What Are the Treatments for Water Retention?

There are many causes of water retention, or water weight. But fortunately, shedding water weight is easy once you've identify the cause. Retaining fluid can result in additional weight--especially in the stomach and thighs. Water weight is often confused with body fat. However, you can lose water weight faster than body fat. In fact, it's possible to shed several pounds of water weight in a few days.

Limit Your Sodium Intake

• A high sodium diet is a primary cause of water retention. However, altering your eating habits and choosing low-sodium foods can reverse fluid retention. According to a CDC study, the average person consumes approximately 3,500 milligrams of sodium a day--sometimes more. To reduce or prevent water weight, it's best to consume around 1,500 milligrams a day. Select your foods carefully and read package labels. Processed foods and frozen meals normally have a high sodium content. Instead, choose fresh fruits and vegetables. If purchasing canned vegetables, rinse the vegetables in water before boiling or choose low-salt alternatives.

Increase Fluid Intake

• Drinking inadequate amounts of water can also result in water retention. To quickly combat the condition, increase your intake of water and other drinks that promote the expulsion of excess fluids in the body. Drink between eight and 10 glasses of water a day. Ideal fluids also include teas and cranberry juice, which act as natural diuretics. Also, moderate consumption of caffeinated beverages stimulates the kidneys and gets rid of extra water in the body.

Modify Your Medications

• Certain medications impact your body's ability to lose water. These include medications such as prescription steroids (prednisone) and some birth control pills. Altering or tapering your dosage can get rid of water retention. If not, talk to your doctor about an alternate drug. Over-the-counter or prescription diuretics are also effective remedies. Diuretics--also referred to as water pills--increase the frequency of urination, enabling you to eliminate excess sodium and fluids from your body.