Water retention can also be known as fluid retention or edema, and it occurs when too much fluid builds up inside the body. It is usually within the circulatory system or within tissue or cavities, and it can commonly cause swelling in the hands, feet, ankles and legs. There are some reasons for fluid retention which are not serious, and women in particular can experience it regularly as part of their reproductive cycle.
Water retention can also be a symptom of a severe medical condition, however, such as kidney disease. If you have sudden and unexplained water retention, seek medical help immediately. In other cases where the swelling or discomfort is mild, try these simple home remedies to alleviate the issue.
1. Eat less salt.
Healthline explains that sodium binds to water in the body and helps to maintain the balance of fluids in and around cells. If you eat too much sodium, your body will retain too much water. If you think you don’t add much salt to your diet, look at the nutritional information on the packaging of your favorite processed foods and you might be in for a shock. The sodium count on items such as canned soup or potato chips is incredibly high.
