Water Retention: Why You’re Holding Water & How to Stop It

Water retention may not be visible, but it can definitely affect how we feel—not just because we feel bloated. When too much water builds up in your body, it might be time to flush it out. We’ll show you which foods can help and how to do it gently.

Is It Important to Flush Out Water Retention?

It’s easy for water to build up in your tissues. A well-known example of this is the sensation of “heavy legs.” If walking or jogging no longer relieves this, it might be time to help your body flush out the excess water. The goal is to support the body in getting rid of the water retention.

Your body has no use for the extra water, so there’s no reason for it to stick around. There’s also a risk that the problem could get worse. In the worst cases, it can lead to oedema, where your arms or legs swell noticeably. To prevent this, you can regularly flush out water and protect your body in the process.

When Is It a Good Idea to Flush Out Water Retention?

Whether flushing out water is necessary depends on factors like your age and lifestyle. For example, if you’re someone who sits for long periods, water retention may be more likely to occur. It’s also common in women going through menopause, pregnant women, and older adults. These groups should carefully consider whether flushing out excess water is necessary.

Nobody likes feeling bloated or dealing with swelling from oedema. That’s why it’s important to invest in your health early and prevent water retention. A water-flushing regime can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin again.

Water-Flushing Foods: These Foods Can Help

If you want to flush out water, you need to know which foods are helpful. It may seem counterintuitive, but foods with a high water content are actually beneficial. This is because the more water you consume, the more you encourage your body to release it. Conversely, dehydration causes your body to retain more water.

Here’s a list of foods that can help flush out water:

• Pineapple
• Apples
• Berries (e.g. strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants)
• Pears
• Melons
• Grapes
• Citrus fruits (e.g. lemons, grapefruits)

Flushing Out Water—Naturally and Gently

There are many ways to flush out water. Alongside your diet, exercise plays a key role. Regularly engaging your leg muscles, for instance, is important. Walking or cycling can be effective, but sometimes just putting your feet up will do the trick. It’s worth experimenting with different methods and combining them to achieve the best results.

Gentle techniques like foot reflexology massage can also help, as it activates the liver and kidneys. Blood circulation-boosting methods like contrast showers are also useful. Many of these approaches not only help with water retention but also aid in detoxification.

Flushing Out Water with Home Remedies: Here’s the Best Support

Herbal teas are one of the most popular home remedies for flushing out water retention. They help to naturally reduce water retention by promoting urine production and supporting kidney function. Suitable options include nettle tea, horsetail tea, and birch leaf tea. Cucumbers, which are over 90% water, also have diuretic properties. As mentioned earlier, water-rich foods help the body eliminate excess water. Parsley, which can be consumed fresh or made into tea, is another great way to boost urine production. Ideally, these remedies should be paired with a balanced diet.

How to Get Rid of Water Retention: The Most Effective Tips and Tricks

Looking to flush out water retention and leave no stone unturned? Here are a few tips to help you out:

• Reduce salt intake: One of the most important tips is to lower your salt consumption, as sodium chloride encourages water retention.
• Take it slow: A drastic approach can disrupt your body’s balance. It’s better to take small steps.
• Stay hydrated: It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water actually helps you flush it out.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These aren’t counted as hydrating liquids. During a flushing regime, it’s best to steer clear.
• Keep moving: Physical activity helps speed up the process of water elimination.