While your body is typically 70 percent composed of water, it can also retain excess water. This causes discomfort due to swelling that makes your skin feel like it is being stretched beyond its normal boundaries. Consuming too much salt can cause you to retain fluid, as can medical conditions like kidney disease that affect your body's ability to filter fluids. When you experience water retention, you can consume a few key foods known to reduce swelling.
Coumarin-rich Foods
Coumarin is a substance found in certain foods that works with other cells in your body to break up proteins that leak into your tissues and cause water retention. Examples of foods high in coumarin include celery and parsley. You can incorporate these foods into soups or cooked vegetables to enhance flavor and reduce fluid retention.
Fruits
Increasing the amount of water in your body can often reduce water retention. The added fluid dilutes your blood and signals to your kidneys that it is time to release excess fluids. Many fruits contain water, which can help to reduce water retention in your body. Examples include watermelon, honeydew melon and cantaloupe. Many other fruits, including berries, also contain water.
Vegetables
Vegetables also are high in water and some are known to especially have diuretic or water-releasing properties. Asparagus is an example of a highly diuretic food. Watercress is another example of a diuretic vegetable. You also can brew teas made from herbs like dandelion and juniper berries, which can have diuretic effects on the body.
Foods to Avoid
If you have problems with water retention, your physician may recommend avoiding certain foods. This includes those high in sodium, which tends to attract water in your body. Examples include French fries and pre-packaged frozen or canned foods. Sodium is added to these because it helps to preserve the food. You also can avoid fast foods, which tend to have sodium added to enhance taste. Additionally, caffeine-containing beverages like coffee, tea and soda products tend to cause your body to retain water and should be avoided. Consuming excess amounts of animal protein also contribute to water retention because your body absorbs water to help break down proteins.
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