How long until i stop retaining water

One indication of water retention is difficulty to lose weight despite diet efforts. The physical signs are more evident, however. Physical signs of water retention include swollen ankles and unexplained weight gain over a short period of time. Also, rings may not fit anymore and the stomach may feel swollen. One way to find out if you are retaining water is by gently pressing the foot, ankle or calf with slow, steady pressure using the thumb.

If edema is present, an indentation will show on the skin. A professional evaluation to determine the cause of leg swelling is still necessary, however. It is possible to retain up to 5 pounds of water weight, most of which is stored in the fluid that surrounds the cells throughout the body.

Overweight people tend to retain more water because they consume more calories and as a result, tend to consume higher amounts of sodium which greatly contributes to water retention. Certain types of edema can result in moderate discomfort in the area where excess fluid accumulation occurs. Carpal tunnel syndrome , morning stiffness and headaches may accompany the swelling.

Water retention can also be mistaken for premenstrual syndrome or make existing premenstrual syndrome worse. Types of Water Retention. There are two extensive types of fluid retention. The first one is generalized oedema that is characterized by swellings all over the body. The second type is the localized oedema that affects particular body parts. This condition is most common in the legs and feet, and can also affect the face, hand, and arm areas.

This condition might be inherited or may be a result of an injury in the lymphatic vessels. In this type of fluid retention, the symptoms consist of severe fatigue, discoloration of skin, heavy-swollen limb, and eventual deformity of the affected area. Causes of Water Retention. Water retention is also linked to protein deficiency, anemia , and the high requirement for vitamin and supplement intake. There is a specific kind of diet that is recommended for water retention which forces the body to eliminate excess fluid.

Water retention can also be the result of a medical condition involving organs such as the liver, heart, or kidneys. When an area of the body is not functioning properly, the body tends to retain fluid in that area of the body. The body becomes unable to eliminate fluid properly when certain medical conditions are present.

Learn more about if it's right for you. Folic acid supplements are generally safe — unless you take too much. Here are 4 folic acid side effects you should know about. Women over the age of 50 have increased needs for several vitamins and minerals.

Here are the 10 best multivitamins for women over Taking certain dietary supplements may be beneficial for lung health. See which vitamins our registered dietitian recommends as the best for…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Share on Pinterest. Eat Less Salt. Increase Your Magnesium Intake. Increase Vitamin B6 Intake. Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods. Try Taking Dandelion. Avoid Refined Carbs. Other Ways to Reduce Water Retention. The Bottom Line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois.

Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Cauterization is the process of destroying tissue with electricity or chemicals. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. It can also cause: bloating puffiness swelling Water retention is a common health issue, and can occur on a daily basis. A number of factors can cause it including: diet menstrual cycle genetics You can help relieve water retention by making lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of water retention. What causes water retention? Can persistent water retention cause complications? Seven remedies for water retention. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Balanced Diet. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Whatever your motivation, expect to gain a few pounds at first. When you start an exercise program , your body naturally goes through several changes in the first couple months. A new exercise regimen puts stress on your muscle fibers.

This causes small micro tears, also known as micro trauma, and some inflammation. Those two conditions in your muscle fibers are the reason you may gain some weight. Your body responds to the micro tears and inflammation in two ways that cause temporary water weight gain. Calabrese explains.