The feeling of heaviness in the arms, legs, joints, bloating and fatigue are often signs of water retention. Warm weather, poor diets, lack of physical activity or even a job that requires long standing are common causes of these problems.
The causes of water retention are numerous and the origins in women are often sourced to imbalanced hormones during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause and PMS which can often leave women bloated.
Excessive intake of salt, sugar and fat can contribute to water retention in the body, and insufficient intake of vitamin B complex and protein are another consequence. Fast food and meals that are salty act so that the body starts to hold water, and we feel bloated in the abdomen and the extremities. Also, a chronic disease such as kidney and lung disease, or arthritis can cause water retention.
Diuretics
Diuretics help to expel the water and the toxins from the body through the urinary tract. Nature has given us certain foods that can be used for this purpose, and natural diuretics rich in potassium and plants with a high water content. Diuretics are nature’s oldest blood pressure drug and as effective as many medications which have far more side effects.
Natural diuretics are:
- Green tea
- Cranberry juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dandelion tea
- Seeds of anise
- Foods rich in water such as watermelon and cucumbers which are also rich in sulfur and silicon that stimulates the kidney function
- Asparagus are rich in alkaloids asparagine, which also improves the kidney function
- Lettuce stimulates the metabolism and the removal of toxins
- Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, and they also facilitate the removal of toxins through the kidneys
- Radishes, onions and horseradish are real mines of sulfur compounds that stimulate the metabolism in the removal of toxins
- Coconut water also cools the body and maintains electrolyte balance
Foods rich in potassium:
Although some foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, tomatoes, yogurt, apricots, strawberries and papaya, can release extra fluids, if you have kidney problems, the extra potassium can lead to muscle pain and irregular heartbeat.
Diuretic herbs:
- Diuretic herbs have an antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic effect.
- The plant bear grapes (Latin name Arctostaphylos uva ursi) is commonly known as Uvin tea. It works on the secretion of urine, the cleaning and disinfection of the urinary tract. It is usually used in combination with other medicinal plants, such as birch leaf or liquorice root, because it contains a lot of tannic acid which may harm the stomach.
- Juniper stimulates the kidneys
- Parsley accelerates the removal of toxins
- According to Ayurveda, the plant Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus terrestris) also helps the urinary tract and kidney functions.
How else can you affect water retention?
Reduce the intake of salt, sugar and fat. Sodium acts as a trap for fluids in tissues, so you should avoid processed foods full of preservatives and salt, such as canned food, hot dogs, pâté.
Take care of your body and move every day, go for brisk walks or exercise at least 30 minutes in order to stimulate the lymphatic system. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to make up for the loss of important nutrients that the urine has “washed away”. Drink eight glasses of water a day, because when your body is hydrated, it will hold less liquid.