Obesity and being overweight is a growing epidemic, so it’s no wonder that so many people are looking for ways to slim down. You’re reading this, so let’s assume that you would like to know how to lose some weight and feel less bloated at the same time. Discovering how to avoid water weight gain will help you shed some extra pounds, but you also need to go about it the right way.
A word of warning is in order before we get started: You must always check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Additionally, check with your doctor if you have any symptoms including (but not limited to): swelling, or sudden weight gain or loss. The information in this article shouldn’t be followed unless your doctor says it’s okay. However, you can use this information as a conversation starter with your doctor.
The first thing you need to do is get an idea if your body is retaining more water than it should. If your skin feels taut in any part of your body, but especially your legs, arms, ankles, and abdomen, then that’s a potential sign of swelling which can be caused by water retention. Also, look to see if there is any noticeable swelling. Sometimes it will be obvious, and other times it won’t, but you need to do your best to make sure that water retention is what’s causing your weight gain.
What may surprise you is that you may be retaining water because you aren’t staying properly hydrated. A lot of people will actually stop drinking water and try to limit their fluid intake if they believe they are retaining water. That only makes the problem worse because the body will do its best to store every precious drop it gets. It is vital to your health that you stay properly hydrated at all times.
Instead of decreasing how much water you drink, you should try to reduce your sodium intake. This is one of the “secrets” of how to avoid water weight gain. If you are healthy and your doctor says it’s okay for you to do so, then cut out as much sodium from your diet as you can. Your doctor can tell you what the safe amount for you is.
While you should try to limit sodium intake, you should also try to make sure you are getting enough potassium and calcium. These nutrients help to regulate how your body processes water, and a deficiency can throw that system out of whack.
Some people have found that eating melon causes them to retain water. Everybody is different, so this tip may not work for you, but it is definitely worth trying if it can help.
Diuretics help the body to get rid of excess water, but they should only be used if approved by your doctor. There are over-the-counter diuretics, and some beverages also have diuretic properties. Giving you another potential method of how to avoid water weight gain.