Combating Water Retention

It’s a common trait among women – we retain water. This is especially true when we’re going through PMS, when we’re pregnant or as we go through menopause. We tend to hold on to water because various hormone levels change during these times. Sometimes we can really see the swelling in our face, ankles, lower legs and tummy area. Retaining excess water can leave us feeling lethargic and bloated and takes us that much farther away from our weight-loss goals.

Remembering to stick to your exercise regime is essential in reaching those goals. Here are some other quick tips to help combat water retention so that you aren’t discouraged from getting to the gym and sticking to your weight-loss plans.

Watch your salt intake. If you body feels like it’s getting too many of those high salt foods, it’ll tend to hold on to water in order to have enough fluid to flush it out of your system. Plus those junk foods are hardly good for your weight-loss goals.

Keep active! Ankles tend to swell up the most when we retain water, so go for a quick walk and work your calves so the excess fluid doesn’t end up pooling in your ankles.

Get rid of the tight clothing. If you find that you have to squeeze into your pants and that your belt is digging into your waistline, it will restrict the flow of fluids from your lower legs.

Drink lots of water. You’re probably thinking that drinking more water can’t possibly help you since you’re retaining so much of it, but being properly hydrated means that you body won’t feel the need to hold on to any water because it knows it’s being more than adequately hydrated on a regular basis.

When you’re sitting down, try not to cross you legs. If you do so it limits the blood flow to your lower body, encouraging the swelling of your lower legs and ankles.