How to Reduce Water Retention

Water retention is a common problem, especially in women. It usually indicates weakness in the adrenal glands, heart or kidneys, possibly from stress. Medical doctors usually prescribe diuretics to treat water retention, but there are other options. Follow these steps to reduce water retention.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor or ask for a diuretic if your doctor thinks your problem is severe. Be careful because long-term diuretic use can cause potassium deficiency. This deficiency contributes to osteoporosis and can also be fatal.

• 2

  Convert to a low-salt diet to help control water retention. Elevate your legs when sitting.

• 3

  Use 10 to 20 drops tincture of dandelion root. This herb not only reduces water retention, but helps with functioning of the adrenals, kidneys and digestive system. You can use it for as long as you like and it also helps ease the changes of menopause.

• 4

  Try **** quai as a mild diuretic that also inhibits bacterial growth. It has a mild sedative effect.

• 5

  Eat lots of watermelon, corn, grapes, cucumber and asparagus. These fruits and vegetables, along with cornsilk tea, all inhibit water retention.

• 6

  Drink small amounts of coffee and black tea as a diuretic. Eat small amounts of celery and parsley to reduce water retention.

• 7

  Experiment with essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, juniper, geranium and cypress. Any of these oils may ease water retention.