Ask a Pro: Is Water Retention A Problem For You?

IFBB Pro Ann Titone answers the question Is Water Retention a Problem for You?

Is water retention a problem for you?  If so, here’s a little bit of basic information to help you understand it and manage it better!!  Water retention may be related to pregnancy, menstruation, heart disease, liver problems, salt intake and/or certain medications. It’s a condition that results when fluid is not removed by the lymph system properly and then is retained in the body tissues and circulatory system.  The retention causes swelling which most commonly occurs in the feet and legs, it may also occur in hands, arms, abdominal cavity and around the lungs.  We all experience some type of water retention or, edema, be it generalized edema which occurs throughout the body or localized edema, referring to swelling of specific body parts.

Fluctuations in the scale from day to day may be a result of water retention and while it is common for a healthy adult experience this, it’s aggravating for an athlete trying to reach their physiques perfection.

While physicians may prescribe certain diuretic medications that have unpleasant side effects, here are a few herbal remedies that may help:

Most commonly, Dandelion is an herb found through the world.  Traditional healers have used the leaf to treat rheumatism, indigestion, liver and gall bladder issues and canker sores.  The dandelion leaf is also a potent diuretic that acts very similar to a commonly prescribed medication.  However, unlike conventional diuretics that stimulate the kidneys and reduce potassium levels, the dandelion leaf is rich in potassium and is highly recommended to people suffering water retention due to heart problems.

Butcher’s Broom, found in Europe as a small shrub with bright yellow flowers is considered both diuretic and cardioactive.  In addition to treating water retention it has been used to treat uterine bleeding, low blood pressure and a weak heart.  Butcher’s Broom may constrict the peripheral blood vessels and regulate a heartbeat making it a suggestion to treat for water retention due to heart weakness.

Linden can also be found in Europe and Asia. The flowers, leaves and bark of this deciduous tree have been used to treat nervous tension, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, migraines, fevers, cold and sore throats. It is considered to be diuretic, hypotensive and cardiotonic.  Ladies, if your water retention is due to premenstrual symptoms Linden tea may relieve bloating and calm tension.

A few other ways to treat water retention may be to increase mineral use by consuming foods rich in potassium to help balance sodium levels.  Foods such as bananas, watermelon, cabbage and salmon for instance.  Also, fruits and vegetables full of vitamin C and A such as carrots and tomatoes help remove water from kidneys to flush away waste.

Finally, as many know, stress can also cause hormonal imbalance which in turn causes water retention.  There are some massage techniques that may help relieve stress and improve flow of the lymph resulting in alleviating symptoms of edema.  And who doesn’t love a good massage once in a while!!

In closing, it’s important to determine the cause of your specific water retention.  Please be sure to always consult your physician before starting any herbal treatments.

Ann Titone
IFBB Pro Figure
Managed exclusively by FMG
http://beautyfit.com

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