Successful weight loss requires a strategic approach that includes calorie reduction and exercise. While water retention can add a few pounds, medically, you cannot flush the water from your system. There are approaches you can take to help reduce the need for retention, however. The first step is to see your doctor. Water retention, or edema, may be a symptom of a medical problem that requires treatment.
Step 1
Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day. This is one of the most vital steps to reduce water retention. The kidneys retain water if you do not drink enough, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is a safety mechanism to save the water for an emergency.
Step 2
Reduce the sodium in your diet. Put the table salt away. Salt pulls water into the tissue.
Step 3
Increase the fruits and vegetables in your diet. Focus on foods that have a high water content such as cucumbers.
Step 4
Eliminate processed foods completely. These products can have a lot of sodium. If you do eat processed foods, read the labels and select low-sodium items.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about an herbal diuretic. Supplements that contain dandelion or green tea may help reduce water retention.
Tips and Warnings
- For long-term weight loss, you should lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. Reducing water retention is not part of that equation.
- Water retention may be a sign of poor circulation or high blood pressure. See your doctor to rule out a medical cause of fluid buildup. Do not take herbal treatments without consulting a medical professional. Some dietary supplements can interfere with prescription medications.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Common-Sense Strategies to Long-Term Weight Loss; Michelle Murray; 2011
- Huntington College of Health Sciences; To Help Lose Water Weight; Gene Bruno, M.S., M.H.S.; 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Water Retention: Are There Any Natural Diuretics?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Fast Weight Loss: What's Wrong With It?; Donald Hensrud, M.D.; 2011
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