When in the evenings it is difficult for you to put on shoes that fit perfectly in the morning, taking off the ring from your finger is a problem, and after sitting at a desk for a long time your legs seem rounder – this article is aimed at you. Excess water in the body is the source of many problems. Not only that, among the main symptoms there is an increase in body weight by 2 to 3 kilograms, heaviness in the legs, swelling of the face (which makes it look more “pucata”), it is also often accompanied by stiffness in the joints and even headaches. Check why your body retains water and how to deal with it!
The first cause that affects most people struggling with this condition is the consumption of too much salt. If you’re a fan of chips, pretzels and salty peanuts, don’t be surprised if your body swells. The sodium found in salt has a draining effect on the cells that store water, so if you consume too much of it, you become swollen.
To get rid of this effect, you simply need to limit your salt intake. For this purpose, give up salting dishes, fries and salty snacks. Replace it with other spices that will enrich the taste, e.g. herbs. What’s more, salt is often a “silent killer” hidden in various processed products – marinades, ready meals, but also cheese and cold cuts. The less of these types of foods in your diet, the better!
Menstrual problem
In addition to salt, the cause of water retention in the body is also the natural menstrual cycle in women. Depending on the phase of the month, the level of water in the body of women sometimes increases, sometimes decreases. Usually swelling and weight gain appear in the second phase of the cycle. When the bleeding stops, the retained water also disappears. It’s different if you use contraceptives – these types of drugs, like corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, contribute to water retention in the body all the time. If you feel that they affect you in this way, consult your doctor to replace the preparation with another.
Potassium removal
Potassium is your ally in the fight against swelling, because it reduces water retention by sodium. Fortunately, we will find it in most of the products we eat, but its infiltration and subsequent deficiencies may be affected by a slimming diet, the use of laxatives, or frequent diarrhea. Potassium is also sweated out, and we also lead to its escape through frequent consumption of coffee, alcohol and the use of diuretics and heart medications. To prevent this, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, including dried ones.
No traffic, no water
Also, dehydration of the body contributes to water retention. This paradoxical relationship is related to the fact that the body defends itself against dehydration, which is why it accumulates “reserves”. So drink 1,5 to 2 liters of water a day, but only pure water (e.g. with lemon) or herbal teas, green teas (birch, yarrow, horsetail, nettle), etc. Exclude carbonated drinks, juices from cartons and other sweetened products – they will do more harm than good to the body. In addition to drinking water, remember to exercise regularly. The lack of movement makes the blood circulate more slowly, which leads to the stagnation of fluids in the tissues and the formation of edema.