How to Lose Water Weight - Stop Water Retention with 4 Simple Tips
So, you’re tired of not fitting into your jeans or pants, and you can’t seem to drop the weight. Well, maybe the problem isn’t fat. Water weight can add unwanted pounds or bloat, and it can be as difficult to shed as fat. But you don’t have to live with the excess weight.
Here are four ways to shed excess water weight – quick!
1. Drink eight to ten glasses of water. Yes, it sounds like a contradiction. But increasing your water intake is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get rid of water weight. Strive to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day – more if possible. If you need a little flavor, add a lemon or lime.
2. Eat less sodium. Several factors contribute to excess water weight, and if you eat a high-sodium diet, you probably deal with water retention. Pay attention to nutritional labels and reduce your sodium intake. Processed foods, frozen meals, canned foods and sodas are generally high in sodium. Avoid these foods and add fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Keep your daily sodium intake below 1,500 to 2,000 mg.
3. Take a diuretic. Also known as water pills, diuretics aid in weight loss by flushing excess water from the body. You can obtain an over-the-counter or prescription diuretic from your doctor, or try a natural or herbal diuretic, which is less likely to have side effects. Common side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhea. In moderation, caffeinated beverages can function as a diuretic.
4. Change your prescription medication. Medications such as birth control pills and prescription steroids can cause water retention. If water weight becomes a problem, talk to your doctor about an alternative medication. Switching to a different medication can reduce bloating and swelling. If this isn’t an option, maintain your weight by adhering to the above suggestions.