When we build up too much water in our system, all of our bodily functions start to fail; we feel swelled and heavy, and what’s worst, it can lead us to kidney and liver disease.
There are many reasons for experiencing water retention, but the most common is a lack of exercise. If you sit all day in your office, you’re slowly accumulating liquids. Most of the time, our body takes care of the problem, but it’s good to know a few foods that can help us tackle water retention naturally.
The secret ingredients are electrolytes, like calcium, magnesium and potassium, and the powerful vitamin B6. Together in a balanced diet, foods rich in these nutrients can help you reduce water retention.
#10 – Bananas
Bananas are one of the best foods to lessen water retention since they have both high levels of potassium and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is not only useful against water retention, but it also helps you regulate your metabolism; it plays a part in keeping arteries clear and help keep your eyes in good shape.
#9 – Walnuts
Walnuts amongst all nuts have the highest levels of magnesium and vitamin B6. Magnesium acts like an electrolyte helping us stay hydrated without holding excess water.
#8 – Potatoes
Potatoes might not be the healthiest veggies around, they’re all carbs and add a lot of extra calories to our diet, but they’re very efficient against water retention. An average potato has 84 milligrams of magnesium and has reasonable amounts of potassium too. Enjoy potatoes but avoid salt, which increases water retention.
#7 – Avocados
Avocados have more potassium than bananas; we bet you didn’t know that. The high amounts of minerals help you control and lower water retention. Avocados have many other health benefits, too, like unsaturated fats that reduce cholesterol levels.
#6 – Red Meat
Red meat is often in the blacklist for healthy eating, but it has many minerals like magnesium and iron, all compounds that will encourage you to reduce water retention. In moderation, red meat is vital to your diet.
#5 – Parsley
There’s another way to combat water retention, consuming diuretic food. Parsley is a natural diuretic that will almost instantly help you lose extra water in your organism.
#4 – Cranberry juice
Cranberry juice is an efficient diuretic too and will help you lower water in your tissue and bloodstream fast. You’ll pay a few more visits to the bathroom than expected, but you’ll feel light and airy.
#3 – Whole grains
You’ll find a great source of magnesium in whole grains, so enjoy them at breakfast lunch and dinner. High-quality proteins are a bonus for this one, and you can never have too much fiber. Whole grains will improve your overall health and help you with your water retention problem at the same time.
#2 – Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate with over 70% cacao beans is a healthy treat anyway you see it. It’s packed with antioxidants, but it also has proper amounts of magnesium, a natural electrolyte that will reduce water retention.
#1 – Dairy
We often overlook calcium as a treatment for water retention, but like many other minerals, it is an electrolyte that will keep you hydrated but not bloated. Proteins and fat are good for you to some extent, so a glass of milk now and then is perfectly healthy.
Stay active!
Although all the foods above will diminish water retention, it’s better to prevent it by staying active. Walk around, use the stairs, and stretch in the mornings. Make sure you get your body moving through the day and feel great.
