Top 5 Reasons people retain water
The human body, largely made up of water, should not undergo weight gain from retaining too much fluid, an abnormal occurrence. Typically, this condition results from an imbalance in water levels and crucial electrolytes and minerals such as sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Excess fluid retention may herald a serious health problem. Usually, healthcare providers address this condition most effectively, with its causes commonly attributed to these five main factors:
- Dietary Habits: Consuming too much sodium, commonly found in processed foods, restaurant fare, and items like salad dressings, cereals, and canned soups, is a primary fluid retention cause. Whenever possible, cook with filtered water and low-sodium ingredients, and read labels carefully before buying.
Nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of vitamins B1, B6, B5, and proteins, may also lead to fluid retention. Low-carb, high-protein diets can put extra stress on the kidneys, which are responsible for maintaining the body’s water balance. The kidneys filter many substances and can become overwhelmed if they have to process an unusually high amount of protein.
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Sedentary Behavior: Extended periods of standing, sitting, or inactivity due to injury, illness, pregnancy, or a generally inactive lifestyle can cause fluid retention. Exercise boosts venous return, helping the heart to purify the blood and excrete excess fluids.Inactive individuals may notice swollen limbs, organ stress, and weight gain, whereas regular physical activity acts as a strong safeguard against fluid retention.
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Medication Effects: Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause unnecessary fluid retention. This includes corticosteroids, estrogen-containing contraceptives, hypertension medications, certain antidepressants, hormones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can interfere with the body’s fluid elimination processes.
Ceasing medication due to fluid retention should only be done on medical advice. However, patients should inform their doctors about any physical changes they attribute to their medication.
- Medical Conditions: Various health disorders can lead the body to retain water, such as hypertension, chronic venous insufficiency, liver cirrhosis, lymphedema, hypothyroidism, allergic reactions, hepatorenal syndrome, and congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF, for example, hampers kidney function, complicating the removal of excess fluids. Diuretics are often prescribed to manage such conditions.
Contrary to common belief, fluid retention can be a key symptom in diagnosing illnesses and should not be ignored as a natural occurrence. It is usually abnormal and can be treated.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Commonly affecting women, hormonal imbalances, especially during pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopause, are frequent causes of fluid retention. Hormonal treatments may worsen this condition. Hormones impact kidney function, fluid retention, and the regulation of proteins, electrolytes, and enzymes. For instance, pregnant women’s bodies are prompted to retain more fluid for the fetus.
Continue Reading: The Role of Water in Dieting