Water retention happens when excess water builds up in the body’s circulatory system, tissue and body cavities. Sometimes this extra water is due to food intolerances, allergies, lack of protein or lack of vitamins, but more often than not it’s due to your menstrual cycle. Remember the terrible feeling of being bloated before a period? Well, you can now blame water retention for that.
Another common cause of water retention is alcohol consumption. Because alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it causes you to need to pee more when you’re drinking, it will later retain fluid to try and make up for all the liquid lost.
It isn’t all bad, though. Figuring out whether you’re carrying a little extra water weight can be pretty easy, and getting rid of isn’t that hard either. Simply pinch the back of your heel and if it feels soft and spongy, it is likely your body is storing a little extra fluid. Here’s how to get rid of it:
Drink more water
It may seem a little strange as what you’re trying to get rid of is in fact water. But drinking water will both keep you hydrated and flush out any excess fluid.
Bananas and potatoes
These two wonder foods contain potassium, which is a key vitamin that people who struggle with water retention are deficient in.
Increase your B6
If you like a bit of red meat and brown rice, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re really good sources of B6. If you’re not a fan, you can find a supplement from your local health store that will do the trick instead. You won’t be pleased to know that you should reduce the salt and sugar in your diet to shed excess water weight.
Eat diuretic foods
Watermelon, cucumber, lemon juice in water and cranberry juice are all good options when it comes to diuretic foods. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks as although they are diuretic, they can end up dehydrating you, potentially causing you to retain more fluid!
Basically, just make healthy food choices and drink lots of water, especially during and after alcohol. Doing this should make fluids behave themselves. Otherwise, if in doubt, chow down on a cucumber.
