Four Natural Treatments for Fluid Retention

Fluid retention is a very common issue. The underlying cause should always be determined and treated by a doctor.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Written by Katherine Flórez

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Elevating your feet for a few minutes at the end of each day, staying hydrated, reducing your salt intake and, in short, leading a healthy lifestyle, are some of the best ways to promote well-being, and avoid problems such as fluid retention.

Edema (better known as fluid retention) is a really common health complaint that can have a variety of different causes, from a sodium-rich diet, to a sedentary lifestyle. It should never be ignored, as it could indicate cardiovascular or renal issues.

Once a doctor has determined the cause, it’s important to take steps to improve your daily habits, and start to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Below we’ll tell you more!

The causes of fluid retention

Fluid retention isn’t a disease as such, but a symptom. As we mentioned before, it can occur for various reasons. For example, due to a sedentary lifestyle, a low intake of water and other liquids, a diet rich in salt, etc.

First of all, fluid retention is caused by a regulatory imbalance that controls the passage of substances throughout the body.It occurs when your body ultimately becomes unable to remove excess fluids through your excretory system .

It can also be influenced by factors like:

• Obesity
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Kidney disorders
• Liver problems
• Stomach conditions
• Hormonal changes: premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, menopause, etc.

How can you recognize fluid retention?

To find out if you really have fluid retention, consider whether or not you have the following signs:

• General tiredness or fatigue
• Heaviness (especially in the legs)
• Abdominal inflammation and discomfort.
• Gradual swelling in the lower extremities
• Inflammation in other parts of the body (this is more unusual, but it can occur)

Natural treatments for fluid retention

In this next section, we’ll show you some natural remedies you can use to help combat fluid retention. As you’ll soon see, the majority are very simple and natural solutions.

1. Drink more water

Hydration is important for your body, even when you’re suffering from fluid retention. Although it might seem contradictory, you need to drink even more water if you have fluid retention. If not, substances will be stored in your body for even longer.

If you don’t drink more water, your body will automatically store additional fluids. In this way it can provide for any unexpected events.

2. Green tea

Foods and drinks with diuretic properties are believed to be great alternatives for people who suffer from fluid retention. Green tea is one of the most popular options.

Green tea is a drink rich in antioxidants that can be beneficial to your health in several ways. We recommend consuming it in moderation, always 40-45 minutes after a main meal so it doesn’t interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

3. Eat pineapple

Pineapple is a delicious and juicy fruit, making it a favorite around the globe, especially during hot weather.

People don’t just eat pineapple for its great taste, however. Some also consume this fruit because it contains a large amount of water, which in turn gives it a diuretic effect.

4. Parsley tea

As a complementary remedy, you could also drink parsley tea. This will help keep your body hydrated and stimulate urination, helping to expel retained fluid. To make it, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 c. of water
• 1 tbsp. of parsley

Preparation

• Firstly, bring the water to a boil
• Add the tablespoon of parsley, cover, and allow it to steep for a few minutes
• Drink at a lukewarm temperature in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon as part of a balanced diet

Note: If you don’t want to drink tea, you could also drink smoothies or fruit juices that have a high water content, such as melon and watermelon, for example.

Other alternatives

To combat fluid retention, we would also recommend doing physical activity on a daily basis. As a minimum, you should try to exercise for 30 minutes straight (the equivalent of around 10000 steps).

You could also do dance therapy, hiking, jogging, swimming or any other sport you enjoy. The important thing is to stay active, and leave your sedentary lifestyle behind.

Stay active and hydrated

As you can see, the natural remedies for fluid retention that we’ve discussed can be a good complement, but never a single solution to the problem.

Both to avoid and treat fluid retention it’s important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and follow the instructions given by your doctor. If you have any doubts, it’s always best to discuss them with a professional. This way, you’ll always stay on top of your health.