Swelling, puffiness, edema and bloating are all terms that can be used to describe water retention. Water retention means that the cells in the body are hydrated more than they need to be. Water retention can be cause by hormonal changes, medications, illness and diet. Elimination methods for the excess water will depend on the exact cause but can be achieved in most people through some easy dietary adjustments.
Step 1
Eliminate excess water by restricting the amount of sodium you eat. Sodium causes you to retain water instead of flushing it out naturally. Look for "low-salt" or "no sodium added" labels on food products and use other spices in your cooking instead of salt. Be wary of frozen entrees and snack foods that tend to have high sodium contents.
Step 2
Get your daily recommended allowances of potassium, calcium and magnesium to both eliminate and prevent water retention. Medical experts at the Oregon Health Sciences University explain that deficiencies in these essential nutrients may sometime cause people to gain water weight. Adults each day should eat 400mg of magnesium, 1,000 to 1,500mg of calcium and 3,500mg of potassium.
Step 3
Use a diuretic, under your doctor's supervision, to eliminate water retention. Diuretics make you urinate more frequently and allow you to get rid of some of the extra water your body retains.
Step 4
Follow a more natural approach to eliminating water retention by taking herbal supplements. Dandelion root and celery seed are two herbs that are natural diuretics. People who have kidney problems should consult a doctor before taking either of these supplements as a way to stop water retention.
Step 5
Let gravity help flush extra water from your tissues. Some people retain water in the form of puffy eyes or edema (swelling) in a limb. Elevating the area that is affected by water retention can help fluids drain more effectively.
Things You'll Need
- Herbal supplements
