Water Retention is a buildup of water stored in the body causing swelling, bloating and sudden fluctuations in weight. The retention of water in the body is not something that is uncommon or unnatural. The body simply retains water for whatever reasons it sees fit in order to bring balance to either a condition or reaction in the body.
Why do we Retain Water?
Because everyone is different there is no standard explanation for why a certain person may retain more water then another. Some causes of water retention include the following, kidney disease, hormones fluctuations, reactions from medications, wastes and toxins, menopause, menstrual cycles, sodium intake and low calorie intake.
Water Weight
Water weight also known as phantom weight is something that many people especially women deal with throughout their lives. The body can store anywhere from 5-10 lbs in water weight at one time, which can cause not only bloating but the appearance of extra pounds as well. We call water weight “Phantom” Weight because though water is a part of your body, most of the time it isn’t actual weight and shouldn’t be counted as such. Fluctuations in our weight because of this so called water weight can drive any dieter mad. Especially when the result of the fluctuation is a few extra pounds over just a short amount of time. However the good news is most of the time the water is released just as quickly as it was gained; it’s just a matter of time. Water retention can also cause the body to build Cellulite when fatty toxins react with the water in the body. These toxins build up along with water in certain areas of the body and can be extremely difficult to correct.
Water weight is something that can be lost and managed, but because our body works and needs water the possibility for water retention will always exists. However there are methods to change how your body uses and stores water and yes, it has to do with your diet. Most water retention comes from the types of food we eat and don’t eat. Sodium is one of the number one culprits of water retention, using too much salt or eating high sodium foods will create water retention. Processed foods are packed with sodium! Steering clear of the frozen food section will only help your cause.
Protein is your friend, eating lots of protein reduces your bodies need to store water.
Apples! Some say eating about 6 large apples and nothing else and avoiding water for 1 full day will deplete your body of excess water. This method has been seen in the Hcg Diet, but may be a dangerous practice as this is not sufficient calorie intake for most. The following day should consist of low sodium and high protein foods such as steak, chicken, fish and eggs. Once you start try to keep up on your protein this will keep the water away.
Don’t avoid water, though it seems logical to stop drinking water in order to refrain from storing it, this will only make things worse. When the body doesn’t get enough water it can store even more and quicker!
Low calorie diets can also cause water retention. When dieting it’s important to not carry on low calorie intake for long periods of time. Over time without proper calories the body will begins to burn muscle and protein not just fat. For the best results in a diet eat more protein. Protein is not seen as a fat and the body focuses of other sources to burn instead.