The process of water retention starts when the body takes the water and retains it. Approximately 75% of our body is made of water and water is necessary for all body functions to happen.
This makes it the most important part of our life. Here I will tell you more about the common things that cause water retention:
1. DIETARY HABITS
Too much sodium consumption causes water retention. It is contained in processed foods, canned foods, cereals, etc. Just by lowering the amount of salt in your diet will eliminate your problems with water retention. You can use vinegar, lemon juice, pepper, oregano, cumin and many other spices as a replacement to spice up your meals.
2. LACK OF EXERCISE
If you have sedentary lifestyle, you can experience water retention. To solve this problem you have to stay active and by that you can keep under control the side effects caused by water retention. So, include any kind of exercise in your everyday life and try to stay active as much as possible.
3. MEDITATION
Some medications, like antidepressant pills and beta-blockers can also be the cause for water retention. Therefore, it is much better to relax your mind with meditation and take those kinds of pills only if you can’t avoid them.
4. HORMONES
Hormones have really important role in water retention, and that is why women experience it even more during pregnancy and menopause. Hormones that affect water retention the most are progesterone and estrogen. Also it is very important to stay away from foods that additionally make you bloated.
5. HEART PROBLEMS
Water retention can cause problems with the heart. First signs may include shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue, and if you start to have them, visit your doctor for further examination.
6. DEHYDRATION
If you don’t drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated. In the case when your body is dehydrated your cells start to retain water because they are programmed to go into survival mode. To avoid this from happening, consume plenty of water and avoid sodas and coffee.
7. TOXINS
Almost every woman is affected by cellulite, which basically is a type of fat combined with retained water. To avoid this problem you should drink plenty of water and detox your body and you will remove the accumulated waste and toxins.
8. HIGH LEVELS OF CORTISOL
Cortisol is the stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It is in charge for controlling body functions such as blood sugar level and water retention. To avoid high levels of cortisol, avoid stressful situations, exercise every day, and start a healthy diet.
9. POTASSIUM IMBALANCES
The cells in our body are designed to absorb potassium and sodium and transport the water along with them. Potassium helps the pumping of water out of the cell and sodium is responsible for transporting water inside the cells. So, in case we don’t have enough potassium, we experience water retention. This is why you should consume more milk, bananas, peas, and beans, since they contain a lot of potassium.
10 PROTEIN
To maintain water balance, your body always has to have a certain level of proteins. The concentration of protein in the blood helps the movement of water from tissue spaces and back in the capillaries. To help this process, you need to eat foods high in protein such as nuts, eggs, meat, cottage cheese, and oats.
11. ALLERGIES
Many people are allergic to foods that we consume on a daily basis. So, if you notice any allergic reaction on certain food, visit your doctor immediately.
12. THYROID DISEASE
People who have a thyroid disorder many times experience water retention, which is visible on your face and under your eyes. Not only the abdomen, but your feet and hands can also become swollen. To prevent this from happening, stay away from foods and supplements with high amount of iodine. It is advisable to include more broccoli, spinach, and cabbage in your diet.
