Water retention, also known as edema, may stem from something as simple as eating too much sugar, salt or baked goods. But heart and kidney problems as well as hormonal imbalances and medications can also cause edema. You can lose water weight in a week but, if you're retaining water and don't know why, contact your physician.
Dietary Changes
You could lose water weight in a week by following a low-carbohydrate diet. If you eat primarily protein and fat and severely restrict your intake of carbohydrates -- grains, fruits and vegetables -- you will shed additional water. Ketosis and the breakdown of muscle tissue provide two reasons for water-weight loss. A body deprived of carbohydrates creates ketones. Ketones are toxic, so your body excretes more urine to get rid of them. Your body also needs glucose to survive and, when you deprive it of carbohydrates, your body searches for it in every available resource. Your muscles provide the best option. When your muscle tissue breaks down to make glucose, your muscles release water.
Exercise
Workouts will increase the respiration and transpiration of your body, which will help you to get rid of water weight in a week or less. Exercise provides a healthy way to sweat off water weight. It will also increase your heart rate and expand your blood vessels, leading to more frequent urination. Exercise will also help you burn calories and shed fat. This can lead to permanent weight loss rather than a temporary drop of water weight.
Dehydration
Dehydration commonly causes water-weight gain. If you want to lose water weight, keep your body hydrated. Your body is designed to adapt to changes in endurance requirements. If you don't drink enough water, your body will start to retain fluid as a protective measure. Drink eight glasses of water a day to keep yourself hydrated. If you're pregnant, exercise vigorously or live in a hot climate, you may need more. Drinking water can help you lose water weight in less than a week. Water consumption may also help you lose fat by curbing your appetite and speeding your metabolism.
Diuretics
Diuretics can enhance the rate of water excretion from your body. You could lose water weight within a few days by taking diuretics. But you should not take diuretic pills without first consulting your physician, as they could prove harmful. You can try natural diuretics, such as green tea, cranberry juice or plain lemon juice. If you want to lose water weight as a part of your weight-loss plan, avoid diuretics and consider healthy changes, such as improving your diet and adding exercise to your daily routine.
References
- "The Gazette"; Understanding Atkins; Karen Haram; Nov. 25, 2003
- Science Daily: Weighing Benefits Of Exercise, Diets: Both Work For Weight Loss, But Dieters Also Lose Muscle
- MayoClinic: Water Retention
- MayoClinic: How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?
- "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism;" Water-Induced Thermogenesis; Michael Boschmann et al.; December 2003
- "Daily Record"; Water Way to Lose Weight; Janice Buns; Aug. 4 2010
Member Comments