A lot of the extra weight that’s carried around, as well as a good portion of that wiggle and jiggle, is caused by retained water. Therefore, reducing water retention is a prominent part of eliminating that unsightly excess weight. By doing so, you will not only look better at the gym, but also when out and about in that new pair of jeans and savvy snug shirt. Lose water weight now!

 Causes and Cures for Water Retention

Water weight can be accumulated via a variety of ways, all of which are correctable. So, let’s take a look at how to lose water weight and obtain a better looking figure.

Not Enough Fluids

It may seem contrary to reasoning, but not getting enough fluids will trigger your body to store water. This is because, when you start to become dehydrated, the body kicks into its survival mode thinking that you have entered a drought situation. Your body holds onto its precious fluids and eliminates less through urination and perspiration.

The answer to dropping water weight is to drink more water. By sufficiently hydrating your body, it will abandon its survival mode and begin to eliminate fluids liberally. At this hydrated point, the body will actually excrete more water than is taken in.

 Too Much Salt

Western society is at the top of the list of those who abuse salt. For the sake of making foods tastier and prompting more sales, companies liberally douse foods with sodium. High sodium intake is a major contributor to obesity as well as various health problems. A healthy amount of salt is somewhere in the area of 1.5 grams daily which is just a little more than ½ teaspoon. However, many processed foods contain much higher amounts and all of that extra salt leads to water retention within the body’s cells.

To lose water weight, therefore, you should cut down considerably on your salt consumption. Check sodium levels on foods and only opt to include low-sodium items in your nutritious diet. If your meal seems a bit bland, resist reaching for the salt shaker and add herbs and spices to liven up the flavor instead. These are much healthier and won’t initiate water build up.

 Medications

Unrealized by many, certain medications can cause water retention. Since many people take an assortment of under and over the counter medications, it’s worth checking into to see if any of them are attributed with water weight gain.

To remedy the situation, discuss any medications with your doctor or pharmacist about whether they cause water retention. If so, seek alternatives to the medications, or ask about solutions that will help you get around the problem.

 Poor Diet

Not eating the right kinds of foods can increase water weight. Adding an abundance of water-rich foods, such as melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, etc, supplies your body with extra hydration which, we’ve seen, helps reduce water weight.

Omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to reduce bloating from water retention in PMS sufferers according to a study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Proper potassium intake (an important electrolyte) also has been shown to relieve water retention according to Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute.

Therefore, include regular portions of omega-6 foods (pork, turkey and peanut, safflower and soybean oils) and potassium rich foods (bananas, plums, acorn squash, lima beans, baked potatoes, almonds and raisins) in your nutritious diet.

 Insufficient Exercise

Not getting enough exercise can also cause water weight build up. Those who don’t get regular exercise, especially those who sit in a chair and are basically inactive most of the day, develop a slower blood circulation. Circulation is what the body uses to transport water and waste out of your body. If you’re not moving much, your body can’t eliminate the extra water and toxins that accumulate.

Therefore, it is essential to get involved in a regular workout program that provides you with rigorous exercise at least 3 days a week. Regular exercise improves circulation, tightens muscle fibers, produces energy and flushes your system of toxins and excess water weight.