Natural Remedies for Water Retention

One of the most common afflictions in the world, especially in the United States, is water retention. The common diet of processed, high-sodium foods that are low in fiber and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle on average may contribute greatly to the number of water retention sufferers and the intensity of the affliction. Provided there are no severe medical problems causing the problem, some natural at-home remedies may be effective.

Exercise - This is a really big one. Without proper exercise the body can't circulate fluids properly, so they pool primarily in the extremities and around the neck and face. Varying your position, even with minimal exercise can also be beneficial, namely if your work requires that you stay either sitting or standing all day. Small breaks to walk around and "get the blood flowing" can help reduce the risk of severe water retention.

Diet - Often the major cause of retention is your dietary habit. Strive for a diet that is high in fiber and low-fat proteins (namely, non-animal proteins such as soy or lean meats such as fish or turkey). Avoid pre-packaged, processed foods whenever possible as they are often very high in sodium or combine throughout the day to equal way too much sodium in the body.

Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, high-fat proteins such as beef or pork, high-fat foods in general such as fried food and high-sodium sauces such as gravy or soy sauce. In addition, dried shellfish often has a concentrated amount of salt in it and can make water retention issues worse.

Stay hydrated - The body tends to hold on to things it needs if it doesn't get enough, so a dehydrated body will retain as much water as possible. To avoid this, make sure you drink at least the recommended eight glasses of water every day along with a healthy diet.

Sweat it off - Exercise helps get the circulation going, but it also helps the body excrete excess fluids in the form of sweat. A vigorous workout at least two or three times a week will do wonders in the fight against water retention, as will a twice-weekly hot bath or sauna break.

Take a daily multivitamin - We can try to get everything we need into our diets but still not quite cover all the requirements. Taking a high-quality daily multivitamin will ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to function its best. The body loses nutrients through daily living, sweat through exercise and from excess stress, all of which must be replaced regularly to ensure optimal function.

What Else Can You Do?

Other than promoting good diet and exercise habits, you may also take some supplements for water retention such as alfalfa (a detoxifier), a mild diuretic such as hawthorn berries or horsetail and supplements to aid in circulation. Natural supplements taken in conjunction with a lifestyle that has been tailored to reduce or eliminate water retention will often be very effective in helping to further rid your body of the discomfort of water retention.