More than half of your body weight is water and it is essential for a healthy body and for life itself. You can live weeks without food but only a couple of days without water as severe dehydration would negatively affect every organ in your body. Your weight can fluctuate by a few pounds in just a couple of days related to water weight. You may also experience water retention for various reasons which can add weight visible in appearance.
All About Water
Water carries nutrients through the body and is vital to all organs and cells. The level of water in the body is balanced between intake and output. Water is lost through perspiration and respiration. It is also lost from kidneys and intestines as urine and feces. Water is replaced by drinking fluids and consuming foods containing water and then it goes to work in the body. Your weight may fluctuate by approximately 4 lbs. in 48 hours related to the amount of water consumed and excreted by your body.
Well-known Causes of Water Retention
Water retention can cause an increase in weight beyond what is normal and has medical, hormonal and dietary causes. Common medical causes of water retention include heart and kidney problems because there is a reduction of fluids being moved through your body. Circulation problems may also cause water retention and swelling in various extremities. Lymphedema -- prevention of lymph drainage because of lymphatic system congestion -- can occur after surgery or as the result of a sedentary lifestyle. Hormonal fluctuates during a woman's menstrual cycle may lead to water retention. In addition, cortisone released during periods of extreme stress can cause your body to retain water. Finally, too much salt in your diet can cause minor water retention and weight gain because it causes your body to hold onto fluids.
Cut Down on Salt
You will have a smaller amount of water weight fluctuation if you reduce the salt in your diet. Eating lots of chips, fries and foods loaded with table salt is not only unhealthy and unnecessary but it leads to water retention as your body tries to perform the balancing act. If you want to add flavor to your food, try using chives, garlic, cilantro, black pepper or hot sauce.
Drink More Water
This may sound like the opposite of what you should do, but water is a natural diuretic and may help you lose weight as it causes urination and increases your metabolism. Proper hydration will also reduce water retention because your body won't need to hold onto fluids because it is in a dehydrated state. How much water the body needs is debatable and really depends on your own body make-up, activity level and diet. MayoClinic.com advises that you drink about eight glasses of water daily along with a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
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