In case you are often complaining about feeling really bloated and having so swollen feet that you are unable to put your shoes on, you probably suffer from edema, a condition which is commonly known as water or fluid retention.
Fluid retention refers to excessive accumulation of fluid in body tissues. It can affect many parts of the body but it usually occurs in the feet and legs.
The main causes for fluid/water retention are the vitamin deficiency, high blood pressure, poor circulation, lack of exercise, allergies, hot weather, heart problems, high sodium intake, thyroid disorders, stress, oral contraceptives, exposure to high altitudes, lung disease, pregnancy, certain medications, menstruation, liver disease, and venous insufficiency (a problem with blood flow from the veins in the legs back to the heart).
The main problems associated with water retention are the swelling and puffiness in the affected body parts. In addition, it may also cause increased blood pressure and pulse rate, weight change, stiff joints, and bloated feeling.
Keep reading and learn about the top 10 home remedies for fluid/water retention:
- Lemon Juice
The lemon juice is an excellent ingredient that flushes out both excess fluid and toxins from your body.
Mix 2 tbsp of lemon juice in a cup of warm water. Feel free to sweeten it with honey. Drink the solution. Take the remedy once on daily basis for a few days or until there is an improvement visible.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV replenishes potassium in the body to reduce sodium levels, which in turn relieves water retention.
Add 1 tsp of ACV to a glass of water, and drink twice on daily basis. Gradually, you can increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar up to 2 tbsp per glass. In case you have fluid retention in your legs, soak your feet in a warm foot bath made of equal parts of ACV and warm water for 10 minutes. This bath will reduce foot odor as well.
- Dandelion
According to a 2009 study which was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, dandelion has diuretic properties.
These properties make dandelion an excellent solution for eliminating excess water from the body. In addition, it is rich in potassium, which also helps reduce sodium levels in the body. Being rich in magnesium make it a great tool for relieving pre-menstrual bloating.
You can take dandelion tincture or dandelion supplements (500 mg 1-3 times on daily basis).
However, the best would be to make your own dandelion tea: Steep 1 tsp of dried dandelion herb into a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink the tea up to three times daily.
Note: Consult your doctor prior staring any herbal remedy, such as dandelion tea, as it may interfere with certain drugs.
- Epsom Salt
One of the best home remedies to relieve water retention and bloated tummy is the Epsom salt bath. It removes excess water and toxins from the body through reverse osmosis. Moreover, this bath will calm the nerves and soothe sore muscles.
Add 2 cups of Epsom salt into a warm bath. Soak in for 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to repeat the procedure up to three times a week.
- Cranberry Juice
As a result to its diuretic properties, this juice is another popular home remedy to treat fluid/water retention. It is high in other minerals that maintain proper fluid balance, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. You can either drink a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice on daily basis or take cranberry pills.
- Parsley
Just like the aforementioned dandelion, parsley also provides great diuretic properties.
To prepare parsley tea, put 2 tsp of dried parsley leaves in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Drink this tea up to three times daily. Another option is drinking a mixture of lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- Onion
Onions are known for their blood cleansing and diuretic properties. They also prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Boil few raw onions in 4 cups of water. Add salt and then strain the solution. You should consume 2-3 cups of it on daily basis for couple of days.
- Nettle
Nettle works very well in preventing and reducing water retention as it is a natural diuretic.
Boil a cup of water and add 1 tsp of powdered nettle root. Let it steep for 10 minutes. This drink should be taken three times daily until any improvement is visible.
- Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, also referred to as Essential Oil therapy, can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants. It can be very useful in treating water retention, as it stimulates the lymphatic system and promotes fluid drainage.
Add 20 drops of juniper, cypress, and geranium essential oils in a warm bath. Soak in it for 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure three times on weekly basis.
- Fennel Seeds
According to the findings of several studies, fennel has diuretic properties and it helps increase water and sodium output from the kidneys. In addition, it relieves gas, helps digestion, and it prevents the accumulation of toxins in the body.
Add 1 tsp of fennel seeds in a cup of hot water. Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink right away. This tea should be consumed three times until any improvement is visible.
Apart from the aforementioned home remedies, you can include more diuretic foods into your daily diet, such as watermelon, bananas, cucumbers, cabbage, pineapple, celery, and watercress.
Moreover, drink less alcohol, exercise regularly, drink lots of water during the day (the body starts retaining the water when it is dehydrated) and limit your salt intake.
