Understanding Water Retention + How to Optimally Hydrate

Lighter mornings, warmer weather, refreshing foods and being outside - the summer months are associated with feeling lighter, brighter and healthier.

However, for some of us, the summer months can come with the unwanted side effect of puffiness and bloating - just when you don’t want it. Water retention is a common problem, and whilst the summer months can often be a trigger due to warmer temperatures, it can rear its head at any time of year.  Read on to understand some of the signs, symptoms and solutions to help you tackle water retention this summer and all year long. 

HOW TO KNOW IF IT’S WATER RETENTION? 

Water retention and bloating are two different things. Bloating can be described as pain, pressure or discomfort in your stomach and abdomen. This is different from water retention, which is more of a puffy, swollen feeling around the abdomen AND other parts of the body. Face, eyelids, hands, ankles and feet are common places we tend to hold on to water.  The most common symptoms include: 

Whilst a little water retention is perfectly normal, if you experience ongoing swelling and puffiness in the legs accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing and changes in urination are signs you should seek advice from your doctor.

COMMON CAUSES OF WATER RETENTION 

Some of the most common causes of water retention include: 

Flying.
The extreme changes in cabin pressure along with sitting for long periods of time can cause the body to hold onto water. Consider compression socks - not the sexiest look, but your legs will thank you for it after. 

Standing or sitting for long periods.
Sitting or standing for long periods of time can cause the tissue to hold water and potentially lead to swelling and pain. It is important to keep your blood pumping and circulation flowing by standing up and walking around regularly. Gravity naturally keeps blood in your lower extremities, so if you have a sedentary job, make sure to stand and walk around often to keep things moving.  If you can manage it, try getting your feet above your head for at least 10 minutes a day, especially after a long day on your feet.  

Menstrual cycle.
Fluctuating sex hormones can lead to increased water retention. This retention can happen at the time of menstruation or show up to two weeks before your cycle is due, thanks to oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations around the time of ovulation, which can impact how much water the body retains. Essential GLA during weeks 3-4 can do wonders for hormone-related fluid retention.  

SHOP ESSENTIAL GLA

High salt diet.
Consuming high sodium foods through table salt or processed foods can result in water retention. When we have too much sodium or salt, our body holds onto excess water to help support a balanced sodium-to-water ratio. And its not only salty crisps or some fries that trigger your bloat, healthy convenience foods such as ready-made soups, bone broths and plant-based ready meals may cause water retention too. Salt can lead to the body holding onto water to maintain a balance within our cells. So do you need to ditch the salt? Not at all – using sea salt and Himalayan salt with natural, whole foods can help you meet your electrolyte requirements, it’s processed foods and food products you need to be more weary of. 

Alcohol.
We all know it, but alcohol is one of the prime suspects when it comes to water retention because of its effects on electrolytes, metabolism and hormones. If you wake up puffier than you’d like, aim to include hydrating foods and avoid the temptation to indulge in unhealthier comfort meals. We use Deep Detox + Cellular Hydration as a power duo to help combat next-day puffiness (and fatigue). Including foods that replenish glutathione will also help the body process alcohol – think avocado, asparagus, eggs, papaya, and sulphur rich foods like cruciferous veggies.  

SHOP THE SUPPLEMENTS

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE WATER RETENTION? 

Lymphatic drainage.
A lymphatic drainage massage can help to relieve swelling by applying gentle pressure on areas of the body to help remove waste and toxins, and flush them out of the body.  

Increase your potassium levels.
Potassium intake can help to reduce water retention, by increasing urine production and lowering sodium levels in the body. Eating a potassium-rich diet and staying fully hydrated can help to maintain a good fluid balance. Think bananas, lentils, broccoli and avocado.   

Avoid highly salty foods.
When we consume salty foods, the body retains extra sodium which increases the amount of fluid in the body. Cook from scratch when possible and avoid adding salt during the cooking process. Allow the sauce to simmer first. Taste the food after the dish finishes cooking, and then add extra salt if necessary. The saltiness of food can change as it cooks. Use black pepper first, and aim to use natural herbs and spices to flavour food. 

Try a magnesium salt bath.
Soaking in a warm bath with added magnesium salts can help to ease bloating caused by water retention.  Aim to soak for 20 minutes, three times per week.  

Try inversions. 
Holding your legs up against a wall for a minimum of 5 minutes every evening can reduce gravitational pressure and improve circulation. Keeping your legs elevated can also help to reduce swelling and fluid buildup, as it stimulates lymphatic drainage.

And most importantly, HYDRATE! 
Staying optimally hydrated is the best way to reduce water retention. The body is always trying to maintain balance, so if you are dehydrated - whether its from lack of water or lack of electrolytes - the body will retain more water in an attempt to stop water levels from dropping too low.

Many of us already know that we should be hydrating well, but there are some other considerations when it comes to proper hydration.  

Drink 2L of water daily.
Water is an essential part of our daily diet and contributes to every organ and function in the body. It accounts for close to 60% of our total body weight and a fall in just 1% of this can impact our body homeostasis (balance of systems in the body). If you struggle with hydrating yourself throughout the day, try flavouring your water with fresh cucumber, berries or lemon and add a tbsp of chia seeds if you like some texture. 

Workout hydration.
Pre-workout hydration should start anywhere up to three hours before you exercise, but of course, this depends on what type of activity, the length of the workout, weather/ temperature, your body composition and workout intensity. It is important to note that glugging down one litre of water just before you exercise is not the answer. If you drink too quickly, not only could it make you nauseous but you will also trigger a cascade of events in the body that will result in your body flushing out excess nutrients through urination. Get your hands on a water bottle and slowly slip pre and post. 

Post-workout.
To hydrate and replenish lost electrolytes, choose natural options over your typical sports drinks that are packed with additives, chemicals, colours, multiple forms of sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. You can get the same if not more electrolytes from natural alternatives or supplements. Coconut water (always choose the unsweetened kind and raw when possible) per cup has 600 mg of Potassium and 58mg of Calcium and if you’re looking for something less calorific, try our Cellular Hydration.  

Consume hydrating foods.
These can help to keep hydration levels up and provide us with a whole variety of nutrients. Think cucumber, watermelon, berries, oranges, coconut water, broths and soups.  

Get serious about electrolytes.
If you are drinking enough water day and still retaining water,  you might be dehydrated at a cellular level. Our body needs electrolytes to stay hydrated, so even if you’re drinking a lot of water, you may not be replenishing your electrolytes – especially potassium and magnesium. We use Cellular Hydration to restore electrolytes and combat water retention, fatigue and bloating.  

This article is for educational purposes only and the implementation of the theories and practices discussed is at the sole discretion of the individual. All advice given is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns about your health, you should speak with your physician.