How to Solve Water Retention

Edema, or water retention, can cause swelling or bloating in various areas of the body, such as the stomach, thighs and face. Retaining a few pound of water isn't uncommon, and the kidneys eventually flush out the water. Water retention is common during the menstrual cycle, or as a side effect of taking medications such as prednisone. However, there are ways to solve fluid retention and get back to your normal weight.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce bloating by eating fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, cantaloupe, lettuce and cucumbers have a high water content. Snack on these foods to help get rid of water retention.

• 2

  Drink eight glasses of water to stop fluid retention. The more fluids you drink, the more you'll urinate and remove extra water from your body. Sodium-free drinks such as water, natural fruit juices and herbal teas help get rid of water retention.

• 3

  Select salt-free alternatives. Limit your salt consumption to fewer than 2,500 mg a day, and use salt-free seasonings when preparing meals.

• 4

  Drink a moderate amount of caffeine to induce urination. Caffeine is a natural diuretic, and consuming caffeinated drinks (soda, coffee and tea) in moderation can temporarily reduce water weight.

• 5

  Induce sweat to stop water retention. The body loses water through perspiration. Exercise regularly, 30 to 60 minutes a day, to reduce water retention.

• 6

  Alter your medications. Birth-control pills and prescription steroids can cause fluid retention. Ask your physician to consider an alternative medication or to taper your dosage, if possible. These changes can help reverse water weight.

• 7

  Use diuretics to reduce excess fluid. Water pills or diuretics are available by prescription to help combat water weight. Over-the-counter or non-prescription diuretics can cause side effects, such as breast tenderness in women.