How Water Helps With Fluid Retention

Many folks have problems with fluid retention. This is when the body is retaining fluid under the skin. The results are obvious: puffy feet and ankles, swollen hands, and puffiness around the eyes. Women can be especially bothered by it around the time of their monthly periods, but men deal with it, too, even when we don't realize it. And while it can be uncomfortable, what bothers most people is their appearance: that bloated and fat-looking appearance.

Fluid retention can be a symptom of bigger health problems. So if you are having problems with it on more than an occasional basis, have a competent health care provider check you out. If there's no underlying problem, let water come to your rescue.

Ironically enough, water is the cure for your average, run-of-the-mill fluid retention. Like fighting fire with fire, you can fight fluid with water. When you have fluid retention, the body is seeking to retain needed fluids. What you need to do is open the body to more fluid, in this case, in the form of water.

Most people who are on a routine intake of 10-20 glasses of water a day will have no problems with fluid retention. But when fluid retention starts, immediately increase your water intake. Cut back on any coffee or tea intake, and avoid alcohol consumption. At the same time, cut back on salt intake. (Another ironic factor: if you are taking in enough water, salt is almost never a problem. Don't over-do it, but enjoy salt, and keep drinking water, and most of the problems we normally associate with salt consumption will disappear. But for this special time, cut back on salt somewhat. You don't have to give it up entirely, but lessen your intake).

Allow yourself to rest. If possible, lie down and elevate your feet higher than the rest of your body. But the main thing is to get lots of fluids flowing through your body. You want to show your body that there's plenty of water available, and no reason for it to hoard any! Monitor the color of your urine: remember, it should be a straw color. If it's darker or cloudy, that's a sure sign your body is in need of more fluid. So give yourself some. And make yourself feel better, and make your body look better.