What are the symptoms of fluid retention? What causes it? How can it be diagnosed and treated? Find the answers to these questions and more in this in-depth article.

Recognizing the Signs of Fluid Retention

Fluid retention, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the body’s tissues, causing swelling. The symptoms of fluid retention can vary, but some common signs include:

• Swelling in the affected body parts, such as the feet, ankles, and hands
• Aching or stiffness in the affected areas
• Rapid weight gain over a few days or weeks
• Unexplained weight fluctuations
• Skin that holds an indent when pressed (pitting edema) or does not (non-pitting edema)

Understanding the Causes of Fluid Retention

Fluid retention can have a variety of causes, both physiological and medical. Some of the common factors that can lead to fluid buildup include:

1. Gravity: Standing for prolonged periods can cause fluid to “pool” in the lower limbs.
2. Hot weather: The body’s ability to remove fluid from tissues may be less efficient during the summer months.
3. Burns: The skin retains fluid and swells in response to burn injuries.
4. Menstrual cycle: Some women experience edema in the two weeks leading up to their period.
5. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the body to hold onto excess fluid.
6. Medications: Certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications, corticosteroids, and NSAIDs, are known to trigger fluid retention.
7. Chronic venous insufficiency: Weakened valves in the veins of the legs can prevent blood from returning to the heart efficiently, leading to fluid buildup.

Identifying Underlying Medical Conditions

Fluid retention can also be a symptom of more serious underlying medical conditions, including:

• Kidney disease: Conditions like nephrotic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis can cause fluid retention.
• Heart failure: When the heart is unable to pump effectively, the body compensates by retaining fluid, leading to swelling and congestion.
• Chronic lung diseases: Severe emphysema can put excessive pressure on the heart’s right ventricle, leading to its failure and fluid buildup.
• Liver disease: Severe cirrhosis that triggers liver failure can also result in fluid retention.
• Malignant lymphedema: Cancerous tumors that block the lymphatic system can cause swelling.
• Thyroid disease: Hypothyroidism can contribute to fluid retention.
• Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis can cause swelling in the affected joints.
• Allergic reactions: In some people, the body may swell in response to specific allergens, such as insect bites.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus can also lead to fluid buildup.

Diagnosing and Treating Fluid Retention

To determine the underlying cause of fluid retention, healthcare professionals may conduct a physical examination, review the patient’s medical history, and perform various diagnostic tests, such as blood and urine tests, liver and kidney function tests, and imaging studies like chest x-rays and heart function tests.

Treatment for fluid retention typically depends on the underlying cause. Potential interventions may include:

• A low-sodium diet
• Diuretics (water pills) to help the body eliminate excess fluid
• Treatment for the underlying medical condition, such as hormone replacement for hypothyroidism
• Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol if liver disease is the cause
• Adjustments to medication or dosage if drugs are the culprit
• Dietary adjustments if malnutrition is the underlying issue
• Ongoing medical supervision and the use of aids like support stockings

Self-Care for Mild Fluid Retention

For mild cases of fluid retention, there are some self-care measures that can help, such as:

1. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet by avoiding added salt during cooking and at the table
2. Limiting your intake of processed and salty foods
3. Elevating the affected body parts to help promote fluid drainage
4. Engaging in regular physical activity to improve circulation and fluid balance
5. Wearing compression stockings or socks to support the veins and lymphatic system

Seeking Professional Advice

It’s important to note that fluid retention can be a symptom of more serious underlying medical conditions. If you experience persistent or severe fluid buildup, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-treatment without a clear understanding of the cause can be risky and may delay necessary medical interventions.

Staying Vigilant and Proactive

By recognizing the signs of fluid retention, understanding the potential causes, and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can take proactive steps to address this condition and maintain their overall health and well-being. Regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and collaboration with healthcare providers can help manage fluid retention effectively and prevent the development of more serious complications.

Fluid retention (oedema) – Better Health Channel

Fluid regularly leaks into body tissues from the blood. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains this fluid (called lymph) from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. Fluid retention (oedema) occurs when the fluid isn’t removed from the tissues.

The two broad categories of fluid retention include generalised oedema, when swelling occurs throughout the body, and localised oedema, when particular parts of the body are affected. 

The wide range of causes includes the body’s reaction to hot weather, a high salt intake, and the hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. However, it’s recommended that you see your doctor rather than self-treat, because oedema can be symptomatic of serious medical conditions such as heart, kidney or liver disease.

Symptoms of fluid retention

Symptoms of fluid retention can include:

• swelling of affected body parts (feet, ankles and hands are commonly affected)
• aching of affected body parts 
• stiff joints 
• rapid weight gain over a few days or weeks
• unexplained weight fluctuations
• when pressed, the skin may hold the indent for a few seconds (pitting oedema)
• in other cases, the skin may not hold an indent when pressed (non-pitting oedema).

Causes of fluid retention

Some of the many common causes of fluid retention include: 

• gravity – standing up for long periods of time allows fluid to ‘pool’ in the tissues of the lower leg
• hot weather – the body tends to be less efficient at removing fluid from tissues during the summer months
• burns – including sunburn. The skin retains fluid and swells in response to burn injuries
• menstrual cycle – some women experience oedema in the two weeks prior to menstruation
• pregnancy – hormones encourage the body to hold onto excess fluid
• the pill – oral contraceptives that include oestrogen can trigger fluid retention
• dietary deficiency – such as insufficient protein or vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the diet
• medications – certain drugs, including high blood pressure medication (antihypertensives), corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to cause fluid retention
• chronic venous insufficiency – weakened valves in the veins of the legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart. The pooling of blood can result in varicose veins.

Medical conditions that may cause fluid retention

Fluid retention may be a symptom of serious underlying conditions, including: 

• kidney disease – such as nephrotic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis
• heart failure – if the heart does not pump effectively, the body compensates in various ways. it starts to retain fluid and increase the volume of blood. This results in congestion of the veins, enlargement of the liver, and the accumulation of fluid in body cavities like the abdominal cavity (ascites) and in subcutaneous tissues, causing swelling (oedema) of the legs
• chronic lung diseases – such as severe emphysema, which put excessive pressure on the heart’s right ventricle, leading to its failure
• liver disease – such as severe cirrhosis that triggers liver failure
• malignant lymphoedema – cancerous tumours that block structures of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes
• thyroid disease – such as hypothyroidism
• arthritis – joints affected by some types of arthritis tend to swell with fluid
• allergic reaction – in susceptible people, the body tends to swell in response to particular allergens, such as an insect bite. In some cases, the reaction is severe (anaphylaxis) and requires urgent medical attention. this swelling is short-lived rather than ongoing
• autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Diagnosis of fluid retention

The underlying cause of the oedema must be found before treatment can begin. Diagnostic tests may include: 

• physical examination
• medical history
• detailed questioning about the fluid retention, such as when it started, any factors that worsen the swelling and whether it is constant or intermittent
• blood tests
• urine tests
• liver function tests
• kidney function tests
• chest x-ray
• heart function tests, such as electrocardiogram (ECG).

Treatment for fluid retention

Depending on the cause, treatment may include: 

• a low-salt diet
• diuretics (water pills)
• treatment for the underlying medical condition: for example, hormone replacement (thyroxine) in the case of hypothyroidism
• lifestyle changes in response to the underlying medical condition: for example, avoidance of alcohol if liver disease is the cause
• changes to medication or dosage, if drugs are the cause
• dietary adjustments, if malnutrition is the cause
• ongoing medical supervision
• aids such as support stockings.

Self-care options for fluid retention

Mild fluid retention can be helped in the following ways: 

• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet; for instance, don’t add salt during the cooking process and stop salting your meals at the table. Avoid foods like potato chips and salted peanuts. Be wary of processed foods such as manufactured meats, which tend to contain ‘hidden’ salt.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is thought to help in cases of mild fluid retention. Good sources of vitamin B6 include brown rice and red meat.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), calcium and vitamin D help the body to excrete excess fluids. Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy foods in your daily diet.
• Supplements may help in the case of fluid retention caused by the menstrual cycle: for example calcium, magnesium, manganese, evening primrose oil and chaste tree.
• Herbal diuretics include dandelion leaf, corn silk and horsetail. 
• Make sure to discuss the use of supplements with your doctor or health care professional, particularly if you are on any type of medication.
• Drink plenty of water. It may sound contradictory, but a well-hydrated body is less likely to retain fluid.
• Cut back on dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Cranberry juice has a mild diuretic action.
• Lie down with your legs higher than your head, when possible.
• Exercise regularly.
• Wear support stockings.

Where to get help

3 Ways to Tell if You Have Water Retention

About This Article

Medically reviewed by:

Master’s Degree, Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville

This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 229,653 times.

Co-authors: 20

Updated: September 15, 2021

Views: 229,653

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

If you have water retention, you’ll probably notice some swelling in your hands, legs, ankles, and feet. Rings or bracelets that previously fit may now fit more tightly than they used to. Additionally, you may have water retention if you have stiff or aching joints in your swollen areas. One way to test for water retention is to push down on swollen areas with your thumb and then release. If an indentation remains for more than a few seconds, you may have pitting edema, which is one type of water retention that can be caused by an issue with your thyroid or lymphatic system. For more advice from our Medical co-author, including how to determine the cause of your water retention, keep reading!

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How to Tell the Difference Between Water Weight and Gaining Weight

• Water weight happens when extra water is stored in the body’s tissue or between blood vessels
• There are a number of factors that can cause water retention
• You can gain or lose a few pounds of water weight in a day

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If you’ve gained a few pounds over the last couple of days, you might be alarmed if there doesn’t seem to be a reason for it. It’s possible, though, that your sudden weight gain is just down to water retention.

Water weight gain occurs when extra water is stored in the tissue or between blood vessels. There are a number of factors that can cause water retention including consuming high amounts of sodium or carbohydrates, dehydration, lifestyle, hormones, medication, or even the weather.

“[Water weight] generally has to do with eating high salt-laden foods, lack of exercise or sweating where you would dissipate the salt,” Dr. John P. Salerno, founder of The Salerno Center, told INSIDER. “Sometimes it has to do with kidney dysfunction, where the kidneys can’t disperse water,” he said. “Also, hormone imbalances … water retention can be exacerbated by problematic cycling.”

Consuming more potassium and drinking more water will help reduce your water weight by giving your kidneys a chance to flush out excess water.

Here are four signs that you’re just retaining water.

If your extremities such as your wrists, ankles or fingers are swelling, it’s probably from water weight gain

Water weight can just be temporary.

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If you’ve noticed your wrists or ankles are swollen or your rings are tighter than usual, that probably means you’ve retained some water.

“For the general public, they can just see swelling and fluid around their ankles, socks that leave indentations, for example. That’s all water retention, water weight, that’s causing weight gain,” Dr. Salerno said.

If you press on your skin and an indentation stays there for a couple of seconds, that’s a sign you have water weight

Press on swollen skin to check.

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One way to check if you’re retaining water is to press on swollen skin. If there’s an indention that stays for a little while, that’s a sign that you could be retaining water.

“We’ve all been on a plane … got off the plane, you press on your ankles and there’s a bump and it stays there for a little while. Well, that’s a sign in the setting of someone who has a normal heart function, that you’re retaining some water weight,”  Holly Lofton, MD, director of the Weight Management Program at NYU Langone Health told INSIDER.

Gaining weight in a short amount of time is a sign those pounds are probably just water

If you weigh yourself every day, you’ll notice a regular shift in pounds.

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If you weigh yourself every day, you might have noticed that the number on the scale might shift between two to four pounds. That’s just water weight. It takes longer for fat to register on the scale.

To gain just one pound of fat you’d have to eat 3,500 calories more than what you need. Dietitian Monica Reinagel told Livestrong that it can take several weeks for fat weight to build up in your body.

If your stomach is swollen and you feel bloated, especially after meals, that’s likely just water weight

If you feel bloated, don’t worry.

CHAjAMP/Shutterstock

One meal isn’t going to make you gain fat weight right away, but it might make your stomach bloated. If the swelling doesn’t last for a long time, the heaviness is probably just water weight.

As your kidneys restore your body’s water and salt balance, the water retention should go down.

“[The kidney] decides whether to hold on to water. If you’ve had too much salt the night before, then your kidneys will hold on to more water to dilute or correct that salty imbalance … then they flush it all out,” Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., a Mayo Clinic nutritionist and dietitian and coauthor of The Mayo Clinic Diet told WebMD.

Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more.

9 Warning Signs Your Body Is Retaining Too Much Fluid

If you notice that your body is swelling at times, without a reasonable cause, it can simply be excess fluid due to a change in lifestyle or condition. Detecting the signs that your body is retaining fluid and understanding what can trigger such water weight can help you decrease inflammation and swelling all around. No one likes to feel bloated, so getting to the root of the issue ahead of time can help save you the stress and insecurities.

As a certified health coach, I work with clients on feeling comfortable and confident in their shape, size, and skin. However, when you’re retaining excess fluids and holding more water weight than usual, it can make you feel insecure and pudgy, very unlike how you want to feel each day. Holding excess fluid doesn’t equate to pounds, so sometimes you might feel larger than you really are simply because of the appearance of the fluid itself on the exterior of the skin. Don’t let it rock your confidence. Here are 9 ways to know that your body is holding on to too much water and needs to decrease its inflammatory response. With a few simple tweaks, you’ll start to feel back to normal in no time.

1. History Of Disease

According to Elizabeth Ann Shaw, MS, RDN, CLT, over email with Bustle, you can swell from different health conditions. “When I worked in clinical dietetics, I saw a lot of edema (aka fluid retention) in patients who were suffering from an underlying condition which manifested in extreme swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. It’s important if you have a history of kidney disease, diabetes or other cardiovascular conditions you work with your physician to discuss the proper diet and medication regimen to prevent fluid retention which can often be very uncomfortable too,” Shaw advises.

2. Eating Salty Foods

If you’re eating a diet that is high in salt, which can be in hidden places, such as cured meats, packaged soups, breads, and condiments, you’ll likely become dehydrated. Dehydration will cause you to hold more water and be inflamed, advises CEO and co-founder of FOODSTAND app, Rachna Govani and have been vetted and supported by Shauna Keeler, NYC-based Chef, and RD, over email with Bustle.

3. History Of Digestive Issues

If you’re experiencing digestive issues that pair with the excess fluids and bloating, it could be related to greater stomach troubles, advises Dr. Lisa Ashe, medical director at BeWell Medicine over email with Bustle. These diseases and conditions can include irritable bowel syndrome, poor gut flora, Crohn’s, and candida overgrowth.

4. Constipation

According to holistic health coach and personal trainer Jen Bruno at J.B. Fitness & Nutrition, over email with Bustle, if you’re having trouble making bowel movements or are experiencing constipation, it could mean that you’re retaining too much fluid and can’t eliminate toxins.

5. A High Sugar Diet

According to healthy lifestyle coach Liz Traines, over email with Bustle, if you’re eating a high sugar diet, which will even include natural sources, such as fresh fruit, you might be holding on to excess fluids. Make sure you exhibit proper portion control, instead.

6. Thyroid Disease

Bruno says that having a thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, can cause you to retain excess fluid and show signs of bloating, and even weight gain. If you have this disease, try and find ways to tame your bloating and stay hydrated to nix the buildup of toxins.

7. Irritability & Stress

If you’re totally cranky and stressed during the day, you’re going to produce excess cortisol, which in turn will increase inflammation and water retention in the body, advises running coach and personal trainer Susie Lemmer over email with Bustle. Try and find healthier outlets for managing your stress and irritable mood swings, such as yoga, meditation, or social events.

8. Injuries & Sore Joints

If you’re injured or have sore joints and muscles, you’re probably going to be showing signs of inflammation, which can lead to excess water weight and a sluggish metabolism. Foam roll regularly to get rid of tightness, and see a doctor for help if you think you might be injured.

9. Chronic Fatigue

If you’re super tired all the time, it could mean that your body is under stress and is overworked, which will cause you to hold onto fluids, advises Lemmer. Plus, if you’re actually not sleeping, that will increase cortisol levels and slow the metabolism. All of these attributes will make you more bloated.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make some lifestyle changes to fix the problem and decrease the bloating. With a few tweaks, you’ll be able to trim down and feel more comfortable in your body.

Images: Pixabay (10)

What causes water retention? | Patient

Water retention or fluid retention (oedema) occurs when excess fluid builds up within the body. This can cause swelling, which often occurs in the feet, ankles and legs. You might also notice swelling in the hands – perhaps meaning that rings no longer fit. Other symptoms include weight gain and a slight ‘denting’ on the flesh when pressure is applied.

Whilst uncomfortable, water retention is not necessarily a sign of anything serious – causes include inactivity and poor diet and the normal hormonal changes that occur before a monthly period. 

However, sometimes water retention can be a sign of a more significant illness, particularly if it’s severe or comes on very suddenly.

What else might be causing my symptoms?

Other conditions may sometimes be mistaken for fluid retention. These include lymphoedema and lipoedema. Lymphoedema is caused by abnormal lymphatic drainage, and can run in families. It’s also often seen in one limb after cancer surgery (where lymph nodes have been removed) or radiotherapy for cancer. Lipoedema is a an abnormal build-up of fat cells and mainly affects women. Unlike fluid retention and lymphoedema, lipoedema doesn’t result in a dent in the skin when you press your finger into the flesh.

Occasionally swelling in the lower limbs may be caused by a complication of varicose veins.  These veins can sometimes cause changes in small blood vessels, leading to inflammation and swelling. If you suffer from varicose veins and begin to experience swelling, it’s best to visit your GP who can determine the cause.

Another condition that may sometimes be mistaken for water retention is angio-oedema.  However, in this condition, swelling is most likely to occur in the eyelids, around the mouth, in the genitals or on the hands and feet. Often this occurs as a result of an autoimmune condition such as lupus, or an allergic reaction, but in many cases no cause is ever found.

Finally, lower leg swelling can be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Risk factors for DVT include prolonged immobility, pregnancy, cancer or heart failure. If swelling is localised in one area, accompanied by pain and tenderness, or your calf becomes red and feels warmer than usual, it’s important to see your doctor or seek medical advice.

So what’s causing my water retention?

If you are suffering from water retention, there could be a number of factors at play.

Poor diet

One of the main causes of water retention is poor diet – both excess sodium levels and excess sugar can lead to water retention.

“Eating too much salt can cause water retention because your body needs to hold on to water to dilute it,” explains GP and weight loss adviser Dr Julie Coffey.

Excess insulin

“In addition, water retention can be caused by excess insulin in the system, which can cause salt and water to build up in the kidneys.”

This may be a sign of type 2 diabetes, but can also occur as a result of poor diet.

“Eating too much sugar or refined carbohydrates can lead to excess insulin in the system, but it’s also important to look at the period of time during which we consume our food,” Coffey reveals.

“Many people consume food and snacks over an extended period – over 12 hours in a 24-hour day – which can mean your system is releasing insulin nearly the whole time. It’s a good idea to keep your eating at least within a 12-hour window to give your system a break.”

Lack of movement

A sedentary lifestyle can also play a part.

“When we move, the muscles in our legs pump the fluid back to our heart; and if that’s not happening it can be a contributing factor,” explains Coffey.

Simply doing some gentle exercise can be effective in reducing fluid build-up in some areas.

Being overweight

Excess weight can also cause water retention, according to Coffey.

“Being overweight can affect your circulation, as excess body fat may put pressure on your veins.”

Pregnancy

Pregnancy may also lead to the symptoms of water retention, particularly in the feet and ankles. Usually, this swelling comes on gradually and is a normal side-effect of being pregnant, as the body relaxes to accommodate the baby.

However, if swelling comes on quickly, is accompanied by headaches or vomiting or you feel generally unwell, see your GP as this may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Medication

Water retention within the body may also be caused by certain medications – in particular:

If you are concerned, check the listed side-effects on any medication you take, and speak with your GP about options.

Underlying medical problems

Less frequently, water retention may be caused by heart problems, including heart failure, which is more commonly seen in middle-aged and older people. Rarely, fluid retention may be a sign of problems with the liver or kidneys.

When should I see my GP?

If your water retention has come on suddenly, or if you have one-sided swelling, or you have other symptoms that are causing you concern, it’s important to see your GP, particularly if you’re over 40 or pregnant.

“However, if you’re a bit younger and you’re not particularly worried about your health, but know your lifestyle isn’t ideal, it’s worth looking at other factors first,” advises Coffey.

Reducing your intake of salt and sugar and stepping up the exercise should also help to keep the problem at bay.

How to Tell if You’re Retaining Water

Water retention is more common in those who are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have a poor diet.

Last update: 30 December, 2019

Water retention is very common in women over the age of 40. This condition tends to develop when the body begins to retain more water than it should.

Water retention is often caused by obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, menstruation, and by having an unbalanced high-sodium diet. It may also occur during menopause and pregnancy.

The symptoms will be milder or more severe depending on how much water your body is retaining. If you feel bloated, you’re having trouble losing weight, or you’ve even put on a few pounds, it may well be the result of water retention.

As a precaution, it’s best to consult with a medical professional, especially if swelling occurs very suddenly, or if it may be the result of one of the conditions mentioned above. In the meantime, we want to explain some of the typical symptoms of water retention, and give you some tips to help prevent it in future.

Symptoms of water retention 

Symptoms may vary depending on the location and the amount of water you’re retaining. However, these are the most common ones:

Want to know more? Read: 5 Diuretic Infusions to Eliminate Liquids

Swelling

1. Look at your feet and legs. These are the first places where you can detect water retention. Unusually heavy, swollen and tired legs are a good warning sign. 
2. Swollen ankles are another sign of water retention. Your ankles are particularly sensitive to these ailments, so it’s common for them to swell. It should be easy to notice, as your shoes will feel tighter than normal, to the point where you may even struggle to put them on.
3. You should also look at your hands and wrists.   If you are having trouble putting on or taking off rings, bracelets and watches, it is mostly happening because your body is retaining water.
4. A puffy face can be another symptom. It’s usually easy to spot changes in the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks.
5. The belly is one of the most affected areas. Swelling is usually very prominent, and may increase as the day goes by.

Joint pain or inflammation

The pain or discomfort will be limited to a specific point between two bones, ie. a joint. The pain will be constant, and usually appears after spending a long time on your feet, as stated in this article from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Skin indentations

If you notice part of your body seems swollen, try putting pressure on it. If, after releasing the pressure, it takes a while for the skin to return to normal, it may be due to water retention. This is known as pitting edema, according to this article from the US National Library of Medicine.

Even if there is no visible swelling, you may notice the appearance of other types of marks on your skin.

For example, if you notice visible marks after wearing socks or stockings for a few hours, then your legs or ankles are probably swollen.

See also: 8 Foods to Avoid When You Have Inflammation

Weight gain

If you’re retaining lots of water, you may gain weight. If you exercise regularly, haven’t eaten any more than usual and you’ve still gained weight, it may be due to water retention.

This can also happen as a result of changes in your metabolism. This can often happen during menopause, as shown in this study by the pharmaceutical company CINFA. It’s best to consult with a doctor to identify the cause.

Weigh yourself on a daily basis. Try to do it as soon as you wake up, before eating breakfast. If you notice any changes in weight, or you feel swollen or bloated, it may be the result of water retention or some metabolic change.

Tips for preventing water retention

• Maintain a low-sodium diet. Salty and over-seasoned foods make it more likely to suffer from water retention, as confirmed in this study by the Diego Portales University in Chile.
• Don’t eat junk food. Due to its high additive content, junk food can be very harmful to your health. Plus, they’re usually high in salt, which, as we’ve already mentioned, can promote water retention.
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and start exercising regularly. Physical activity allows your body to eliminate toxins. Toxins can cause the body to retain more fluid than normal, as shown in this investigation by the Austral University of Chile.

• If you work at a desk all day, try to get up every 30 minutes. This may help to prevent water retention in your legs, feet, and ankles. While there is scientific evidence to support this, it won’t hurt to give it a try.

Fluid retention is a very common problem, especially in middle-aged women. If you think you’re suffering from this problem, it’s best to see a doctor and tell him/her about your symptoms, so that they can prescribe the best course of treatment.

In the meantime, try to follow some of the tips and advice mentioned in this article.

It might interest you…

How to get rid of water retention? 18 ways to reduce water retention

Last modified on
May 05, 2021 14:02 BST

hellomagazine.com

Sluggish, stiff and bloated. These are some of the dreaded symptoms associated with water retention.

Feeling sluggish, stiff and bloated? These are some of the dreaded symptoms associated with water retention. It can ruin your mood on a good day, making you feel uncomfortable and irritable, while swollen ankles or fingers mean you may not be able to accessorise with your favourite shoes or rings.

DISCOVER: 6 common causes of stress in children

It’s an annoying condition, but thankfully there are simple steps you can take to reduce that horrible bloating feeling – be it adapting your diet, exercising more, taking supplements or simply resting when water retention is at its worst. Don’t be tempted to reach for a detox tea – there are so many natural ways to solve the problem. 

Here’s what causes water retention and, more importantly, how you can get rid of it.

What is water retention?

Water retention (Oedema) occurs when fluid isn’t removed from the body tissues, including the skin. There are two types of oedema: generalised, all over your body, or localised, in particular parts of your body.

What are the symptoms of water retention?

There are many symptoms of water retention, but the swelling of your body parts, particularly ankles, feet and hands, and feeling stiff and ache are common ones. See below for more symptoms.

• Bloated stomach
• Feeling stiffness or aching
• Weight fluctuations
• Joints may feel stiff
• When pressed the skin may hold the indent for a few seconds

Swollen ankles, hands and feet can be symptoms of water retention

RELATED: Keto diet: what is it and does it work?

What are the causes of water retention?

There are numerous causes of water retention, particularly in the summer months when the weather is hot. Pregnancy is also a trigger because your body’s hormones encourage it to hold on to excess fluid. See below for more causes.

• Hot weather – the body is less efficient at removing fluid from tissues in the summer months
• Gravity – standing for long periods of time
• Burns – including sunburn – skin retains fluid and swells in response to burn injuries
• The pill – can trigger fluid retention
• Hormones associated with menstrual cycle
• Dietary deficiencies – such as insufficient protein or vitamin B1
• Medications – certain drugs including high blood pressure medication, corticosteroids and non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Chronic venous insufficiency – weakened valves in the veins of the legs
• High salt intake

How to reduce water retention: our 18 step guide

Water retention could be a sign of a serious medical condition such as heart, kidney or liver disease, so if you are concerned you should go and consult your GP. Otherwise, there are many small changes, particularly when it comes to diet, to help you prevent fluid retention.

Bananas can help stop fluid retention

1. Step up your protein intake – eating more protein encourages your body to shed excess fluid

2. Change any medication you are taking, or the dosage – consult your GP first.

3. Eat more bananas – they are rich in potassium which is helps to eliminate fluid retention

4. Add more cabbage, cucumber, parsley and salad leaves to your diet as they are natural diuretecs

5. Calcium, magnesium, manganese, evening primrose oil and chaste tree are all helpful ways of preventing water retention.

6. Cut back on dehydrating drinks such as coffee, tea and alcohol

7. Cranberry juice has mild diuretic properties

8. Drink more water – water retention come from a lack of water because your body doesn’t know when it will get more so it retains the water it has.

9. For people with periods –

check your menstrual cycle as plenty of people who menstruate retain water for a period of time during their monthly cycle

10. Write a food diary and make connections between certain foods and periods of bloating/swelling

11. Cut high sodium foods out of your diet – salt absorbs water and causes water retention

12. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that contains a lot of vegetables, grains and other high-fiber foods

13. Deficiencies in protein, calcium, magnesium and vitamins B1, B5 and B6 may lead to problems with water retention

14. Exercise has been known to help control water retention – try to do at least 20 minutes a day

15. Lie down and sit with your feet elevated when resting and taking breaks – standing or sitting all day can cause fluids to drain into your feet and legs

16. Try a natural duiretic (water pill) – some herbal remedies are known to increase the kidney’s fluid output which helps to control water retention.

17. Try essential oils when taking baths or going for massages, including lavender, rosemary, geranum and cypress

18. Avoid refined carbs – cutting down on carbs slightly will use up the glycogen stores, in turn reducing water retention

A healthy diet is key to preventing water retention

READ MORE: 11 ways to sneak more fruit into your diet

90,000 Fluid retention in the body: causes and treatments

Water retention is one of the ways the body regulates its protective properties. There are many reasons for this condition, but the most common is health problems. The first and most important symptom is edema. Let’s figure out how to deal with this.

Causes of fluid retention

First of all, you need to find out the cause of the problem. Main provoking factors:

• changes in the hormonal background;
• pathology of the endocrine system, liver, urinary tract;
• various types of allergies;
• deficiency of vitamins, minerals, protein foods, as well as problems with the assimilation of these substances.

As a result, a large amount of fluid accumulates in the tissues. It is important to remember that you cannot drink a diuretic with fluid retention in the body, as it provokes even greater edema.

Problem symptoms

Treatment should be sought for the following symptoms:

• Unreasonable weight gain;
• weight change during the day from 1 to three kg;

90,011 swelling of the legs, especially in the ankle area;

• decrease in urination.

Fluid retention can be a symptom of heart and vascular problems. In women, edema occurs most often, the cause is malnutrition and hormonal imbalance.

What to do

First of all, you need to go to the doctor who will find out the cause and prescribe treatment. In parallel, you can fight edema in the following ways:

• Drink more water – often it is the lack of water that provokes the body to “accumulate fluid”, so it is important to observe the drinking regime;
• to reduce salt intake, as it provokes moisture retention in the intercellular space;
• reduce the total calorie intake of the diet;
• Physical activity helps to remove excess water from sweat and urine, and also stimulates blood circulation;
• Eat more foods with potassium, which helps fight water retention.
• Eliminate liquids from the diet that cause dehydration – alcohol and coffee;
• avoid exposure to high temperatures;
• drink the last time no later than 2 hours before going to bed.

Products facilitating the removal of water

Problems most often occur in the second half of life, but edema can also occur in adolescents. There are several foods that can help remove excess water from the body:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially pumpkin, melon, watermelon, beets, strawberries, apricots;
• nuts and dried fruits;
• rice and oatmeal, among other things, improve the tone of the body;
• green tea;
• parsley, sorrel, nettle.

Attention! In the presence of kidney pathologies, you should not get carried away with food with a diuretic effect. Excessive consumption of watermelon during such a period will only harm.

Recipes to help

Folk recipes for fluid retention in the body:

1. Take 2 st. l. dried birch leaves, pour a glass of boiling water. Insist for half an hour, strain and add soda on the tip of a knife. Drink a teaspoon three times a day.
2. Cook apple peel compote and drink it three times a day.
3. In a glass of boiling water, take a large spoonful of dill seeds, leave for half an hour, drink a tablespoon three times a day.

Regardless of the factor that provoked the presence of edema, you should change your lifestyle, check the condition of the kidneys and heart, and also adjust the drinking regime. Interestingly, edema can occur not only due to excess fluid in the body, but also due to its lack.But you should not get carried away with diuretics if they have not been prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes it is enough to adjust your diet and make your lifestyle more active. To do this, it is enough to walk for 15 minutes a day.

90,000 What causes excess water to accumulate in the body, and how to remove it?

Excess fluid in the body can lead to the formation of
edema if the kidneys are not working well. Water accumulates in the intercellular space.
By overloading the lymphatic system and blocking cells, it slows down
metabolic processes occurring in them.As a result, efficiency drops sharply.
diets.

What causes excess water to accumulate in the body, and how to remove it?

It is possible to remove fluid from the body and prevent its re-accumulation by correcting the diet, diet and lifestyle. But first you need to find out the reason for the violation of water exchange.

Causes of fluid accumulation in the body

Fluid retention in the body may indicate the development of internal diseases, therefore, before making any attempts to withdraw it, you should consult your doctor.The causes of the pathological condition that you can fight on your own include:

• lack of physical activity;
• unbalanced nutrition;
• excessive salt intake;
• not drinking often enough during the day;
• bad habits;
• drink plenty of fluids before bedtime.

Food ration for the restoration of water exchange

To remove excess fluid from the body, you need to make changes to the diet.Limit the consumption of salty foods, fats, carbohydrates, alcohol, canned food, smoked meats, mayonnaise – such food retains water in the body.

Attention! Enrich the menu with foods that are rich in B vitamins and magnesium: beef liver, pistachios, beef, beans, pearl barley – this will help prevent impaired water metabolism due to nutrient deficiencies.

Eat foods that accelerate water-salt metabolism.These include:

• rice;
• oatmeal;

90,011 muesli;

• vegetables;
• fruits;
• nuts;
• greens;
• beet juice;
• dried fruits.

Drinking regimen and herbs with a diuretic effect

Don’t drink water less than 2 hours before bed. At night, the activity of the kidneys decreases, and the fluid stagnates – edema appears.If you have a strong thirst, quench it with 200 ml of kefir, fermented baked milk or katyk.

Attention! Drink plenty of water: 1.5–2 liters per day. With a lack of fluid, the body will begin to store it for a rainy day in the cells, which leads to tissue swelling and a decrease in the effectiveness of diets.

Essential Botanics, a herbal complex Bear Ears and Lingonberry, which has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect on the body, prevents the stagnation of fluid in the body.Recommended on an ongoing basis, especially during cold weather.

The drip synergetic Siberian Wellness EPAM 96 (urological) also helps to support the work of the urinary system. The components included in its composition have a moderate diuretic, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, provide general strengthening support to the body.

Medicinal herbs with a diuretic effect help to normalize water metabolism.Brew 1 tsp. dill seeds, 3 tsp. bearberry, 2 tsp birch leaves in 200 ml of boiling water. Let the broth steep for 3 hours and take it 3 times a day.

Exercise and water procedures

You can get rid of water accumulated in the body with the help of intense physical activity that increases sweating: jogging, cycling, exercising in the gym. Take 15-minute breaks at work: walk around the office, go for coffee, warm up – the contraction of muscle tissue promotes the removal of water from the intercellular space.

Another effective way to get rid of excess fluid is to take a lukewarm baking soda bath. The procedure should be carried out on an empty stomach. Pour a few tablespoons of baking soda and salt into the water, dissolve thoroughly and soak in the healing solution for 15 minutes, sipping hot green tea. Then, warm yourself under the covers for 40 minutes and take a refreshing shower.

Herbal tea from wild herbs No. 1 (Purification and drainage) from the Baikal Tea Collection series of herbal teas will help speed up metabolic processes in the body and help remove toxins.Herbal tea with hay, buckthorn, Kuril tea and clover helps to find lightness and more efficient use of energy.

Pharmacy diuretics

Pharmacy diuretics stimulate the kidneys and promote the removal of excess fluid from the tissues. But they cannot be taken without the consent of a doctor, since potassium and sodium, electrolytes, without which the full functioning of the cardiovascular system is impossible, can be washed out of the body together with water. In addition, a directed diuretic effect can cause dehydration, transferring the state of water exchange from one extreme to another.

This is not fat, but excess water: what is water weight – Figure

You do not move much

When you are sitting or standing for a long time, water and lymph accumulate in the lower half of the body, causing swelling and preventing proper the outflow of fluid from the body. Physical activity is one of the best and fastest ways to lose water weight as it speeds up the circulation of blood and other body fluids. But just sweating isn’t enough.The most effective in this case is aerobic exercise with alternating activity of arms and legs, as well as stretching and flexibility exercises such as yoga. The main thing is not to allow severe dehydration at the same time, otherwise you can not only not get rid of excess water weight, but, conversely, provoke fluid retention in response to dehydration.

You have a potassium deficiency

Potassium is responsible for the body’s water balance, acting as a counterbalance to sodium. Eating food rich in potassium and special potassium salt will help relieve swelling.Although it is necessary to consult a doctor before this, as large amounts of potassium are not indicated for kidney problems. Potassium is abundant in dried fruits, bananas, tomatoes, spinach, avocados and some other foods.

You eat little fiber

Fiber helps with proper digestion, and one of the consequences of this is getting rid of excess water from the body. Soluble fiber, using water, adds volume to the mass of food waste, making it easier for them to move through the intestines.Lack of dietary fiber causes constipation and fluid retention. In addition, a diet high in fiber is generally effective for weight loss. According to dietitian recommendations, daily fiber intake should be 25g for women and 38g for men (slightly less for the elderly). The best source of dietary fiber is vegetables, fruits, bran, whole grains.

You don’t drink enough water

It sounds a bit paradoxical, but the more water you drink, the less likely you are to develop edema.Even with the lightest dehydration, the body begins to strenuously store fluid in order to prevent further dehydration. Adequate losses or slightly more fluid replenishment helps to avoid edema and get rid of existing ones, improves blood circulation and lymph drainage, prevents constipation and flushes out toxins. In addition to ordinary water, some watery vegetables and fruits also contribute to this: cucumbers, watermelon and melon, unsalted vegetable soups.

You are overdoing with alcohol

Although alcohol in small quantities has weak diuretic properties, in large quantities it leads to dehydration (it is dehydration that causes the unpleasant sensations of a hangover).In addition, alcohol is high in carbohydrates, especially in various kinds of cocktails and sweet wines, which, as mentioned above, further exacerbates the effect of fluid retention. In addition, when drinking alcohol, the work of the liver is primarily aimed at getting rid of it, and the processing of calories is postponed “for later.” So, if you are already going to drink, do not get carried away, and dilute strong drinks like the Americans with tonic.

Your menstruation is coming soon

One of the sure signs of the onset of menstruation is that the scales suddenly added a kilogram, or even two.A week before the onset of menstruation, water retention can be from 1 to 4 (!) Kilograms, with a maximum on the day immediately preceding menstruation. Unfortunately, preventing the appearance of this water kilogram is almost impossible, since hormone fluctuations are responsible for it. Fortunately, if you do not abuse chips and chocolates during this period, then this weight goes away by itself in a couple of days. This weight can be slightly lightened by drinking enough water and being physically active.

How to remove excess water from the body / Fitness club Sokol Fit

Excess water in the body leads to the appearance of edema, bags under the eyes and weight gain.

Excess fluid in the body indicates health problems – perhaps the kidneys are not doing their job or the heart has begun to malfunction. Of course, you should see a doctor. But more often than not, water is delayed corny due to improper nutrition and the use of large amounts of salt.

Reasons:

1. Lack of water. Everyone has heard that during the day you need to drink at least 2 liters of water, but few people fulfill this condition. To meet the daily water requirement, the brain signals the body to store water.Try putting a bottle of water next to you and drinking it during the day. Drink a little, but often. After two weeks, the body will get used to it and stop storing excess water.
2. Diuretic drinks. Alcohol (including beer) has a strong diuretic effect. Tea, coffee, carbonated drinks are also available. In large quantities, they can dehydrate the body. As a result, organism stores such precious water in edema. Try to drink more clean water.
3. Excessive salt.One salt molecule binds 20 water molecules and is deposited in fat cells. They increase in volume – this is how “excess weight” appears. In addition, the body needs extra water to flush the harmful salt out of the tissues. The circle is closed, the swelling does not go anywhere. Eat less salty foods – chips, salted fish, beer nuts. Again, drink plenty of water.
4. Drink at night. Drinking water after 20.00 greatly overloads the kidneys. The face will be swollen in the morning. Try to drink most of the water before 6-7pm.

Products that remove fluid from the body:

• Summer Watermelon. It not only removes water, but also cleans the kidneys well, improves their work. Melons and cucumbers will also help remove excess fluid from the body. Have watermelon or cucumber days once a week, you will notice the effect on the very first day.
• Spring birch sap – it does not stay in tissues and quickly removes salt and toxins. Drink it three times a day, a glass.
• Green tea and hibiscus are also known to be mild diuretics.Unlike black tea, it can and should be drunk in large quantities.
• Oatmeal and rice porridge are also excellent at removing water. Rice is low in sodium (which retains water) and high in potassium – it removes salt. Professional athletes, before important competitions, arrange for themselves “drying” – they eat only unsalted rice porridge for several days.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables are salt-free. The more you eat them, the better your salt balance will be. Beetroot and cabbage juice helps against edema.
• Eat foods that remove water from the body – containing potassium: pumpkin, zucchini, cabbage, eggplant, apples, apricots, dried fruits.

A sauna or a bath will help remove excess water from the body. Excess water and salt will come out in sweat. Regular visits to the sauna will help you lose weight.

Exercise speeds up metabolism, helps to remove fluid through the sweat glands. Running, walking, aerobic exercise, cycling work well against leg swelling – the leg muscles contract and the swelling goes away.

And again a day for 1-2 hours it is useful to raise your legs above the level of the heart – for example, when lying on the couch, put a pillow under your feet. The swelling will go away quickly. This is especially useful for older people and those with a sedentary job.

Herbs and infusions for the removal of water from the body.

1. Infusion of birch leaves. Pour crushed dried leaves with 2 tablespoons of boiling water and let it brew for 30 minutes. Strain the infusion and add the baking soda on the tip of a knife.Drink 1 teaspoon three times a day.
2. Rosehip or Lingonberry Tea: Brew dried berries like regular tea and drink half a cup two to three times a day.
3. Dill seeds provide a strong diuretic: pour 1 tablespoon with a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour. Strain, drink 1 tablespoon three times a day.
4. You can boil compote from dry apple peel and drink half a cup 5 times a day.

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90,000 18 signs that we are drinking little water

Water is the source of life on our planet, for all living things water is one of the main components in their organisms.As one of the most complex, the human body needs a daily replenishment of water reserves as it constantly loses it. We are so carried away by the modern pace of life that it is easy to forget about the last meal, not to mention the last glass of water. People have learned to overcome the feeling of hunger and thirst, but the latter is much more critical, since dehydration instantly affects the body. People who regularly expose their bodies to a lack of water, and there are a lot of them even in modern megacities with a high standard of living, may experience more serious consequences of dehydration.

For you, we have collected 15 of the most common and easy-to-diagnose signs of a lack of water in the body, which will tell you that dehydration has come and you need to urgently replenish it by drinking a glass of water.

1. Feeling of dry mouth

The simplest and surest sign that you have a lack of water in your body is dry mouth. Usually, the sensation appears even before the feeling of thirst. It seems that every person encounters him regularly, and in the hot summer months almost every day. Sometimes this sensation even wakes up at night so that you can make up for the lack of water. Sometimes dry mouth appears after long conversations and conversations, when the mucous surfaces of the mouth are exposed to abundant contact with air, it is not for nothing that speakers at presentations and reports take a bottle of water with them. In athletes engaged in prolonged physical activity, for example, jogging, the mucous membrane of the mouth dries out constantly at regular intervals, so many athletes do not drink water during the competition, but simply moisten their mouth with water and spit it out.

2. Feeling of dryness in the eyes

Surely you felt dryness in your eyes, it feels like something got into your eyes, but in fact there is nothing there. Unpleasant sensations in which the eyes turn red, blood vessels appear on the surface and you have to blink more often. People who wear contact lenses feel this much more critical, because the lenses dry out and begin to fall out, move out of place and further irritate the mucous membrane of the eye. All these are true signs of a lack of water in the body, the mucous membranes are always the first to react to its lack.When dry eyes appear, you do not need to immediately get eye drops, it is enough to make up for the lack of water in the body, as all the unpleasant sensations of dryness in the eyes will go away in a matter of minutes.

3. Feeling of intense thirst

Feeling not just thirst, but intense thirst, when you urgently want to drink any liquid, no matter cold or hot, mineral water or sweet soda. Thirst itself is already a sign of a lack of water in the body. A good example of a hangover, although this is a one-time case when you really want to drink, but after a while the thirst comes back again.Chronic high thirst means that you regularly drink less water than your body needs.

4. Dry skin

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has many functions, of which the most important is protective. Dermatologists often call the skin a mirror of the state of the body, because all diseases and the lack of any substances and microelements are very quickly projected onto it. A huge amount of moisture evaporates from the surface of the skin, with a lack of water in the body, dry skin is one of the serious signs of dehydration.Feeling dry is a very worrying sign, as your body wants to tell you to replenish your water supplies immediately. In addition, dry skin is more prone to microtrauma, sunburn and calluses.

5. Feeling of unquenchable hunger

Mild dehydration can easily be confused with a feeling of mild hunger. When it occurs during the day, a person intuitively tries to eat something small that will be at hand, in the evening and at night there is a desire to go to the refrigerator and see what is there for a quick snack.The feeling of thirst can be transformed into a feeling of hunger, from which even a full meal will not help, not to mention small snacks, which will muffle this feeling only for a short time. If you are confident that the amount of food you are eating is sufficient, then try to determine the amount of water consumed during the day. Perhaps you can forget about various cookies and night trips to the refrigerator if you drink enough water.

6. Muscle mass decreases

Muscles, like the entire human body, are mainly composed of water, therefore, a decrease in the amount of water in the body directly affects muscle mass.The body, realizing that at the moment it does not need muscles so much than other vital organs, will immediately take away their water. Due to the lack of water, the muscles become smaller, lose their elasticity and are capable of only part of the loads that they could take on with a sufficient amount of water in the body. Athletes are advised to drink water during and after training, including so that the muscles are in good shape and the training is as effective as possible.

7.Weakened immunity and long-term illnesses

Probably everyone remembers that from childhood we are all advised to drink more water during colds and flu, and this is quite reasonable advice. Water not only delivers micro-substances to the body, but also removes toxins from it. If there is not enough water in the body, then the excretion processes will begin to slow down, the organs will take water from the blood, which will slow down the metabolism, and therefore the process of the body’s natural fight against the disease will also be delayed in time.

8. Drowsiness and chronic fatigue

Drowsiness is a natural protective function of the body when there is a lack of energy, overwork and dehydration. The body tries to go into a resource-saving mode and go to sleep, in which some of the energy will be restored by prolonged rest. But, as a rule, sleepiness, which does not occur late in the evening and not after prolonged physical exertion, may indicate a lack of water in the body. The body itself cannot compensate for its deficiency, but it is enough to save the remaining water for a longer period during dehydration with the help of sleep, which it is trying to do.Chronic fatigue and lethargy also indicate that the body does not receive the water it needs so much, the low energy level in most cases is caused precisely by dehydration.

9. Rapid fatigue

If, after a short physical exertion, the body feels tired, then most likely it is not a lack of habit to exercise, but a low muscle tone caused by a lack of water. If in the mode of low activity of a person, slight dehydration does not make itself felt, then with the appearance of physical activity, albeit very small, dehydration immediately becomes obvious, because the water consumption increases significantly.

10. Unexplained digestive problems

It would seem that the whole diet was normal, but for some reason there were problems with digestion, indigestion, sometimes even heartburn can be the result. Like all mucous membranes, the stomach wall also needs a sufficient amount of moisture. Gastric juice and its structure are also strongly tied to the amount of water in the body and can thicken with a lack of it.

11. Constipation and unpleasant sensations during bowel movements

Perhaps another simple way to understand that there is a lack of water in the body. As a rule, even doctors advise in such situations not to try to immediately solve the problem with the help of drugs and other external influences, but just drink a couple of glasses of water and wait, because dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. In addition, with a lack of water, problems in the work of the intestines may arise, its surface may lose its properties and it will be much more difficult for it to cope with its functions, hence, unpleasant sensations during bowel movements are possible. With such regular conditions of the intestine, more serious consequences are possible than just unpleasant sensations.

12. The appearance of signs of premature aging

With age, our body gradually loses its various abilities, including the decrease in the volume of water that it can hold as a reserve. If signs of premature aging began to appear on the body, then similar processes occur inside the body, which are much more destructive for the body and its productivity than those that are visible externally. Regular dehydration only aggravates and accelerates the aging process, which can only be slowed down.Therefore, it is very important to maintain the balance of water at a normal level and do not deny yourself a few sips when you feel like it.

13. Insufficient urination

Observe how many times you go to the toilet per day. If you urinate less than 4 times a day, then this is a reason to think about whether you are drinking enough water, pay attention to the color of urine and review your diet for an increase in moisture-containing foods. Infrequent urination leads to bladder problems and urinary tract infections.

14. Weight gain

When there is a lack of water in the body, he tries to retain it by all available means, including accumulating it. Therefore, with a constant stay of the body in a state of dehydration, weight gain can be observed just due to that stored water. There is nothing good in such an effect, because it is worth limiting oneself even on diets in anything, but not in the amount of water consumed.

15. Squeak and pain in joints

The main part of each joint is cartilage, which is 80% water, thanks to which they are quite strong and elastic.The joint capsule also contains synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant, filling all cavities between cartilages and softening friction inside the joint. When the body is dehydrated, the joints feel a lack of water on themselves, sometimes there is a creak in the knees and elbows, painful sensations. Cartilage loses its elasticity, and synovial fluid becomes thicker and worse at its functions of preventing excessive friction and shock absorption. First of all, the knees and spine suffer from dehydration, since even with a quiet lifestyle, they have the greatest constant load.

16. Discoloration of urine

Urine should be as clear as possible, this indicates that the body is healthy and there is a sufficient level of water. As soon as the color of urine changes and becomes pronounced, it means that dehydration has occurred in the body, or, which is much less likely, some kind of disease has appeared. Usually, this phenomenon can be observed in the morning after sleep at the first urination, since the urine is stagnant in the body, and it is dehydrated, because sleep usually lasts about 8 hours.If the urine has a rich color during wakefulness, this means that there is a lack of water in the body and it needs to be replenished.

17. Dizziness and headaches

Headache is one of the alarming signs of dehydration, which turns on if the rest of the body’s signals about a lack of water have not worked. Dehydration headaches are similar to those experienced during a hangover, as the nature of their occurrence is very similar.

18. Food poisoning, diarrhea and vomiting

In these states, the body loses water at a monstrous rate and its volumes need to be replenished as soon as possible, only you should not drink any drinks, but just plain clean water as soon as it is available absorbed faster and will not harm the body in its current not very healthy state. With prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, it is recommended to add some salt to the water and drink such a solution gradually in small sips, because salt helps to retain water in the body and reduce the likelihood of dehydration.

Such a huge number of problems with dehydration can be solved with just a few sips of water, but it is important to remember that the appearance of most of the signs above means a constant lack of water in the body, so you need to take these few additional sips constantly, several times every day.The clean drinking water that is now available can help prevent such a huge number of serious negative consequences of its shortage. All you need to do is follow the signals of your body, which is very sensitive to the balance of water and in every possible way signals about its lack. To always have clean drinking water at your home and office, order water from us with free delivery on the day of order. Remember that you should never limit yourself to drinking water, because it is the foundation of your body.

Violation of water metabolism – causes of occurrence, under what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and treatment methods

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For a diagnosis and correct treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Violation of water metabolism: causes, diseases in which it develops, methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Definition

Most of the water is contained in the body of babies – up to 86%. Then its level gradually begins to decline, reaching a minimum in the elderly.

Water works as a solvent, forms the basis of biological media, participates in various biochemical reactions, thermoregulation and performs many other functions.

Every second, our body loses a certain amount of water with respiration in the form of vapor. Other ways to eliminate fluid from the body are sweating, the production of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract.

However, the largest amount of water in a healthy person is excreted from the body by the kidneys.

In the process of passing blood through the kidneys, water, mineral and organic substances enter the urine, which are not required by the body due to their harmfulness or excess.

To compensate for the loss of fluid, the body needs its intake from the outside. Natural water replenishment occurs through drinking and eating. Intravenous administration is used for severe dehydration to quickly replenish fluid loss or the inability to consume food and water by mouth.

Fluid in our body is conditionally subdivided into intracellular and extracellular. Intracellular fluid, as the name suggests, is present inside the cell and is delimited by a semi-permeable membrane from the space surrounding the cell.Outside the cell, fluid is found in the intercellular space and inside the blood and lymph vessels.

The water balance in the body should be understood not just the total amount of water, but also its distribution between the listed structures, which directly affects the vital activity of human organs and tissues.

Varieties of water exchange disorders

Depending on the total water content in the human body, water exchange disorders can be divided into dehydration (decrease in the total amount of water) and hyperhydration (excess water).

Dehydration is manifested by a decrease in the amount of urine discharge, dryness of the mucous membranes, often accompanied by a pronounced feeling of thirst, a decrease in skin elasticity, in more severe cases, a clinical picture of damage to certain organs develops, primarily the nervous system in the form of general weakness, drowsiness, disturbance or loss of consciousness.

Excess water in the body, on the contrary, is manifested by the formation of peripheral edema, primarily edema of the subcutaneous fat, as well as the accumulation of fluid in the cells, intercellular space and various body cavities: in the pleural cavity, abdominal cavity, etc.

Separately, the change in the amount of water in the vascular bed is distinguished: states hypovolemia (insufficient blood volume) and hypervolemia (excess blood volume).

Possible causes of a violation of water exchange

Above, the main ways of entering and excreting fluid from the body were considered. Proceeding from this, it becomes clear that kidney diseases, accompanied by increased urination, lead to dehydration, and kidney damage with the inability to perform the filtering function – to overhydration.

Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, which occur with severe repeated vomiting and diarrhea, can cause imbalance in water balance due to excess fluid loss.

The endocrine system plays an important role in the regulation of water exchange. Thus, an increase in the concentration of antidiuretic hormone leads to fluid retention in the body, and an increase in the production of atrial natriuretic hormone leads to its increased excretion. In addition, other hormones, such as aldosterone, indirectly affect the water balance through changes in the concentration of salts in the body.

It is important to remember that glucose is an osmotically active substance that can attract water. In the case of an excessive amount of glucose in the blood, for example, in diabetes mellitus, it begins to be excreted in the urine and carries water with it, which also leads to the development of severe dehydration.

Which diseases develop water metabolism disorders

Water metabolism disorders can occur with various kidney diseases and, as a rule, are signs of renal failure.With acutely developed renal dysfunction, for example, with shock, chemical poisoning, some inflammatory diseases, water retention in the body usually occurs (overhydration). While chronically developing kidney disease can be accompanied by both overhydration and hypohydration (depending on the stage of the process).

One of the common causes of chronic kidney disease is hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Other endocrine diseases that lead to severe dehydration include diabetes insipidus – a group of diseases based on disruption of the antidiuretic hormone system.Congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, or adrenogenital syndrome, can be accompanied by severe imbalances in the balance of salts in the body and impaired fluid metabolism.

Acute intestinal infections, chronic eating disorders accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, some congenital diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children, such as pyloric stenosis, often lead to dehydration and disruption of the body’s water-salt balance.

Which doctors should I contact when symptoms of a water metabolism disorder appear

Among the diseases that lead to a violation of fluid metabolism, there are disorders of a wide variety of organs and systems that require specific types of examination and treatment.Therefore, in the event of symptoms of a violation of water exchange, you should first contact a generalist, such as a therapist or pediatrician. As the clinical and laboratory-instrumental examination is carried out, the organ system involved in the development of water disorders is determined, therefore, it may be necessary to consult an endocrinologist, nephrologist, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist, etc.

Diagnostics and examinations in case of disorders of water exchange

The basis of the primary diagnosis of diseases that cause disorders of water exchange is a carefully collected history of the development of a pathological condition.The doctor conducts a survey of the patient, during which he clarifies the possible causes, timing, course of the disease, the treatment carried out, etc.

After a clinical examination of various organs and systems, laboratory and instrumental confirmation of the diagnosis is usually required. The patient is prescribed a study of the concentration of glucose in the blood in order to exclude diabetes mellitus.

Say goodbye to edema! 6 ways to remove excess fluid from the body | News | HEALTH

Doctors, nutritionists – everyone advises to drink water, and as much as possible.But at the same time, we must not forget that fluids need to be excreted from the body. Due to its excessive amount, a person swells greatly: this makes it visually thicker, and also adds health problems. Nutritionist Elena Ralikova told about the methods of removing water.

Fasting days

There are a lot of menu options for such days. The main thing is that these are dietary products that cleanse the body of unnecessary “trash”. Surprisingly, on such days you need to drink a lot – at least two liters of water.But the portions of food should be small. The break between meals is 2-3 hours. If you follow these rules, your goal can be achieved in just a day.

A fasting day on oatmeal is especially useful. To do this, pour oatmeal for 2 hours with hot water, but not boiling water. You can eat a maximum of 400 grams of dry cereals per day.
Good and kefir-curd unloading. The nutritionist advises to eat and drink a little sour milk products of low fat content during 24 hours. 400 grams of cottage cheese and 1.5 liters of kefir are allowed per day.

Herbs and infusions

In the fight against edema, medicinal herbs will also be good helpers. Their decoctions help not only to remove fluid from the body, but also to strengthen the immune system. The main thing is to make sure that you are not allergic to the components of the decoction. Elena Ralikova gives an example of a useful infusion. A large spoonful of dill seeds should be poured with a glass of hot water and kept for half an hour. Take in the morning and at lunch 20 minutes before meals. The nutritionist drinks infusion on chamomile flowers instead of tea. To do this, pour 20 grams of chamomile with a glass of boiling water and wait 15 minutes.A rosehip drink can be drunk throughout the day.

Food to help

It’s no secret that a person’s appearance directly depends on the diet. “Junk food provokes the appearance of edema. While useful helps to lose weight, get rid of excess water and speed up metabolism, “- said the expert. Coffee and green tea perfectly remove fluid from the body. Rice copes with this task just as well. It contains a lot of potassium, which makes muscles more prominent. Kefir is also on the list of useful products, which not only cleanses the body of toxins, but also stimulates the withdrawal of fluid.To do this, it is better to drink low-fat kefir. Fruits, vegetables, buckwheat, oatmeal, rose hips, bran, onion, cabbage and celery also help to cope with edema.

Massage drain

Lymphatic drainage massage is popular among those who are losing weight. It is needed to speed up blood circulation. Due to interruptions in blood circulation, water is retained in the body. A special massage improves the metabolic process in cells, removing toxins and toxins. The result will be weight loss and cellulite reduction, ”the expert emphasized.

Go to the bathhouse!

The skin steamed in the sauna provides an outlet for harmful substances and excess water through sweat. If this is combined with wraps, the effect will be noticeable from the first time. If there are contraindications to visiting the bath, you can stimulate active sweating with the help of a hot bath. Adding sea salt, soda, mustard, essential oils to the water will make the procedure more useful and pleasant.

Gym & Run

Intense cardiovascular exercise, such as jumping rope, running, or cycling, is best at removing excess water from the body.“Not everyone knows that exercise only works if a person warms up the muscles well before each workout. After it, stretching is mandatory, ”says the nutritionist.
If there are a lot of extra pounds, it is better to start with simple circular arm swings, leg lifts.

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