Water comprises around 60 percent of the human body and is essential to all areas of life. However, numerous individuals are concerned about their water weight. This is especially true for elite athletes and bodybuilders seeking to drop weight or enhance their appearance. Edema, or excessive water retention, is generally harmless, but it may be a symptom of a more severe condition such as heart, liver, or renal disease. Water retention is also frequent in women during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle during pregnancy. Here are six strategies for effectively and organically reducing water weight.
Reduce Sodium
The simple first step in weight loss is substituting high-sodium foods with low-sodium alternatives. Too much sodium, or salt, can immediately cause water retention. Since the body needs to maintain a balanced sodium-to-water ratio to function effectively, excessive salt consumption will result in water retention. Recent dietary guidelines recommend a maximum daily salt intake of 2,300 mg. Despite the high sodium level of table salt, processed foods account for 75% of the sodium consumed by individuals. They include cheese, cold meats, bread, frozen entrees, soup mixes, and savory snacks. Vegetables, nuts, and seeds are naturally low in sodium content.
Drink More Water
Contrary to popular opinion, drinking water can help you lose weight. To compensate for the lack of incoming water, dehydration can induce the body to store extra water. Water improves kidney function by facilitating the elimination of excess water and salt from the body. Each day, adults should consume around two liters of water. Substituting pure water for sugary beverages is an excellent way to meet the body’s daily water needs.
Sleep More
According to research, sleep is as vital to health as nutrition and exercise. The sympathetic renal nerves in the kidneys, which regulate salt and water balance, may be affected by sleep. A good night’s rest can also assist the body in maintaining hydration and reducing water retention. Aim for a healthy amount of sleep per night, which is between seven and nine hours for most people.
Reduce Intake of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, also known as carbohydrates, increase water retention in the body. We store the energy from carbohydrates as glycogen molecules. Three grams (g) of water accompany each gram (g) of glycogen. Reducing carbohydrates is a quick approach to diminish glycogen levels, which means that water weight will also be lowered. Adults need a minimum of 130 g of carbohydrates per day to function correctly, but the average human diet comprises significantly more. Bread, rice, and pasta are all examples of commonly consumed carbs. Some daily carbohydrates can be replaced with high-protein foods such as lean meats, eggs, and soy products to reduce water weight.
Stress Less
Long-term stress can increase cortisol levels, directly affecting fluid retention and water weight. Stress and cortisol may increase the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that regulates the body’s water balance. ADH instructs the kidneys on how much water to return to the body by sending signals. By reducing your stress levels, you can maintain normal levels of ADH and cortisol, crucial for fluid balance and long-term health and disease risk.
Supplements
Vitamin B-6 and magnesium oxide are both natural remedies for water retention. Together with the kidneys, these vitamins aid in the elimination of excess water and sodium from the body. According to studies, these two vitamins are very effective at alleviating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including water retention. Additionally, they can alleviate stomach bloating, leg swelling, and breast discomfort. Before using any new supplements, it is advisable to visit a physician, as they may have unwanted side effects or interact with other medications.