What is Water Retention and How Can I Stop Water Retention?

The simple answer to the questions in the title would be that water retention means we are holding water and we can stop this by not taking in more water. We could also stop water retention by getting rid of the water that is already there. It sounds so simple, but the truth is water retention in human beings is anything but simple.

Health Reasons

Some individuals might retain water because some part of their body isn’t working properly. People may suffer from excess water in the body when they have serious heart problems or a kidney disease. For example, if the kidneys don’t process liquids correctly parts of the body can swell up (especially the legs, ankles and feet).

The human body is about 70 percent water so it’s important that our systems handle this vital liquid properly. We need a regular supply of new, fresh water on a daily basis so that our bodies can flush out the toxins and unneeded substances. The body also retains water so that cells remain hydrated and can function properly.

Water, Water Everywhere

Whether the retention of water is due to a major illness or a natural event such as pregnancy, the excess water can cause swelling of the lower extremities. This alone makes an individual very, very uncomfortable. If the problem isn’t dealt with correctly there may be some more serious complications. Human beings need at least some moderate exercise, which stimulates all the body functions, including elimination of wastes. If we are inactive due to illness, injury or if we cease our usual daily routines because of pregnancy, the body can certainly hold onto water we drink, get from our food or from the cells (as it goes through its normal processes).

One way that we can make water retention worse is by eating too much salt with our food or eating prepared foods that already contain too much salt. We might compensate for this by drinking more water to slake our thirst but salt will cause the body to retain more liquid as it tries to achieve a balance. In fact, a small amount of salt can account for a couple of pounds of water weight.

Other Causes

Some people will retain a lot of water because of hormonal changes in the body. This may be one reason for water retention during pregnancy, as the body changes dramatically. People who take insulin to help their body process sugar (with diabetes) may find themselves gaining weight and feeling uncomfortable because of extra water. Some medications have the effect of causing us to retain water. These may affect how the kidneys work. Only a doctor can help you with this particular condition.

We may be able to lessen the effects of water retention with mild exercise, with a diet that is lower in calories and salt, and by paying particular attention to how histamine affects your body. Keep in mind that the simple act of drinking less water will not necessarily reduce the amount of water retained. In fact, it may be best to drink a bit more water in some cases. Try reducing the amount of salt in your diet and see if that has a noticeable effect.