Water Retention: Get Rid Of It!

Water retention is the unwanted buildup of fluid in the body, and is the result of different factors.

The body is made up of around seventy percent water so it is vitally important to consume the daily recommended value of water, which is around one gallon of water.

Though the body needs water to support all metabolic functions the body can become unbalanced under different conditions and retain too much water. This retention usually occurs in the legs and feet, but it can occur all over the body.

Kidneys and Water

Under normal circumstances the kidneys will balance the amount of water in the body and will remove excess water. If water retention occurs unhealthy kidneys are likely involved.

The kidneys balance the ratio of water and salt and remove waste and toxins from the bloodstream. Not drinking enough water allows waste and toxins to concentrate in the bloodstream and overwhelm and damage the kidneys.

Also diets high in animal products are extremely acidic and their digestion results in acidic components that damage the urine making tubes in the kidneys.^[1]

This leads to the kidneys not being able to properly filter water, electrolytes, and waste material and results water retention.

It may seem counter-productive but drinking the daily recommended value for water, while reducing the consumption of animal-based products, will help to clean and heal the kidneys so they can process water correctly and reduce water retention.

Blood Vessels and Water Retention

Capillaries feed organs and cells water and other nutrients. Under certain unfavorable conditions cells are either fed too much water or the water that is fed to cells is not effectively removed and builds up over time.^[2]

The incorrect pressure in the capillaries and also the weakening of capillaries allows for water to be released in between cells and for water to not properly return to the capillaries, which results in water retention.

Taking cold showers help to strengthen capillaries and increase blood circulation.

Sodium

High sodium levels can lead to the body retaining water to balance the amount of sodium that is present. The leads to high blood pressure which weakens capillaries and promotes water retention.

Reduce or eliminate the consumption of processed foods and additive salt. A whole food plant based diet naturally supplies the body with the amount of salt it needs to support healthy living.

Lymph Fluid Buildup

The lymphatic system consists of vessels, tissues, and organs like the spleen and tonsils. The lymphatic system’s main function is to transport lymph to and from tissues throughout the body.

When the lymphatic system becomes congested too much lymph fluid can be released or the rate the lymph fluid is returned to the bloodstream can be slowed.^[3] This can result in lymph fluid accumulating around cells and water retention.

Strengthen and Clean the Lymphatic System

• Get moving: The body has the heart to move blood, and movement to move lymph. Shake up the lymph fluid in the body to get it moving. The more the intensity of movement the greater the shake:
  • Jump Rope
  • Run
  • Walk
• Drink plenty of water: Lymph fluid is made up primarily of water. Drinking a gallon of water a day will help keep the lymph fluid hydrated and more easily movable.
• Herbs: Certain herbs detoxify the lymphatic system and help return in to normal functioning:
  • Hydrangea
  • Red Clover
  • Sacred Bark

Diuretics

Diuretics make the body increase the production of urine, which results in more water being removed from the body. Certain foods and herbs contain diuretic compounds that promote the removal of excess water from cells of the body.

It is very important to drink a gallon of water a day, especially when consuming diuretics to protect the kidneys and to return them to normal functioning.

Diuretic Foods

• Limes
• Cucumbers
• Kale
• Onions
• Dandelion greens
• Ginger
• Tomatoes

Diuretic Herbs

• Burdock Root
• Dandelion
• Nettle
• Red Clover
• Fennel

Stay Hydrated

It is important to drink the recommended daily recommended value for water to keep the body hydrated. The body will hold on to water if it doesn’t regularly get enough to support metabolic functions.

How Much Water Do We Need A Day? The safe bet would be to drink a gallon of water a day. The body will get rid of what it doesn’t need.