6 Causes Of Water Retention And How To Reverse It

Water retention is the accumulation of fluids in the body-tissues, cavities and circulatory system. This usually happens to pregnant women and it’s also called edema. The side effects include: swelling in the feet, hands, ankles and legs.

This condition can also happen to people who are inactive, you have other medical conditions and as a result of long flights. This condition is usually not fatal but can cause kidney and heart problems. Thankfully there are ways to avoid water retention and swelling.

Causes of Edema:

  1. Excessive intake of sodium

When the body has to use its reserves it starts to retain water which makes the cells expand 20 times.This occurs when you take too much salt or you have water deficiency. Sodium can be found in processed foods such as processed meat, condiments and canned vegetables. To avoid water retention use Himalayan or Celtic sea salt.

  1. Deficiency in magnesium

200 Mg per day can reduce water retention.Take foods that are rich in magnesium such as: spinach, dark chocolate, dried fruits, yogurt, dark green vegetables, avocados, nuts, whole grains, and peas. Magnesium deficiency can obstruct the proper function of the body that’s why this mineral is essential to the body.

  1. Vitamin B6 Deficiency

In a study published by The Journal of Caring Sciences, it was discovered that women who had edema due to PMS, improved their condition with vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is important for balance and it’s best to consume it through whole foods such as chicken, potatoes with skin, pistachio nuts, lean beef, tuna, turkey, bananas, dried fruit, and sunflower seeds.

  1. Potassium deficiency

Potassium maintains water balance and body cells, organs and tissues functions. It can be found in most fruits- watermelon, rock melon and honey melon. If you suffer from potassium deficiency and eat salty foods you may get cramps, muscle spasms and weight gain.

  1. Dehydration

Not drinking water or drinking coffee and soda can dehydrate the body leading to water retention. Therefore ,drink plenty of water and juices rich in potassium.

  1. Excessive consumption of processed foods

Processed foods contain sodium, sugar and toxins which are bad for liver and kidney function. Sugar and artificial sweeteners may lead to rise on blood sugar and insulin levels.

To detoxify your body reduce all processed foods and get in shape.

Beneficial herbs for reducing edema

The following herbs act as diuretics and can reduce edema:

  • dandelion
  • horsetail
  • parsley hibiscus
  • corn silk, nettle
  • garlic
  • fennel

Source: healthandhealthyliving.com

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