How to Stop My Body From Retaining Water

Water retention occurs for many reasons, but the most common are premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, excess sodium intake and various health problems. Water retention can cause weight gain as well as swollen hands, feet and legs. You might need to make a permanent change in your lifestyle to rid your body of excess water, but often it is enough to make some temporary changes. If you have persistent problems with water retention, talk to your doctor about the possibility of an underlying, more serious medical problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Adequate water intake can relieve water retention.

  Drink plenty of water. One of the most common reasons for water retention is insufficient water intake. If you are drinking less than eight to 10 glasses of water per day, your body might retain water to compensate. Overweight individuals should drink more, consuming 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight.

• 2

  Avoid salt to stop your body from retaining water.

  Avoid excess sodium intake; check sodium levels on food labels. Processed and prepackaged foods tend to contain a lot of sodium, so stick with whole, fresh foods that you prepare yourself.

• 3

  Exercising can help reduce water retention.

  Exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes to avoid water retention. Exercise helps your body flush out excess sodium and water through sweat, urine and rapid breathing.