Get Rid of Water Retention

Water retention, also known as edema, is a medical condition caused by abnormal retention of large amounts of fluid in the spaces between the body's cells or in the circulatory system.

There are many potential causes of edema: premenstrual syndrome, medication, disease or excessive sitting or standing. 

Water retention can be life-threatening in some instances and should be properly evaluated by a doctor to rule out any underlying disease that requires immediate medical treatment.

Here are 7 treatment options that can help you get rid of water retention.

1. Drink Water: 

You must drink eight to ten glasses of water per day. Although edema is referred to as fluid retention, drinking plenty of clear fluids, such as water, will flush out toxins and excess fluid accumulation. 

According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, excess fluid retention can cause kidney strain, therefore flushing the kidneys with water will avoid unnecessary damage due to constant kidney strain. 

2. Over-The-Counter Diuretics: 

Diuretics are medicines that aid the removal of sodium and water from the body. They work by removing chloride and sodium from the body in the urine; and the chloride and sodium in turn absorb extra water from the body.

3. Take Vitamins and Calcium: 

Consume plenty of vitamin B and iron enriched foods, such as whole grains and green leafy vegetables. According to Mayo Clinic, adding fresh fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants in diet will help your body get rid of excess fluid. 

You may also take 1200 mg of calcium per day to reduce fluid retention and ease premenstrual syndrome symptoms. MayoClinic.com also recommends taking 200 to 400 mg of magnesium to alleviate edema symptoms.

4. Prop Your Legs: 

Propping your legs with the help of a pillow to support your knees and ankles while lying down can help you get rid of water retention. 

Lying flat can worsen fluid retention. According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, propping your feet helps eliminate water retention and improve blood circulation that may be restricted by edema symptoms. 

5. Wear Compression Stockings: 

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends wearing compression stockings while standing for long periods of time. These support stockings apply gentle pressure to the legs, stimulating proper circulation and preventing swelling associated with edema. 

6. Cold Compresses: 

Cold Compression is a combination of cryotherapy and static compression, generally used for the treatment of pain and inflammation. You can use cold compresses made of yarrow tea to alleviate the swelling caused from fluid retention.

You can apply cold compresses in the swollen area to ease inflammation and stretching of the skin that is associated with edema. 

7. Follow a Healthy Diet: 

To get rid of water retention, you must follow a healthy diet plan. There are several foods that you must avoid, such as white flour foods, processed foods, sugary foods and drinks, coffee, black tea, and alcohol. 

For more information about edema and its treatment methods, read these articles: Edema Home Remedies, Drugs For Edema, and Acupuncture for Edema.