6 effective ways to reverse bloating and lose all your water weight

Fluid retention, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluids accumulate within the body.  Water retention typically occurs in the circulatory system or in the cavities or tissues, causing swelling in the feet, ankles, leg, and hands.

While there are many reasons for edema, most of them are harmless. For instance, some women experience it before their monthly period or during pregnancy.  In addition, those why are physically inactive are also at higher risk of being affected by water retention.

Unfortunately, water retention can sometimes indicate a more severe condition, such as heart failure or kidney disease. Hence, if you have severe water retention, get checked as soon as possible.

6 Ways To Reduce Water Retention

1. Eat Less Salt

Salt is made of chloride and sodium, which attaches to water in the body and helps keep the balance of fluid inside and outside of cells.  Regular consumption of meals containing high amounts of salt, like processed foods, causes the body to retain water.  As a matter of fact, processed foods are the richest dietary source of sodium. Reducing sodium intake is the basic step that should be taken when it comes to reducing water retention.

2. Increase Your Magnesium Intake

Magnesium is an essential mineral that takes part in over 300 enzymatic reactions that keep the body functioning properly.  Additionally, boosting your magnesium intake may help reduce water retention, too.

It has been scientifically shown that 200 mg of magnesium daily reduced water retention in women with premenstrual symptoms.  Other studies done on the topic have come up with similar results.

Solid sources of magnesium include whole grains, leafy, green vegetables, dark chocolate, and nuts. It can be found in the form of supplement as well.

3. Increase Vitamin B6 Intake

Vitamin B6 is a group containing few related vitamins, all of which are needed for the formation of red blood cells, and also participates in many other functions in the body.  This vitamin has been found to reduce water retention in women with premenstrual syndrome.  Foods high in vitamin B6 include meat, potatoes, walnuts, and bananas.

4. Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods

Just like magnesium, potassium serves many functions in the body and is equally important. For instance, it sends signals that keep the body running properly.  Moreover, it also promotes heart health.  Studies show that it helps reduce water retention, thanks to its ability to increase urine production and decrease sodium levels. Good sources of potassium include tomatoes, bananas, and avocados.

5. Try Taking Dandelion

Dandelion is a herb that has been long used as a natural diuretic.  This means that it helps reduce water retention by making you urinate more frequently.

In a study involving 17 subjects who were given three doses of dandelion leaf extract over a twenty-four period, there was a notable increase in urine produced.

6. Avoid Refined Carbs

The consumption of refined carbs causes rapid spikes in both blood sugar and insulin levels.  Consequently, high insulin levels cause the body to retain more sodium by increasing the absorption in the kidneys.  Good examples of refined carbs include table sugar, white flour, and other processed sugars and grains.

Other Ways To Reduce Water Retention

While many people swear by the effectiveness of these tricks, note that some of them are not actually backed up by science.

Corn silk: People from different parts of the world use this herb for the treatment of water retention.

Nettle: Yet another folk remedy used to treat water retention.

Cranberry juice:  It has been reported to offer diuretic properties.

Fennel:  It is also known to have diuretic properties.

Horsetail: It has been scientifically shown to have diuretic effects.

Parsley:  Again, it has a good reputation as a diuretic.

Hibiscus:  A recent study confirmed that it acts as a natural diuretic.

Garlic:  It has been historically used for its powerful diuretic effect.

Move around: Walking and moving around helps reduce water retention in some areas, especially the lower limbs.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

Read More »

What Causes Water Retention and How to Avoid It

Are your feet, ankles, hands, or legs often swollen? This happens because of water retention, a condition known as edema. It is characterized by the accumulation of fluids in the tissues, circulatory system, and cavities.

The main causes of edema are pregnancy, not being physically active, premenstrual syndrome, sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications. But, swelling can also occur during a long flight.

Most cases of edema are not serious. However, sometimes it can indicate heart failure or kidney disease, so it’s important to treat it on time.

Here are the main causes of edema as well as suggested ways of how to reduce the swelling and avoid water retention, as long as there’s no underlying condition.

6 Causes of Edema

1. Excessive Sodium Intake

If your diet is based on sodium-rich foods and if you don’t drink enough water, your body will use its water reserves. This, in turn, results in water retention. The human cells can expand up to 20 times with the help of water. So, the important thing here is to know which foods contain high amounts of sodium, so you can start avoiding them.

Besides salt, sodium can also be found in canned vegetables, some condiments, processed meat, and other processed foods. On the other hand, Celtic and Himalayan sea salt can reverse the water retention caused by table salt.

2. Magnesium Deficiency

Lack of magnesium can lead to edema. This mineral is vital for most functions in the body, so insufficient amounts of it can hinder the proper function of the body. This will eventually lead to water retention.

One research showed that taking 200 milligrams as a daily dose of magnesium can reduce water retention in women with premenstrual symptoms. Increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods or taking it as a supplement can relieve this condition.

Here are the foods which contain the highest amount of magnesium: dried fruits, spinach, dark green veggies, dark chocolate, nuts, avocados, peas, and whole grains.

3. Lack of Vitamin B6

Deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to edema since it’s involved in many aspects of water balance in the body.

A study published in the Journal of Caring Sciences involved women who experienced water retention caused by premenstrual syndrome. They took vitamin B6 on a daily basis, and their condition was soon improved. This vitamin is water-soluble, so it requires many cofactors to function properly. Therefore, it’s best to obtain it from whole foods.

Foods high in this vitamin are potatoes with skin, chicken, lean beef, turkey, tuna, dried fruit, bananas, sunflower seeds, and pistachio nuts.

4. Lack of Potassium

This mineral is vital for the proper function of cells, tissues, and organs in the body. It plays a significant role in the maintenance of normal water balance in the body.

Potassium deficiency can result from not consuming enough potassium-rich foods but high amounts of salt. This will eventually lead to edema. Lack of this mineral can cause weight gain, muscle spasms, and cramps. Potassium can reduce water retention due to its ability to reduce the sodium levels.

You can find this mineral in most fruits, especially in watermelon, honey melon, and rockmelon.

5. Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when you don’t drink enough water. This condition forces the body to retain water in order to survive, resulting in swellings in your feet, ankles, hands, or legs. Luckily, it’s not hard to improve your condition. Just drink enough water and potassium-rich juices, and avoid soda drinks and coffee.

6. Excessive Consumption of Processed Foods

As we mentioned, processed foods are full of sugar and sodium – one of the leading causes of water retention. But, they also contain artificial food additives whose toxic nature puts a load on the kidneys and the liver.

Foods which contain high amounts of sugar including artificial sweeteners can cause spikes in the levels of insulin and blood sugar.

Therefore, we recommend avoiding processed foods as much as you can.

Plants that Help Reduce Edema

Thanks to their strong diuretic properties, these plants can help reduce water retention or edema:

• Horsetail
• Dandelion
• Parsley
• Corn silk
• Hibiscus
• Nettle
• Fennel
• Garlic

source: http://www.myhealthylifeguide.net

Read More »