Edema, or water retention, can be caused by medication, hormonal disturbances or have other medical origins. Speaking with your health-care provider will help to determine the root causes of your water weight. You can reduce water weight by adhering to a diet consisting of water-rich foods and by increasing your water intake. Water makes up 60 percent of the human body and benefits your health by helping to assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste.
Facts
Drinking sufficient amounts of water promotes healthy kidney function and reduces water weight. When your body has adequate water available, it doesn't hold onto water as much. Drinking water before meals also promotes weight loss by helping to reduce caloric intake, according to the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association."
Benefits of Water
Drinking water helps increase your metabolism, which may result in weight loss. Men should consume approximately 13 cups of water a day and women should drink 9 cups a day, MayoClinic.com reports. Hot weather, exercise and certain illnesses may increase your water intake requirements. Consuming approximately 2 additional cups of water per day can increase metabolism by 30 percent, the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" reports.
Foods that Contain Water
Foods with a high water content cause more frequent urination, which helps shed water weight. Consume foods naturally high in water, such as fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, celery, apples and cucumbers in particular feature high water content. Cucumbers, for example, contain 96 percent water, according to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. Both cantaloupes and honeydews are comprised of 90 percent water, according to the USDA, and make solid choices for a water-weight diet.
Prevention
Reducing your salt intake can help reduce water weight. Salt creates edema symptoms by increasing fluid buildup in the body as the kidneys work to balance the electrolyte concentrations. Eliminate processed foods that might contain large amounts of sodium, such as canned soups, prepackaged frozen meals, soy sauce and deli meats. Try further reducing your sodium intake by using herbs and spices to season your food, instead of table salt.
Considerations
Consider using exercise in conjunction with a water-rich diet to help shed excess water weight. Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine may help reduce water retention. Try performing cardio at least five times a week, combined with two strength-training sessions to promote weight loss, help reduce water weight and meet the American College of Sports Medicine's physical activity guidelines.
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