Why do I suffer from water retention?

Water retention can be the result of a number of different factors many of which you can change by making some very gentle tweaks to your everyday routine.

You are what you eat

One of the key reasons that we retain water is down to our diet. Excess sodium levels which are the result of indulging in too many salty food are one of the main culprits. Eating too much salt can cause water retention because your body needs to hold on to water in order to dilute it. In addition, eating too much sugar can also lead to water retention. Sugar is not just found in the stuff that we add to our morning coffee – when refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta are broken down they release an awful lot of sugar into our bloodstream which cause our bodies to create excess insulin. If you are cooking from scratch try to limit the amount of salt that you add to your food, and substitute brown rice, pasta and bread into your diet which will reduce your insulin levels. Winter melon and cucumber are excellent foods to incorporate into your diet – they both have a diuretic effect.

You are also what you drink!

It might sound counter intuitive but if you have water retention it is important that you take in enough water. Aim to drink 5 – 6 glasses of water every day and more if it is a hot day or you have been sweating a lot. By ensuring that you are hydrated effectively your body is less likely to retain fluid.

Lets get moving!

A sedentary lifestyle can also result in water retention. When we move the tissues in our legs squeeze the fluids around our body. If our job requires us to sit still for several hours a day our bodies will not do this as much as it should which may result in fluids building up in some areas. If you work in an office take time to go for a walk at lunchtime, and make a few extra trips to the photocopier during the day – all of these small changes will have a positive impact. Moderate exercise improves both blood flow and the circulation of lymphatic fluid, both of which help to reduce fluid retention.

Our weight

Carrying a few extra pounds is also a cause of water retention as excess weight can put additional pressure onto your veins. Try to pay a little more attention to your diet and try to incorporate some more movement into your daily routine. By doing this regularly you will lose a couple of pounds before you know it, and with very little noticeable effort.

Fluctuations in Hormones

Many women experience water retention just before they have their period – adding even more stress to an already difficult time. During the menstrual cycles, women’s hormones will fluctuate, leading to water retention. It will tend to start one to two days prior to the start of the period, and it will last for three to five days after that. Learn more about water retention before periods from here.

IVF Session

During the session of IVF, superovulation will cause the estrogen levels to rise, which will lead to weight gain, water retention, and bloating. However, these symptoms are only temporary. When you finish the phase of superovulation, the hormones will regain balance so that you will get relief from water retention very soon. Some may still gain weight after stopping superovulation, in this case, doing exercise regularly and controlling food intake will be helpful.

What is the Chinese Medicine view of water retention?

TCM interprets water retention as being the result of Dampness in the body which can be caused by many factors. The most common causes are related to the Lung, Kidney and Spleen. When these organs are not working at their optimum level the body’s ability to Transform, Transport and Distribute fluids is compromised. This means that excess water overflows into the body’s muscles and skin. These organs can be compromised as a response to illness, pregnancy – as the body goes through a number of changes in a short space of time, or from the overuse of certain medications. Typical symptoms of Dampness include a feeling of heaviness, puffiness of the skin, swelling or water retention and a distended abdomen – all of which will be familiar to people suffering from water retention!

How to Help Water Retention – Moxibustion for Water Retention

How to reduce water retention fast? Moxibustion is a popular option. Moxibustion is an effective TCM therapy that introduces heat and energy into the body. It stands to reason if we wish to remove Dampness from the body that this treatment would be extremely effective for this condition! During a moxibustion treatment a dried herb called Moxa – Mugwort in English – is burned on or very near the surface of the skin – don’t worry, in skilled hands it is extremely safe and your practitioner is close at hand at all times. Moxibustion has the effect of warming and invigorating the flow of Qi – the body’s vital energy – in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences such as Dampness. Your practitioner would work on specific points on your feet and toes and perhaps your lower back. Moxibustion as a water retention treatment is profoundly relaxing and has the welcome effect of reducing stress levels and promoting better sleep for IVF water retention.

What supplements or herbal remedies help with water retention?

Chinese herbal remedies for water retention are drug-free and affordable options to get rid of water retention easily. You can try taking these herbs by trying supplements or having herbal tea for water retention. Herbs recommended by our expert team include Ginseng which boosts organ function, Spirulina which reduces water retention and detox kidney, and Chinese Yam. There are more alternatives you can use, learn about them here.

Water Retention Remedy is a natural herbal supplements that help the body to eliminate excessive fluid from its tissues. This supplement has a gentle diuretic effect which provides long lasting relief from swollen ankles and hands – making it much easier to slip into your treasured rings! It works by supporting the body’s balance of Kidney Yang – this strengthens the function of the Kidneys and allows them to process the removal of greater quantise of excess water. In addition they have the handy side effect of increasing the metabolism which helps you to lose weights – thereby reducing your risk of retaining water in the future. Try them if you need support with

• Water retention
• Inflammation
• Blood circulation and low energy levels
• Bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.