When your body stores too much water, fluid retention occurs.Retention can make your body look bloated and uncomfortable, especially around the face, hands, abdomen, breasts, and feet.If you want to treat fluid retention, you need to see your doctor and find out what's causing it.If you're taking a medication that causes you to retain fluid, talk to your doctor about how to reduce the side effect.
Step 1: You should see your doctor.
If you are retaining fluid, the first thing you should do is to see a doctor.The cause of your fluid retention can be determined by a physical exam and tests performed by your doctor.There are many different conditions that can cause fluid retention.
Step 2: Look at hormones as a possible cause.
It's not uncommon for women to experience some water retention in the days leading up to their period.Birth-control medication can cause fluid retention.hormone replacement therapy is one of the types of medical hormonal treatment that can be done.After your cycle has ended, fluid retention will likely end.A doctor may prescribe a diuretic if the retention is persistent.The pill will allow you to pee out the fluid in your body.
Step 3: Discuss the side effects of medication with your doctor.
If your diet is healthy and you don't lead a sedentary lifestyle, your fluid retention could be a side effect of one or more medications.If your body continues to retain fluid for more than a few days, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss ways to reduce fluid retention as a medication side effect.Antidepressants and Chemo therapy medicine are the most likely to cause water retention.
Step 4: Ask your doctor if you are having problems with your heart or kidneys.
There are two serious medical conditions that can cause the body to retain fluid.In these cases, fluid retention can be sudden and severe, with a large amount of fluid being retained in the lower portion of your body.If you're worried about heart failure, contact your doctor as soon as possible.The sooner a doctor can diagnose heart failure or kidney disease, the more effectively they can be treated.
Step 5: Move around during the day.
For individuals who lead a largely sedentary lifestyle, or anyone who works at a job that requires them to remain seated for multiple hours, gravity can draw fluids into the lower extremities of their body.Water can accumulate in your feet, ankles, and legs.Walk frequently throughout the day to avoid this.Your lower limbs won't retain water if you keep your blood circulating.During long plane rides, passengers remain immobile for many hours.If you're on an international flight, stand up, stretch, and walk around a few times.
Step 6: Take care of swollen extremities.
You can elevate the swollen parts of your body if you're worried about retaining water in your feet, ankles, and lower legs.This will allow gravity to drain some of the retained fluid from your feet.If your feet are swollen in the evening, lie down on a sofa or bed with a pillow.
Step 7: You should wear compression stockings.
You can purchase a pair of compression support stockings if you find that your feet and ankles retain fluid while sitting down or standing.These exert pressure on your feet and lower legs and don't allow fluid to build up in these areas.Most of the time, support socks or tights are used.You can buy a pair at your local drug store.