The physical signs are more evident, however. Physical signs of water retention include swollen ankles and unexplained weight gain over a short period of time. Also, rings may not fit anymore and the stomach may feel swollen.

One way to find out if you are retaining water is by gently pressing the foot, ankle or calf with slow, steady pressure using the thumb.

If edema is present, an indentation will show on the skin. A professional evaluation to determine the cause of leg swelling is still necessary, however. It is possible to retain up to 5 pounds of water weight, most of which is stored in the fluid that surrounds the cells throughout the body.

Overweight people tend to retain more water because they consume more calories and as a result, tend to consume higher amounts of sodium which greatly contributes to water retention. Certain types of edema can result in moderate discomfort in the area where excess fluid accumulation occurs.

Carpal tunnel syndrome , morning stiffness and headaches may accompany the swelling. Water retention can also be mistaken for premenstrual syndrome or make existing premenstrual syndrome worse.

Types of Water Retention. There are two extensive types of fluid retention. The first one is generalized oedema that is characterized by swellings all over the body. The second type is the localized oedema that affects particular body parts. This condition is most common in the legs and feet, and can also affect the face, hand, and arm areas.

This condition might be inherited or may be a result of an injury in the lymphatic vessels. In this type of fluid retention, the symptoms consist of severe fatigue, discoloration of skin, heavy-swollen limb, and eventual deformity of the affected area.

Causes of Water Retention. Water retention is also linked to protein deficiency, anemia , and the high requirement for vitamin and supplement intake.

There is a specific kind of diet that is recommended for water retention which forces the body to eliminate excess fluid. Water retention can also be the result of a medical condition involving organs such as the liver, heart, or kidneys. When an area of the body is not functioning properly, the body tends to retain fluid in that area of the body.

The body becomes unable to eliminate fluid properly when certain medical conditions are present. Standing for long periods of time causes fluids to pool in the legs, thus increasing water retention. Hot weather can also lead to fluid retention because the body is less efficient at removing fluid from the body.

Certain medications can cause water retention as well, especially high blood pressure and steroid medications. When you restrict energy intake suddenly in order to lose weight, the body is forced to store carbohydrates and break down protein in the muscles.

Because both protein and carbohydrates hold water in their cells, a loss of these nutrients results in water loss during a rapid weight loss diet. People who lose weight quickly often regain weight within a few weeks because the body is replenishing itself with water.

There is higher risk of fluid retention for women because of varying hormone levels. Menopausal and premenstrual edema is caused by the effect of hormones on fluid balance. The hormonal changes for women before the menstrual period also cause retention and may result in symptoms such as breast tenderness.

Reducing Water Retention. One way to reduce water retention is by increasing potassium intake by eating healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits. These foods contain nutrients that help prevent blood vessels from leaking fluid in the tissue spaces. Eating food high in potassium is recommended rather than taking potassium supplements.

Aside from potassium, intake of Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine can also help. Skipping junk food and cutting down on pizza, canned soups and cereals or any food that might have hidden salt ingredients in it are also necessary compromises.

Reducing the consumption of high sodium foods is important because too much sodium in the blood can affect the tissues causing them to retain water. Some doctors also recommend drinking herbal teas since tea also helps reduce water retention.

Lastly, wearing compression stockings which applies high pressure to the ankles can also be effective. Women who experience water retention are more likely to be overweight. The problem starts when one begins a low-calorie diet. A low-calorie diet does not help reduce fluid retention; instead, this type of diet tends to make fluid retention worse.

There is typically not enough protein in a low-calorie diet, and protein is an important nutrient in preventing the abnormal changes in body tissues. Undigested food particles may get into the blood system and may stimulate the immune cells to generate histamine.

Histamine is a substance that serves a significant role in allergic reactions because it dilates blood vessels.

Here are few tips to help reduce water retention: Decrease sodium intake. Avoid processed foods. Eat small meals in regular intervals. Regular movement is also necessary.

Activities such as bicycling and walking can also help in pumping out all the water or any other fluids in the ankles and legs. The hormone helps keep your blood sugar and blood pressure levels stable, supports metabolism, reduces inflammation, and helps form memories.

Although rare, fluid retention might be the result of elevated cortisol levels. Cushing syndrome, for instance, might cause your body to hold on to sodium. This disorder occurs when tumors on the adrenal and pituitary glands release too much cortisol into your blood.

Some people with an underactive thyroid hypothyroidism may have swelling around their eyes. Estrogen and progestin, hormones in birth control pills , might increase fluid retention.

This water weight is usually temporary and not significant. Still, you may want to talk to a healthcare provider about other birth control options if you are uncomfortable.

Fluctuating hormones cause many people to retain water the week before their period. You might also notice swelling in your breasts, causing tenderness, during that time. Swelling in the legs is also common.

Your circulatory system naturally becomes weaker as you age. The valves in the veins of your legs, which keep blood flowing upward to your heart, collapse a little. As a result, blood pools in your legs and causes fluid retention. Severe health conditions, like congestive heart failure, also cause poor circulation.

Pregnancy may cause you to gain water weight, especially as you get closer to your due date. You may see swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles.

Hormones are partly to blame, but the growing fetus also places strain on your blood vessels. Keep in mind that water weight may not all come off the minute after delivery. You might have developed a blood clot if you suddenly have swelling that hurts, especially in one leg.

Get immediate medical attention if that's the case. One of the most common causes of water weight is excess salt in your diet. Sodium binds with water and traps it in your body. Carbs can also impact fluid retention, especially if you start adding them back after a period of restricting them.

Glycogen pulls in water. As a result, the more glycogen your body stores, the more water you take in. Sitting for long periods on cross-country flights or long road trips can cause water retention. Your muscles contract from sitting too long. Your feet and legs may swell in response as fluid pools there.

Water weight is not typically a cause for concern. You can typically lose water weight using home remedies. Still, excess fluid build-up and swelling are sometimes signs of a severe health condition, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. See a healthcare provider if you have:.

There are many possible causes of water weight, including eating a lot of salty and sugary foods, sitting for long periods, and taking certain medications. Try these tips to help you get rid of that extra fluid. Some lifestyle changes might help. Try getting enough sleep, reducing your salt intake, and staying hydrated.

Talk to a healthcare provider for additional help if water weight affects your quality of life and makes you uncomfortable. Water weight and edema are sometimes signs of severe health conditions, such as congestive heart failure and DVT.

You might require medications, like blood thinners or diuretics, to manage those illnesses. NIH News in Health.

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Because of this, people with CHF may develop kidney problems. Checking your daily weight is a crucial tool in managing heart failure. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a weight gain of two or three pounds in a day or five pounds in a week.

This may be a sign of a serious condition causing fluid retention. Some medications can cause swelling or edema. The most common include:.

It's common to have swollen feet and ankles that worsen as the pregnancy progresses. Talk with your healthcare team for techniques to help manage pregnancy edema.

Some women report fluid retention as part of their typical menstrual cycle period. The hormones that regulate female fertility can cause bloating or edema.

Typically this does not require medical attention as the fluid retention is predictable and happens with each cycle. However, speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns. Other medical and lifestyle factors can cause your body to retain water.

Some of these include:. Treatments to reduce water retention work best when they are focused on the cause. Work with your healthcare team to find the approach that works for you.

For many people, reducing the amount of salt sodium in the diet can improve water retention. This is because high sodium levels in the blood encourage the body to hold on to more water. Less salt in the body often means less edema.

Read nutrition labels when available. If sodium is an ingredient, it is listed per serving size. Whenever possible, choose fresh ingredients rather than processed or packaged foods.

Fluid is heavy, and when there is extra fluid in the body, it collects in the lower areas due to gravity. Elevating swollen arms or legs, especially above your heart level, can help reduce edema.

As the extra fluid moves into the blood vessels, your body will eliminate it in the urine. You can use a footstool, pillows, or even a recliner to elevate water retention areas. OTC or medical-grade compression clothing can help get rid of extra water in your body.

These put gentle pressure on the swollen arm or leg to help move the fluid back into the blood vessels so your kidneys can add it to your urine.

Compression socks and stockings are available for legs. Compression sleeves are available for arms. If you are using compression garments for heart failure, you may be able to get a prescription from your provider. Vitamin B6 is believed to help the body pass sodium in the urine.

When sodium leaves the body, extra water generally is removed as well. According to one study, vitamin B6 may reduce the bloating and swelling associated with premenstrual syndrome PMS. If you want to try a vitamin supplement, talk with your provider and discuss the dose and type suitable for you.

Preventing fluid retention is more helpful than getting rid of extra water. There are a few things you can do that you can try, including:.

If you have new or worsening swelling, it is important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Heart and kidney disease should receive early identification and treatment for the best outcomes.

You can have problems with some of your internal organs and still feel otherwise healthy. Fluid retention can be a brief discomfort related to a lifestyle choice or a symptom of a serious health condition.

The best way to manage edema depends on the original cause of the swelling. However, there are some basic at-home remedies you can try. If you have new or worsening water retention, be sure to see a healthcare provider.

Weight gain, swollen ankles, or tight rings can be very uncomfortable and cause unwanted cosmetic changes. Sometimes, fluid retention is normal and expected, such as air travel, pregnancy, or your menstrual cycle. Other times, it can signify your heart or kidney disease is getting worse.

Doing what you can to prevent edema is the first step, and then see a medical professional to keep your symptoms in check. Water retention can be a complex body process, and it may take longer than one night to clear the extra fluid from your body.

However, compression clothing, elevating swollen body areas, and reducing your salt intake can help alleviate your edema. It depends on how well your heart pumps your blood and how well your kidneys work to make urine. Causes of swelling like your period or a pregnancy usually clear within a few days.

Edema related to medical problems takes longer. Water retention may clear without treatment in a few days. However, if there is a health problem causing you to hold onto fluid, your swelling may worsen over time. You may find that the body parts retaining water become tight, swollen, and painful.

If untreated, heart or kidney problems may get much worse. com Patient education: Edema swelling Beyond the Basics. American Academy of Family Physicians. American Heart Association.

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BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 19, While counterintuitive, drinking water can actually reduce water weight. Dehydration can make the body hold on to extra water to make up for the lack of incoming water. Water also improves kidney function, allowing excess water and sodium to be flushed out of the system.

Adults should drink around 2 liters of water a day. Carbohydrates , or carbs, also cause the body to store extra water. When we eat carbs, the energy that we do not use right away is stored as glycogen molecules. Each gram g of glycogen comes with 3 g of water attached. Cutting down on carbs is a quick way to use up the glycogen stores, which means that the water weight will also be reduced.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults need at least g of carbohydrates to function each day, but the average American diet includes much more than this. Common carbs include bread, rice , and pasta. Replacing some daily sources of carbs with high protein foods , such as lean meats, eggs , and soy products , can reduce the buildup of water weight.

Vitamin B-6 and calcium can be effective natural remedies for fluid retention. These supplements work with the kidneys to help the body flush extra water and sodium from the system. Studies show that these two supplements are very effective at relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS, including water retention.

They can also reduce abdominal bloating , swelling in the legs, and breast tenderness. It is best for someone to talk with a doctor before taking new supplements, as they can have side effects or interactions with other medications.

Exercise lets the body sweat out extra water, which causes water weight. A workout also stimulates blood flow and improves circulation, which can reduce fluid buildup throughout the body, especially in the legs and feet.

Exercise reduces water weight even more by burning through glycogen energy stores. However, replacing lost fluids is vital after any physical activity to avoid dehydration. Water pills can treat mild fluid retention, as prescribed by a doctor.

These pills work as diuretics , meaning they make a person urinate more often. Urination lets the body get rid of excess water and sodium.

Water pills are not recommended for long-term use. They should always be used as instructed by a doctor to avoid dehydration or mineral deficits. Anyone can experience fluid retention, but some risk factors increase the chances of it occurring.

These include:. Key causes of water weight include :. The American Heart Association recommends doing 2. Keeping the body active can prevent fluids from building up and reduce water weight. People should be sure to stay hydrated during exercise. Women can plan for menstruation-related fluid retention by incorporating vitamin supplements, such as iron , calcium, and vitamin D , into their monthly routine.

Water weight is rarely a cause for medical concern, although, in some cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Severe or serious water retention may include a tight appearance of the skin and skin that keeps a dimple when it is pressed.

This is called pitting edema. Fluid retention that occurs alongside coughing and shortness of breath, especially while lying down, may be a sign of fluid in the lungs or heart failure. This requires urgent medical attention.

Even if the water retention is not severe, it is always best to consult a doctor if a person is worried about their symptoms. Tips for getting rid of water weight include reducing sodium and carbohydrate intake, drinking more water, exercising, and taking Vitamin B-6 and magnesium oxide supplements.

The length of time it takes to lose water weight may depend on the amount of water retention. Someone who retains more water may take longer to lose water weight. Strategies such as reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, drinking more water, and exercising may help a person to lose water weight.

Reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, keeping hydrated, and frequently exercising are all good ways to lose water weight and prevent it from returning.

If water weight is accompanied by coughing and shortness of breath, especially while lying down, it could be a sign of heart failure. A person should seek immediate medical attention. Find out how to lose weight that is due to medication using 10 methods. We also discuss why some medications sometimes cause weight gain.

To stay hydrated, females need around 9 cups of water per day and males need around 13 cups. Drinking adequate water may help people lose weight. Fad diets and rapid weight loss can be unsafe and often lead to people regaining the weight later on.