How to Drink More Water to Get Rid of Water Retention

Water retention occurs when the body is holding on to too much water in the spaces between cells and tissues. This can be symptomless, or result in such symptoms as bloating and puffiness, especially in the face, abdomen, feet, ankles, and legs. Water retention can also cause an uncomfortable heavy feeling. Although it seems logical to assume that drinking too much water is what causes excess water in the body's tissues, water retention can actually occur as a result of dehydration. That means drinking more water can prevent water retention.

Instructions

Identify How Much Water You Need

• 1

  Weigh yourself using a scale that will show your weight in pounds.

• 2

  Multiply your weight by one half if you are not active, and by two thirds if you are an active person who loses water due to sweating regularly.

• 3

  Take the number from step 2, in ounces, to discover how much water you should be drinking in one day. For example, an active person who weighs 150 pounds would need 150 x 2/3 = 100 ounces of water.

• 4

  Check your urine. If your urine is colorless or slightly yellow, you are drinking a healthy amount of water. If your urine is dark yellow, you need to increase your water intake.

Make a Plan to Increase Water Intake

• 5

  Ensure that water is available to you everywhere you go. Drinking throughout the day is more beneficial than gulping your entire day's intake in one sitting.

• 6

  Purchase a refillable aluminum water bottle if you want to avoid spending large amounts of money on bottled water.

• 7

  Bring a portable water-filtration device to your office if you dislike the taste of tap water. These water filters are not expensive and can be found in the "home" section of many large department stores.

• 8

  Have a good knowledge of where washrooms are. During the first week of increased water intake, you will find yourself needing to urinate more frequently.