How to Lose Water Retention

Seventy percent of your body weight comes from water. Water retention can make you feel bloated and your hands, wrists, feet, ankles and face look puffy. Water retention can be caused by certain medications, lack of exercise, poor diet or dehydration. Fluid retention can be solved by making some minor lifestyle changes.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce your sodium intake by watching what you eat and how you prepare your food. Salt in the foods you consume can cause your body to hold onto water. According to the American Heart Association a person should consume 1,000 mg of sodium for every 1,000 calories consumed, not to exceed 3,000 mg. Reading food labels and avoiding fast foods such as pizza and French fries can aid in reducing water retention.

• 2

  Eat foods that have a high water content, including vegetables such as asparagus, cabbage, carrots, lettuce and cucumbers. The water in the foods will help hydrate the body, making it less likely to want to hold onto fluids.

• 3

  Consume herbs and foods that are natural diuretics. Some natural diuretics include apple cider vinegar, celery, celery seed, cranberry juice, dandelion and green tea.

• 4

  Increase your physical activity. Exercise such as running, walking and biking help decrease the bloat in your legs and ankles.

• 5

  Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your body might be holding onto water because it is dehydrated.

• 6

  Take vitamin B6, calcium and vitamin D. These vitamins help the body get rid of excess premenstrual water weight.

• 7

  Consult with your doctor to see if any medications you are taking cause water retention. Certain blood pressure and diabetes medications cause fluid retention. Ask your doctor if there are any alternative medications.