Water retention is a condition that more than usual water gathers inside the body. It also gets called fluid retention or edema. There are different causes that one of the parts of the body is not working properly or a single reason is a cause.
Tahoe Springs Water provides whatever information you need to know about water retention, symptoms, causes, and how to reduce the risk.
Table of Contents
What is water retention?
Water retention or as often called fluid retention, is a problem with one of the body’s parts or mechanisms that can not keep the body level. It is when the hydration level of your body is not balanced. Different parts of the body are responsible for helping keep the fluid level, such as:
- circulatory system,
- the kidneys,
- the lymphatic system,
- hormonal factors
The main symptoms are swelling and discomfort.
Water retention often causes a heavier feeling than normal and inactiveness.
It can also cause:
- Bloating
- Discomfort
- Puffiness
- Sweating
- Swelling
There are various reasons for water retention that will be explained in the below sections.
What are the symptoms of water retention?
The first symptom of water retention is unusual perspiration. It could have different reasons, but water retention is one of them.
If you are trying to lose weight and you do not see the results, water retention could be the cause. If you have experienced unusual or unexplained weight gain over a short period of time, it is another indication of water retention. A swollen stomach, if you are feeling it regularly, can be another symptom.
The one quick way to find out if you have water retention works like this. Press your calf, ankle, or foot gently with your thumb. In case the edema is still present, you see an indentation on the skin. It is one of the signs of water retention, but you still need a health expert opinion on it.
People who are overweight are more likely to get water retention as they take more calories and receive more sodium, which is a major contributor to water retention.
The symptoms of water retention can vary for each person. Also, it depends on the area of the body that water retention affects what part of the body; legs, the hands, the abdomen, and the chest. But the common ones include
- Putting on weight
- Swelling
- Stiffness in the joints
- A change in the color of skin
- Puffy or shiny skin
- Stiff joints
- Edema when pressed on the skin
- Aches and tenderness in the limbs
- Change in weight (unexplained)
- aching of affected body parts
Fluid or water retention can also affect the brain and the lungs.
What are the causes of water retention?
There could be different causes of water retention. First, different parts of the body are responsible for regulating and balancing water. If there is a problem with them, the result could be water retention:
Hormonal factors,
- Cardiovascular system
- Urinary system
- Liver
- Heart
- kidneys
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Medications
- Infections and allergies
- Standing on feet for a long period of time
- Sitting too long
- Taking too much sodium
- Hot weather
- Sunburn
- Pregnancy
A few medical conditions can cause water retention but it is experts who would say the real cause:
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Chronic lung diseases
- Liver disease
- Malignant lymphoedema
- Thyroid disease
- Arthritis
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How can you treat water retention?
There are different ways you can reduce the level of water retention or treat it. The point is that the following introduced methods are all general and might not be appropriate for you. You would better take an expert opinion, and you might be able to apply the following pens.
However, these methods can be used in general terms so you can reduce the possibility of getting water retention. You can add them to your diet and lifestyle and do them every once in a while.
Take less salt with your daily diet
Sodium and chloride are the two major components of salt. Having a diet rich in sodium, such as processed foods, can increase the risk of water retention.
One of the most common pieces of advice by health experts to reduce the risk of water retention is to decrease the amount of sodium taken.
The studies on the effect of sodium on water retention are missed, and the effect could vary for each person. But there are some other risks with a high sodium diet that you would better cut it down:
- heart muscle
- headaches
- heart failure
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease
- kidney stones
- osteoporosis
- stomach cancer
- stroke
Take more magnesium in your daily diet.
Magnesium is one of the essential minerals you and I need. Besides helping to reduce the risk of water retention, there are other benefits with magnesium:
- Being involved in the biomechanical reactions of the body
- Increase energy performance
- Fights against depression
- Helps against type 2 diabetes
- Can aid to lower blood pressure
- There are anti-inflammatory benefits
- Reduce the risk of headaches and migraines
Take more vitamin B6
There are different vitamins in the B6 vitamin group. You need them for the formation of red blood cells and many other things in the body. One function is reducing the risk of water retention.
Bananas, potatoes, walnuts, and meat are rich sources of B6 vitamins that you can include in your daily diet.
There are other benefits with vitamin B6 that are as follows:
- Improve mood and reduce the signs of depression
- Reduce Alzheimer’s risk
- Brain health
- Could prevent anemia
- Aid in cancer prevention
The following are are rich sources of B6:
- Milk
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Eggs
- Beef
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Chickpeas
- Avocado
Include potassium-rich food in your diet
Potassium is good for your heart and aides, sending the “electrical signals that keep the body running .”One study indicates that potassium can reduce the risk of retention in just two days.
The following food groups are rich in potassium:
- Avocados
- Sweet Potatoes
- Spinach
- Watermelon
- Coconut Water
- White and black beans
- Potatoes
Are there home remedies for water retention?
There are some home remedies that could help for reducing the risk of water retention. The subject has not been studied much, and it requires further research. But remember that some of the following might not have science-based:
- Get more physical activity esp walking.
- Increase water intake
- Eat horsetail herb
- Garlic
- Nettle
- Fennel
- Wear loose clothing
Home remedies for water retention
Did you know that some herbs have the diuretics feature? For instance, dandelion can help to reduce the amount of water your body keeps.
Dandelion is generally considered safe according to National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. But science doesn’t show that it has medical usage. You would better consult with your health expert before trying it for water retention. You might be allergic to dandelion and not knowing. Diuretics might not be safe or healthy for people with kidney problems.
If you know other diuretics, you use them for water retention. But your general health condition determine whether to use it or not. Again, consult with a doctor before taking any of them. Hawthorn and green and black tea are among the natural diuretics but use them in balance and consult with your doctor.
The ways to treat water retention above don’t include herbs but can be considered home remedies. You should also change your lifestyle to avoid it:
- Get more physical activity
- Wear Compression Leggings
- Elevate Your Feet
- Weight Management
- Get a Massage
- Review Your Medication
How to prevent water retention?
The following changes in your diet and lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of water retention:
- Manage your weight and try to reduce it.
- Do regular physical activity
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and sitting or standing for too long.
- Avoiding extreme temperatures
Let’s sum up…
Water retention is one of the medical issues that can happen due to several reasons. The article explains the signs and symptoms, the common causes, and how to treat or reduce the risk. Bear in mind that you would better always consult with your doctor or get advice from a health expert.
Tahoe Springs Water provided the article for you to stay healthy and safe. We have provided the best of alkaline, spring mountain, and purified water in Las Vegas since 1994.
Give us a call at +702-903-1433 or go through the menu of the website to order your water and receive further information.
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FAQs
hat is the cause of water retention?
There are various factors in the body; see the article for more information.
Are there signs of water retention?
Yes, swelling, putting on weight, stiff joints, and other ones; see the article.
Is water retention life-threatening?
It could be in severe cases, and you must visit healthcare.
Can I treat water retention with lifestyle changes?
Yes, but in severe cases, you must visit a health specialist and get help from them.