Water retention is a common bodily complaint that can cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating, swelling of the legs or ankles, weight gain and even high blood pressure. Commonly, women will report excess fluid retention during their menstrual cycles. However, the condition could also be a chronic problem or perpetuate from a medical condition such as congestive heart failure. There are natural and artificial methods of losing water weight, some of which produce nearly immediate, albeit fleeting, results. Other approaches may render a gradual, more lasting loss of water weight.
Diuretics
Taking diuretics, usually called water pills, will frequently cause a quick loss of water weight. That is, the effects of this type of medication can occur within one to two hours. Over-the-counter medications, including Diurex, have milder concentrations of diuretics. However, prescription diuretics, such as Lasix or Aldactone, are typically more potent. MayoClinic.com explains that diuretics are often used to prevent, treat or improve symptoms of conditions such as heart failure and kidney stones.
Because diuretics can cause side effects like low blood sodium, or hyponatremia, dizziness, and increased blood sugar, it is advisable to consult your physician before taking even an over-the-counter medication. It should also be noted that diuretics typically cause short-term water weight loss, which can only be sustained by continued use.
Exercise
Cardiovascular activity, including running or indoor cycling, can contribute to a loss of water weight. Bikram yoga, or hot yoga, also promotes heavy sweating by conducting exercise in a room that is heated up to 105 degrees F. Depending on the intensity and duration of exercise, you may perspire, or sweat out, a significant amount of fluid.
Provided you do not drink so much water to counteract the effects of perspiration, you will likely notice the weight loss. Of course, it is still necessary to maintain adequate bodily hydration. Similar to the effects of diuretics, the water weight loss incurred with exercise is usually temporary.
Dietary Changes
More mindful eating is arguably the safest and most enduring way to lose water weight. Although it may take a number of days to weeks to experience its effects, eliminating foods that cause fluid retention is wise. Perhaps the most obvious dietary cause of water retention is high salt intake. Thus, if you avoid products high in sodium and stop using a salt shaker, water weight can be avoided. A study in the February 2010 issue of the "Journal of Applied Physiology" suggests that carbohydrates exert an influence on fluid retention. By decreasing consumption of superfluous carbohydrates found in white bread, candy, cookies and sugary sodas, you can experience a sustained loss of water weight, in addition to potential fat loss.
a number of foods and beverages include diuretic properties. Among them are watermelon, asparagus and green tea. Including this items in a sensible, nutritious diet can assist with water weight loss.
Considerations
Accelerated methods of losing water weight, especially taking diuretic medications, should only be pursued if prescribed or advised by a physician. The cause of excess fluid retention, whether dietary, medical, or hormonal, will largely determine the most appropriate way to rid your body of water.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Diuretics
- Time.com; Is It Hot Yoga or Just Balmy?
- "Journal of Applied Physiology"; Carbohydrate exerts a mild influence on fluid retention following exercise-induced dehydration; K.L. Osterberg, et al; February 2010
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