Best Way to Deal with Water Retention Through Diet

I have problems with water retention off and on, especially when it's "my time of the month" or I consume too much salt (I've been known to polish off a lot of olives in one sitting). I've learned that there are multiple ways to deal with it. The first is to drink a lot of water, the second is to take diuretics (preferably herbal ones, specifically dandelion leaf), and to clean up your diet and eat foods that will help.

In this article, we'll talk about the foods that help. But before we get started, please check with your doctor. There are some health problems that can cause water retention that need to be treated by a medical professional. In other words, visit your doctor to try to determine the cause, just in case.

Clean Up Your Diet

The very first thing you should do is examine your diet and determine what needs to be changed. Do your best to eliminate processed foods and excess sodium. I know, it's hard - and I am not a poster child because I refuse to give up olives and every now and then, you just want to heat up a can of soup, like a good tomato soup. Just do your best. For me, this means not eating olives and my favorite soups as often.

Drink Plenty of Water

Our bodies need water. Sometimes when we don't drink enough of it, our body tends to hoard it. To prevent this from happening, just drink enough. Also, when we need to flush excess sodium from our bodies, water can certainly help with that. Aim for around 8 cups a day, but this can vary depending on your personal needs. It's highly individualized.

Eat the Right Foods

Aside from eating a healthy, balanced diet - there are some additional foods that are definitely worth including in your diet. Fruits and vegetables with a high water content such as melons, citrus fruits, and cucumbers are worth including. So are foods that are high in potassium like bananas, oranges, and leafy greens. This is especially important if your water retention is caused from excess sodium. Foods like asparagus and watermelon can also be helpful.

If you have a problem with water retention the very first thing you should do is see a doctor to make sure everything is okay. Meanwhile, it is worth it to clean up your diet, focus on eating healthy foods, and drink plenty of water. While assembling your balanced diet, think about the various fruits and vegetables that can aid your situation and include them as part of your regular meal program. Other than that, always follow your doctor's advice.