What Are the Treatments for Water Retention in the Body?

The leaking of fluid from capillaries into surrounding tissues causes water retention, or edema, in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, common reasons for water retention include lack of movement (sitting at the computer all day), ingesting too much salt, pregnancy or being premenstrual. Certain drugs cause water retention, as do serious health conditions such as kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, congestive heart failure and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Once these serious conditions have been ruled out, there are both doctor recommended and self-care treatments to alleviate the condition.

Limit Salt Intake

• Too much salt causes water retention.

  Excessive use of salt can cause or exacerbate water retention, hypertension, the formation of kidney stones and other medical conditions. The Mayo Clinic suggests ingesting no more than 2,500 mg of sodium per day, and only 1,500 mg per day if you have "high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes; you are black; or you're middle-aged or older." Start checking the salt content of your diet and learn how to measure it effectively.

Diuretic Drugs

• Diuretic drugs can alleviate water retention.

  Once a medical professional has diagnosed edema, she may prescribe a diuretic drug such as furosemide, spironolactone or one of the thiazides to treat the condition. Diuretic drugs combat water retention by stimulating the kidneys to produce urine.

Doctor Recommended Self Care

• Elevate the affected limb.

  Your doctor may recommend a number of lifestyle changes and a salt reduction diet. He may suggest moving your body at regular intervals if you have a sedentary job to prevent fluid buildup in the legs, ankles and feet; performing certain exercises to discourage fluid buildup; gently massaging the affected part to encourage circulation of the fluids toward the heart; and elevating the affected limb for at least 30 minutes three or four times a day. He may prescribe a compression garment to prevent the buildup of fluid in the limb.