The human body is made of up to 60% water. Our brain, heart, lungs, muscles, blood, and even our bones consist of a staggering percentage. 

However, when the body starts storing more than it’s designed to handle, it can lead to water retention. Water retention – or oedema – is one of the most common health problems. Excess water causes the body to swell and, if left untreated, it can become a recurring problem and lead to more severe health issues.

If you’re a sufferer, here are some natural remedies for water retention you might like to try.

Some of the most common symptoms of water retention include:

• Bloating – especially around the abdomen 
• Swollen feet, ankles, and legs
• Puffy face, hips, and abdomen
• Stiff joints
• Fluctuations in weight
• Skin indentations – similar to when you spend a long time in the bath.

If you’re currently suffering from water retention, here are some great natural options you can try from the comfort of your own home:

Salt is composed of sodium and chloride. In the body, sodium attaches itself to water and helps to maintain the balance of fluids inside and outside your cells. However, if your sodium intake is too high your body can start to retain water. 

To combat this, you should actively try to reduce your salt intake. Try to limit the amount of sodium in your diet to no more than 2.4 grams per day. So, if you are a fast-food lover, this means cutting down on the amount of processed food you eat. If you find this hard because you love your salt, try swapping it for spices to add flavour to your meals.

For premenstrual symptoms specifically, magnesium has been found to reduce water retention. Adding more of the mineral to your diet can reduce bloating. 

Magnesium-rich foods include whole grains, nuts, leafy green vegetables – and wait for it – even dark chocolate. 

You may be thinking – why on earth would I drink more water if there’s already too much in my body? The answer? Drinking more water will actually reduce the amount of water weight you’re carrying. If you’re suffering from dehydration, your body will hold onto water to make up for the deficiency. This causes bloating.

Drinking more water will also improve the function of your kidneys, as any excess water and sodium will be flushed out of your system. 

However – and this is very important –  make sure you space your water intake over the course of the day as too much water in one go can cause water intoxication.

Herbal teas containing dandelion or nettles can work wonders when it comes to evacuating excess water from the body. Dandelion contains potassium which helps normal kidney function and nettles have a diuretic effect which causes the kidneys to create more urine.

Just like magnesium, vitamin B6 has qualities that can help to reduce water retention. It is especially good for women who suffer from premenstrual symptoms. 

So, when scheduling your weekly meal plans, consider foods that contain a high amount of B6. This includes potatoes (everyone’s favourite), fish, and vegetables like kidney beans and butternut squash which contain high starch levels.

To reduce water retention quickly, begin your day with as many potassium-rich foods as you can. This mineral plays a major role in maintaining the fluid balance in your body.

Healthy foods rich in potassium include watermelons, oranges, apricots, bananas, papaya, pomegranate, mangoes and berries.

Have you ever noticed your legs and ankles have become swollen after you’ve spent most of the day sitting or standing?

If you sit or stand for long periods every day, you are more at risk of water retention. This is because fluids can build up in your legs as a result of gravitational force and poor circulation.

To combat this, take some time out to get active. Even getting up and moving around your house or office, or going for a quick walk can help to maintain your circulation and reduce the risk of water retention. If you incorporate exercise into your daily routine, all the better.

While all these natural remedies for water retention have been tried and tested, you can help your body even further with our Water Balance supplement. 

If you’re feeling lethargic, bloated and heavy, our supplement can help to purify your body by removing toxins. It’s rich in plant extracts which have natural minerals and vitamins, including K, C, E, A, and B1 and many more to combat water retention so you feel lighter, healthier and more energetic.