Problems With Water Retention and Drinking Alcohol

Water retention is also known as edema, and is most commonly characterized as puffiness in the extremities 1. While it most commonly presents in the feet, ankles and legs, it can also manifest itself in the fingers, face and, in some cases, the belly. (Ref 1) Water retention can result from a number of causes, including drinking alcohol 1. While most cases of water retention can be treated at home, severe, prolonged or frequent cases should be studied by a doctor 1. (Ref 1)

Water Retention

Water retention occurs when your body holds onto fluids in the cavaties and soft tissues of your body 1. This is an attempt to preserve fluid content in your body, to prevent the possibility of dehydration. To treat water retention at home, rehydrate yourself by drinking more non-diuretic fluids, as diuretics, such as alcohol, cause your body to release fluids, increasing your body’s protective anti-dehydration response 1. (Ref 1)

Alcohol as a Diuretic

Alcohol is a natural diuretic, which, even when consumed in small amounts, can cause your body to lose more fluids than your body is comfortably able to manage. (Ref 3) Diuretics encourage urination. (Ref 5) According to Creighton University, alcohol consumption can cause dehydration that is sufficiently severe it takes upwards of a week for your body to fully recover. (Ref 4)

Staying Hydrated

To balance out the diuretic effects of alcohol consumption, you need to replenish your fluids. While some of the water in your system is produced during digestion, particularly of water-rich foods, you still require additional fluids to stay properly hydrated. The general recommendation is a minimum of six to eight 8 ounce glasses of fluids each day, and while the optimal choice is water, other fluid rich beverages, such as:

• soup
  
• milk
  
• juice
  
• can also provide hydration

(Ref 3) Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and colas, as caffeine is also a natural diuretic. (Ref 3)

Other Concerns

In addition to water retention and possible dehydration, alcohol consumption, especially in excess and in the long term, can cause other health complications 1. Alcohol increases the amount fo fat storage in your body by changing your body composition, while simultaneously slowing down your reaction time and thinking speeds. (Ref 4) Regular overconsumption could also lead to an increased risk of liver disease, heart disease, and even possibly brain damage. (Ref 4) The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that moderate drinking, no more than one drink per day for women and a maximum of two per day for men, will likely not have an adverse effect on overall health 5. (Ref 6)