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How to Reduce Water Retention in the Body
Stay Young | December 5, 2025 7:39 PM CST

Water or fluid retention in the body occurs when excess fluid accumulates and causes swelling in various parts of the body, such as the hands or legs. Fluid retention can happen due to several medical conditions, even though it's usually harmless, but it can result in severe medical conditions like kidney or heart disease. Certain changes in lifestyle and diet can help reduce water retention and help promote the balance of fluid in the body.

People with a severe case of Edema, which is the medical term for swelling that occurs after excess fluid retention in the body tissues, should consult a professional expert or doctor for the right treatment and medication.

Causes of Water Retention

swollen legs


Over consumption of sodium: People who have a lot of sodium intake through a lot of processed foods and soft drinks can make the body retain more water and cause fluid retention.

Kidney issue: If a person's kidney is having problems in its regular functioning then it can have some difficulties in regulating the fluid balance and clearing out the wastes from the body .

Pregnancy: During pregnancy the body weight has a lot of fluctuations which can lead to the retention of water in the body. It is quite common with pregnant women to have water retention in their body which causes swelling in their feet or ankles.

Liver disease: People who have severe liver conditions can have water retention as pressure on the liver increases and it reduces its production of protein.

Heart conditions: People who have heart conditions can have fluid retention in their bodies as the heart does not pump blood effectively promotes the body to retain extra fluid in the body.

How to reduce water retention
Reduce salt intake: Reducing the amount of salt intake in the body can help in maintaining the balance of fluid in the cells and prevent retention of water.

Drink more water: This helps in getting rid of extra water and sodium in the body. Increasing the intake of water rich foods also helps in preventing extra water retention.

Increase the intake of magnesium: This can help in maintaining the reducing the retention of water in the body and improves body function.

Consume more potassium rich foods: This can help in maintaining the balance of water in the body and helps in removing sodium intake from the body.

Regular exercise: This can help in reducing inflammation in the body and helps retain less water in the body.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • What foods help you lose water retention?
    Potassium-rich fruit, especially bananas, watermelons and peaches, can help decreasing water retention.
  • Can lemon reduce water retention?
    Lemon can dramatically reduce the signs of water retention overnight when a substantial quantity is consumed.
  • How long does it take for retained water to go away?
    Water retention can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on its cause.
  • Does being tired make you retain water?
    Reduced sleep duration exacerbates chronic inflammation which can make the body to retain more water.

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