by Betty Carew

Created on: March 17, 2010

Water retention may present itself with the swelling of the feet and hands and sometimes throughout the body. Water retention is a common ailment for many people. Usually a person suffering from water retention will seek their doctor’s help. But did you know there are things you can do yourself to help water retention? Here are some ways to reduce water retention symptoms naturally.

Salt

Salt is a known cause of water retention. If you suffer with the symptoms of water retention decreasing your intake of salt during the day can ease the symptoms and give you relief. Salt can be found in more places that the salt shaker such as in canned food, pre-mixed packages of food, processed meats and just about anything that is prepared for fast meals. Fast food outlet foods contain high amounts of salt. By reducing your intake of this type of food you can also reduce water retention.

Foods that help

There are certain kinds of food that will help you with your water retention naturally and are well worth trying if you are finding you suffer from it. You can find natural diuretics in foods such as tomatoes, cranberry juice (which is also good for the kidneys), asparagus, apple cider vinegar, garlic and any type of green tea. By incorporating these in your diet you are helping your body naturally to get rid of the excess water in your system.

Drink lots of water

You may think that due to your body retaining fluid you should not drink much water but water does not add to the amount of fluid you are retaining. In fact it will work just the opposite by helping to rid your body of the excess water. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day helps to flush out your kidneys and keeps them working properly.

Vitamins

Vitamins are important for your body and can help reduce the symptoms of water retention. Any food that holds calcium and potassium is useful to maintain your body’s health. You can find vitamins and minerals in such foods as bananas, avocados, apricots, carrots or the many other foods that adds vitamins and minerals to your body.

Exercise

If you have water retention there are a few things you can do during the day to alleviate your symptoms. If your feet are swollen pop them up on a chair or stool a few times during the day and this will help the swelling to go down. If your hands are swollen raise them above your head and keep them there for a few minutes several times a day.

Anyone that suffers from water retention should see their physician. There are many different reasons for water retention and it should be checked out medically. Discuss with your doctor what you can do to help some of these symptoms. Sometimes by following these suggestions you can avoid medication. These suggestions will certainly help to reduce water retention naturally.

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