What are the main causes of water retention?

What is water retention?

Water retention, also known as edema, is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues. It usually manifests as visible swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, feet, eyelids, or abdomen.

This phenomenon occurs when the normal balance of body fluids is disrupted, and the body retains more water than it eliminates.

What causes water retention?

There are many causes of water retention, and they can vary from person to person. These include:

• A diet that is too high in salt: salt causes the body to retain water. Excessive salt consumption can therefore disrupt the body's water balance and promote water retention.

• Poor blood circulation: Poor blood circulation can prevent water from draining properly from tissues, causing it to accumulate.

• Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, can disrupt water balance and promote water retention.

• Lack of physical activity: Physical activity helps stimulate blood circulation and eliminate excess water from the body. A sedentary lifestyle can therefore increase the risk of water retention.

• Excessive heat: Heat tends to dilate blood vessels, which can facilitate the passage of water into tissues. This is why water retention is more common in summer.

• Taking certain medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and certain diabetes or high blood pressure medications, can cause water retention as a side effect.

• Pregnancy and menopause: Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause can increase the risk of water retention.

• Underlying health issues: Water retention can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue (kidney, heart, or liver disease).

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if water retention is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, pain, or shortness of breath.

The main symptoms of water retention

There are several symptoms of water retention:

• Bloating: One of the most common signs of water retention is a feeling of bloating, especially in the stomach, legs, and ankles. This feeling may be more pronounced at the end of the day or after sitting for long periods of time.

• Heavy legs: Water retention can also cause heavy legs and even difficulty walking. This sensation is due to the pressure exerted by the accumulation of fluid on the blood vessels and nerves.

• Fatigue: Water retention can also cause general fatigue and lack of energy. This is because the body has to work harder to eliminate excess fluid.

• Rapid weight gain: Rapid, unexplained weight gain can also be a sign of water retention. Water retention can cause weight to increase by 1 to 3 kg in 24 hours.

• Skin discoloration: In some cases, water retention can cause skin discoloration, making it paler or giving it a yellowish tint. This is due to the compression of blood vessels by the accumulation of fluid.

What natural solutions are there to combat water retention?

Fortunately, there are several natural solutions that can help you effectively combat water retention and regain a feeling of lightness:

• Engage in regular physical activity: Physical activity stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation and promotes the elimination of toxins and excess fluid in the tissues. Focus on gentle endurance exercises such as walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 30 minutes a day.

• Eat a balanced, low-salt diet: a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber promotes lymphatic drainage and the elimination of toxins. On the other hand, limit your salt intake, as salt tends to retain water in the body. Choose fresh, minimally processed foods, and replace salt with herbs and spices to flavor your dishes.

• Take dietary supplements: certain dietary supplements can help drain the body and combat water retention. This is particularly true of supplements based on diuretic plants. Discover Santarome's Organic Water Retention dietary supplement, a natural formula enriched with six organic plants and three organic buds selected for their diuretic properties.

• Avoid tight clothing and excessive heat: opt for loose, comfortable clothing, especially around the legs. Also avoid sources of excessive heat such as hot baths or saunas, which can dilate blood vessels and promote water retention.

• Stay hydrated: it may seem counterintuitive, but staying hydrated is essential for combating water retention. When you are dehydrated, your body tends to retain water to compensate. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, preferably still water or herbal teas with diuretic properties.

Say goodbye to heavy legs and bloated stomachs! Rediscover optimal well-being with advice from Santarome!

Sources:

• Review by Delphine Waquier, ergonomist specializing in occupational health (April 2017)

• Review by Dr. Megan Soliman, ABMS-certified physician (February 2024)

• Review by Meera Patel, Certified Medical Assistant (May 2024)

• Article from the Cleveland Clinic