Today one of my clients asked me what they could eat to get rid of fluid retention.
It isn’t an easy question to answer because there are many causes of fluid retention that will not be healed by eating foods that make you pee.
Some foods can make you retain fluid by slowing down your kidneys, while others can help your kidneys work better.
Anemia, protein deficiency, and an abnormally high need for one or more vitamins or minerals can cause fluid retention as well.
Keep in mind that fluid retention is NOT simple to treat.
Maybe you aren’t even aware that those difficult to lose pounds are actually fluid rather than fat!
You don’t lose fluid weight the same way you lose weight from fat!
You can burn fat, but you don’t “burn” water you release it!
This subject can be a bit overwhelming, so don’t let yourself get complacent!
Fluid retention drains your health!
Cover the simple stuff first:
- sip water all day even when you feel bloated (unless your doctor advises you not to because of kidney failure)
- have your hormones checked
- treat all low oxygen levels with supplemental oxygen
The most common cause of fluid retention is dehydration! So sip all day and if you are on fluid restriction, it’s a good idea to stick to water with fresh lemon.
Hormones are another issue that could be causing your fluid retention and your doctor can evaluate if this is a problem for you.
Low oxygen levels are potentially fatal, so you want to look for them when you are active and distressed as well as when you are sleeping!
Discovering what foods help get rid of fluid retention is only slightly helpful early on in your disease process.
Is this the information you were looking for?
Foods that cause you to release fluid:
- celery
- onion
- parsley
- garlic
- peppermint
- eggplant
- cabbage
- cranberries
- asparagus
- corn
- cucumber
- grapes
- watermelon
Some sources say to reduce intake of parsley and celery to avoid water retention. They are both high in chlorophyll so it’s no wonder they are hugely helpful in addressing the issues that may contribute to fluid retention. A list of foods high in magnesium will help as well. Magnesium is the “relax mineral” so it helps fluid retention in several ways.
Herbs that help you to release fluid:
- uva ursi
- buchu
- horse chestnut (also used to promote leg vein circulation in Europe for many years)
- dandelion root or tincture (good for kidneys, adrenal glands, and liver)
- Dong Quai (also soothing to intestines and bladder)
Be careful with herbs, like drugs, they are potentially harmful!
Fluid Retention can be very uncomfortable.
The discomfort of fluid retention can be eased with the use of essential oils.
Essential oils, used in baths, gargles, mouthwashes, vaporizers, inhalants, as well as compresses and massages can be helpful:
- cypress
- geranium
- juniper
- lavender
- rosemary
Fluid BALANCE is the goal, and many foods can be helpful in righting your fluid balance.
Helpful foods, vitamins, and minerals:
- brazil nuts
- fish
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- magnesium (would a list of food sources help?)
- selenium
Give your attention to a few other concerns that effect fluid retention!
Avoid constipation, eat foods high in dietary fiber:
- grains
- beans
- fruits
AVOID the following:
- table salt (for severe fluid retention use only potassium chloride)
- sugary foods and drinks
- too much protein OR not enough protein
- unhealthy fats
- being still for long periods of time
- crossing your legs
- tight clothing
- alcohol
- smoke
- coffee
- black tea
- processed foods
- fast foods
- white flour foods
There is no quick fix for fluid retention but it is likely to cause oxygen and nutrition problems because it interferes with absorption.
Better safe than sorry!
Get your oxygen levels checked and nourish yourself with a quality nutritional supplement.
Heart Failure Solutions recommends Vemma products because of their safe track record.
Click on the link below and learn more about what nutrition can do for you!
Many blessings,
Carrie Tucker, RCP
The Life Breath Coach
Heart Failure Solutions
PS– Remember everyday:
- Relax and Release tension
- Exhale Slowly
- Be active in a way that adds Joy to your life
Plus pure water ~whole foods~sunshine~and laughter