Water retention and bloating

Water retention or bloating is a condition in which a high amount of water gathers within the tissue, causing swelling of the affected part of the body. If this occurs, a person can gradually gain weight due to the water that is gathering in the body. In most cases, water retention occurs when the lymphatic system fails in its function to carry water to the blood stream, although the role of lymphatic system is also to remove water from the interstitial space. Water retention can occur in one part of the body, or it can affect the entire body, causing the swelling in the whole body.

Causes of Water retention and Bloating

One of the most frequent causes of water retention is excessive intake of sodium or salt because sodium forces the kidneys to retain water and the result is bloating. Women often can suffer from bloating a few days before their menstruation period or during pregnancy, and that happens because the levels of hormones during that period rise. In the case of oral intake of contraception pills, women can also experience bloating because of the hormone intake. There are some drugs on the market whose side effect causes bloating and most often those medications include steroids, anti-inflammatory and hypertension medications. If a person suffers from some kidney disorder, than it is more likely that he/she will also suffer from bloating as the kidneys are important for excreting sodium and fluid from the body. In other cases, water retention can manifest a symptom for some other underlying disease such as vitamin B deficiency, arthritis, lung disease, or allergic reaction.

Prevention from Bloating

Diuretics are a means for water retention prevention in mild cases, but if the condition is severe, then an underlying disease has to be diagnosed so that the treatment is implemented. In the same time, doctors may also recommend the lifestyle change that includes the change in the diet. Dietary modifications may be included as well, because they decrease the intake of salt or sodium. There are also some exercises that can be done and the most effective are cardiovascular and water exercises. It is important not to start the treatment on your own, but consult a doctor first. There are some products that can decrease water in your body because they work like natural diuretics. Caffeine is a good natural diuretic and can be helpful in prevention of water retention prevention. Other natural diuretics include cranberry juice, celery, lemon juice, tomato juice, tea, peppermint, parsley, anise, asparagus, dandelion,etc.

If you want to get rid of bloating, a sufficient intake of water requires at least seven or eight glasses per day. That is important because water helps our body to expel extra water and sodium out of it. In the cases of severe water retention or edema it would be best to immediately visit the emergency room.