Difference between revisions of "Reduce Water Retention"
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Water retention, formally known as edema, is a symptom of a number of conditions including dehydration, constipation, hormonal changes, excess sodium in the diet, heart conditions and kidney problems. Symptoms of water retention include feeling heavy and bloated, noticeable swelling in the feet, legs and other areas of the body, and an increase in body weight of up to several pounds. | Water retention, formally known as edema, is a symptom of a number of conditions including dehydration, constipation, hormonal changes, excess sodium in the diet, heart conditions and kidney problems. Symptoms of water retention include feeling heavy and bloated, noticeable swelling in the feet, legs and other areas of the body, and an increase in body weight of up to several pounds. | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Identifying the Cause(s) of Water Retention === | === Identifying the Cause(s) of Water Retention === | ||
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#* Water retention is also a common problem during pregnancy and menopause for the same reason. Hormonal changes that occur during these longer transition periods in the body cause excess fluid retention that may be constant, cyclical or intermittent. | #* Water retention is also a common problem during pregnancy and menopause for the same reason. Hormonal changes that occur during these longer transition periods in the body cause excess fluid retention that may be constant, cyclical or intermittent. | ||
#See your doctor if you notice signs of water retention that you know are not hormone related. | #See your doctor if you notice signs of water retention that you know are not hormone related. | ||
| − | #* Your doctor may run various types of tests, such as blood or urine tests, depending on your other symptoms. These will check the health of your heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory, lymphatic, and thyroid systems. He or she may also ask you about symptoms of arthritis or allergies, both of which can also cause water retention in some cases.<ref name="rf7505" /> | + | #* Your doctor may run various types of tests, such as blood or urine tests, depending on your other symptoms. These will check the health of your heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory, lymphatic, and thyroid systems. He or she may also ask you about symptoms of arthritis or allergies, both of which can also cause water retention in some cases.<ref name="rf7505">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/187978.php</ref> |
#See your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with your water retention: swelling in the feet, legs, or ankles, swelling in the abdomen, chronic coughing, or extreme fatigue. | #See your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with your water retention: swelling in the feet, legs, or ankles, swelling in the abdomen, chronic coughing, or extreme fatigue. | ||
#* Water retention that is heart related is a result of changes in your blood pressure. Typically, the legs, feet, and/or ankles will start to swell. Fluid will also build up in the lungs, giving the patient a chronic cough. A doctor may order blood tests, a chest X-ray, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if your water retention is a symptom of a heart condition. | #* Water retention that is heart related is a result of changes in your blood pressure. Typically, the legs, feet, and/or ankles will start to swell. Fluid will also build up in the lungs, giving the patient a chronic cough. A doctor may order blood tests, a chest X-ray, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if your water retention is a symptom of a heart condition. | ||
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#* High salt intake and dehydration are leading causes of water retention. How to stay hydrated and eat a balanced healthy diet are discussed more in the next section, "Reducing Water Retention With Diet." <ref name="rf16332">http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/fluid_retention</ref> | #* High salt intake and dehydration are leading causes of water retention. How to stay hydrated and eat a balanced healthy diet are discussed more in the next section, "Reducing Water Retention With Diet." <ref name="rf16332">http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/fluid_retention</ref> | ||
=== Reducing Water Retention With Diet === | === Reducing Water Retention With Diet === | ||
| − | #Stay hydrated. 8 glasses of fluids per day is a general guideline- this is about how much most people need to not feel thirsty and have clear or light yellow urine. More active people may need more. All fluids count, but keep in mind that some are not as healthy as water. If you are retaining water, consider whether you are staying hydrated; if your body is suffering from dehydration, it retains water as a survival mechanism.<ref name="rf15314" /> | + | #Stay hydrated. 8 glasses of fluids per day is a general guideline- this is about how much most people need to not feel thirsty and have clear or light yellow urine. More active people may need more. All fluids count, but keep in mind that some are not as healthy as water. If you are retaining water, consider whether you are staying hydrated; if your body is suffering from dehydration, it retains water as a survival mechanism.<ref name="rf15314">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256?pg=2</ref> |
#* Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, herbal teas and other non-caffeinated beverages allows your kidneys to flush out excess fluids. | #* Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, herbal teas and other non-caffeinated beverages allows your kidneys to flush out excess fluids. | ||
#* Avoid caffeine and alcohol, because they contribute to dehydration. | #* Avoid caffeine and alcohol, because they contribute to dehydration. | ||
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#* Grab a basketball or baseball and glove and hit the courts or the field. | #* Grab a basketball or baseball and glove and hit the courts or the field. | ||
#* If you live close enough, ride your bike or walk instead of driving to work or to run errands. You would also be helping the environment by driving less. Just be sure to wear a helmet and abide traffic laws while biking. | #* If you live close enough, ride your bike or walk instead of driving to work or to run errands. You would also be helping the environment by driving less. Just be sure to wear a helmet and abide traffic laws while biking. | ||
| − | #* If you have to clean the house, put on music and dance while you clean. You would be surprised all the ways there are to exercise!<ref name="rf1612" /> | + | #* If you have to clean the house, put on music and dance while you clean. You would be surprised all the ways there are to exercise!<ref name="rf1612">http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html</ref> |
#Elevate your feet and legs. Standing for too many hours or sitting all day with your feet on the floor may cause fluids to drain into your feet and legs, which causes swelling. | #Elevate your feet and legs. Standing for too many hours or sitting all day with your feet on the floor may cause fluids to drain into your feet and legs, which causes swelling. | ||
#* Lie down or sit with your feet elevated when resting and taking breaks. | #* Lie down or sit with your feet elevated when resting and taking breaks. | ||
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#* Dandelion has no harmful side effects and can be used indefinitely. Add 10 to 20 drops of dandelion tincture to salads or other foods daily. | #* Dandelion has no harmful side effects and can be used indefinitely. Add 10 to 20 drops of dandelion tincture to salads or other foods daily. | ||
#* Dong quai is best added to an herbal tea and taken at bedtime because it has a mild sedative effect. Some teas are sold with dong quai in them, or you can purchase it as oil and add a few drops to your favorite tea. In addition to being a diuretic, dong quai is known to inhibit the growth of bacteria. | #* Dong quai is best added to an herbal tea and taken at bedtime because it has a mild sedative effect. Some teas are sold with dong quai in them, or you can purchase it as oil and add a few drops to your favorite tea. In addition to being a diuretic, dong quai is known to inhibit the growth of bacteria. | ||
| − | #* Essential oils used in vaporizers, gargles, baths and massage may help combat water retention. Lavender, rosemary, geranium and cypress are known to have good results.<ref name="rf6992" /> | + | #* Essential oils used in vaporizers, gargles, baths and massage may help combat water retention. Lavender, rosemary, geranium and cypress are known to have good results.<ref name="rf6992">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/water-retention/faq-20058063</ref> |
#Consult with your doctor about taking a chemical diuretic sold over the counter, or one that can be prescribed for you. | #Consult with your doctor about taking a chemical diuretic sold over the counter, or one that can be prescribed for you. | ||
#* "Loop diuretics" such as Lasix are most common, and they inhibit sodium reabsorption into the bloodstream, causing more water to drain as urine. This type of diuretic is especially helpful for patients suffering from renal impairment, liver cirrhosis, or heart conditions. While they can drain the body's store of potassium and contribute to osteoporosis, there is a kind that includes an extra potassium supplement in it (Lasix K). | #* "Loop diuretics" such as Lasix are most common, and they inhibit sodium reabsorption into the bloodstream, causing more water to drain as urine. This type of diuretic is especially helpful for patients suffering from renal impairment, liver cirrhosis, or heart conditions. While they can drain the body's store of potassium and contribute to osteoporosis, there is a kind that includes an extra potassium supplement in it (Lasix K). | ||
