Sunday, April 28, 2013

Need to Lose Water Weight?

Are you about to get your photos taken or need to slip into a dress that you had fitted about three months ago? Are you bloated and need a quick fix?


How to Lose Water Weight Quickly

By Karen Frazier
Nutrition Counselor
Reviewed by Terri Forehand RN


If you're retaining fluids, you may be wondering how to lose water weight quickly so that your clothes fit comfortably. For the average person, water comprises about 70 percent of total body weight. Muscle tissue contains about 75 percent water, while body fat holds around 50 percent water.

Retaining excess fluids can leave you feeling bloated and puffy. If this is the case for you, it might surprise you to learn that diet can contribute to considerable fluid retention. Factors contributing to the retention of fluids include the following:

Salt
Sugar
Inadequate protein
Insufficient amino acids or B-vitamins


If your doctor has ruled out a medical condition and you are looking for a safe, natural way to lose water weight quickly, there are natural foods and herbs which offer diuretic properties. However, even though these "remedies" to water weight gain are natural, you should always use them with caution and moderation.

Natural Diuretic Aids
Many natural substances can serve as diuretic aids. MayoClinic.com suggests reducing salt and eating more fruits and vegetables. According to Natural Diuretics, other natural diuretics include the following:

Apple cider vinegar (maintains potassium levels)
Celery
Celery seed
Cranberry juice
Dandelion
Green tea
Dandelion leaf tea (also helps in detoxification and urinary tract infections)
Fennel
Juniper berries
Nettle
Parsley

Diuretic Foods
Eating foods which have high water content is another way to increase the elimination of excess fluid retention. Other foods contain elements that boost kidney performance. You might want to try some of the following:

Artichokes
Asparagus
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Oats
Tomatoes (also aid metabolism)
Watermelon
Watercress
Along with these foods, garlic is another tasty solution if you're looking for how to lose water weight quickly. Animal studies show that it is not only to a natural diuretic food, but it also aids in the fat breakdown.


Diuretic Beverages
Several beverages also have a diuretic effect:

Coffee
Tea
Coke (While the caffeine works as a diuretic, Coke can also wreak havoc with your sugar levels and cause bloating.)
It is also important to note that some studies show a connections between caffeine and weight gain due to increased insulin resistance.

Diuretics for Edema

If your body tends to accumulate excess fluids, it's best to see your doctor to learn the cause. Diuretics are often prescribed to help those suffering from edema (accumulation of fluids in the body tissues).

Medical Reasons Contributing to Edema
A visit to your doctor can determine whether there is an underlying medical condition causing your edema. Although edema can be harmless, it is also a common symptom for the following medical conditions:

Filariasis
Glomerulonephritis
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Kidney conditions
Liver conditions including cirrhosis of the liver
Lymphedma
Nephrotic Syndrome
PMS symptoms such as bloating
Pregnancy
Thyroid condition
Taking a diuretic aids the body in getting rid of excess fluid retention. However, using diuretics indiscriminately when trying to lose weight can lead to other serious consequences like dehydration, electrolyte imabalances, and potassium deficiency. The overuse of natural diuretics and laxatives may also lead to an eating disorder.

Making a Plan to Lose Water Weight

If you suffer from PMS symptoms like bloating and headaches and want to lose water weight quickly while steering clear of prescribed diuretics, make a diet plan that follows these guidelines:

Avoid sugary food.
Avoid salt and high sodium foods.
Drink plenty of water.
Drink herbal teas.
Eat small amounts of starchy carbohydrates.
Include the foods and herbs listed above and eat fruits and vegetables.
Adding these herbs and foods to your diet can help alleviate water retention, but if you decide to take a diuretic supplement, it is important to understand that they should not be taken for more than a few days. This is because necessary minerals and nutrients may also be flushed from your system along with the unwanted water weight. Instead, make a healthy diet plan incorporating these foods and be sure to add exercise to your daily routine.

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