carbs leads to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

High insulin levels cause the body to retain more sodium by increasing re-absorption of sodium in the kidneys.

This leads to more fluid volume inside the body.

Examples of refined carbs include processed sugars and grains, such as table sugar and white flour.

7. Use a specially designed product

Thalgo Mineralg Gel – Gelee Mineralg 1000ml is a salon-sized product. Thalgo Mineralg Gel stimulates circulation, assists in the reduction of water retention, and refines and tones the skin. Thalgo Mineralg Gel is a refining and firming treatment that can be done in a “dry” treatment room. All the benefits of the Micronised Marine Algae Body Wrap are seen in this specialised treatment.