The human body is made up of approximately 60% water. It protects our organs, joints and tissues. Furthermore, it helps in digestion, absorption and delivery of nutrients to all parts. But when it accumulates in large amounts, the condition is known as water or fluid retention.
What causes water retention in the body? Water retention occurs due to edema, premenstrual syndrome, obesity, hormonal changes. Apart from this, there are some food items which increase the water level in the body more than necessary. This is due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the body's natural ability to regulate fluid levels.
processed foods:
According to an NCBI report, more sodium Or eating processed foods with added sugar can cause dehydration in the body. These include chips, hot dogs, cookies, cakes, ice cream, frozen foods.
Liquor:
Alcohol increases urine production. In such a situation, its excessive consumption causes water retention in the body, which increases the risk of liver damage. If you do not drink water while drinking alcohol, your body starts dehydrating and your body gets filled with water.
Salty Foods:
According to a report published in NIH, eating a diet high in salt causes water retention in the body. This happens because excess salt disturbs the water-sodium balance in the body. This includes canned foods, pickles etc.
Foods high in sugar:
Like salt, consuming too much sugar can lead to water retention. In such a situation, if you consume things like fruit juice, sports drinks, coffee and tea with added sugar, then there may be a problem of water retention in your body.
Refined Carbohydrates:
Consuming foods high in refined carbohydrates such as pasta, white rice, bread and cereals increases the risk of water retention in the body.
Symptoms caused by water retention include:
sudden weight gain
swelling in legs, arms and stomach
pain in hands and feet
in joints
stiffness swelling
Swelling of face and buttocks