Water retention may be caused by heart problems, kidney infection, premenstrual syndrome, varicose veins or drugs. Sometimes there is no apparent cause. Symptoms include increased weight, swollen areas of the body, particularly the ankles and lower back.

Treatment

The cause of fluid retention should be investigated, and treatment carried out accordingly. In many cases, however, the underlying cause is not remediable and the following measures may help the body to exercise excess water, and make you more comfortable.Practical AdviceWater retention in pregnancy is common and should not be a cause for concern. Lying down with your feet raised several times a day helps. Gentle exercise, such as swimming or walking, is also helpful. Reduce intake of refined carbohydrates and get as much rest as possible. Avoid tight clothing and shoes. Put your feet up whenever possible.

Dietary

Reduce salt intake: salt causes the body to retain water. Eat plenty of potassium-rich foods - fresh fruit, vegetables, salads and juices.AromatherapyAdd 6 drops of lavender to a warm bath. Dilute 10 drops of lavender in 5 teaspoons of carrier oil or lotion. Massage the abdomen using firm clockwise circles, massage the backs of the calves and thighs in an upward direction, and lower back.HerbalParsley is an effective diuretic (it helps the body to excrete water). Eat plenty of the raw herb or make a parsley infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the chopped herb, infuse for 10 minutes in a closed container. Drink 3 times daily.
Caution: not to be used during pregnancy. Eat dandelion leaves in salads or drink dandelion ‘coffee’.

Massage

Massage helps increase blood and lymph flow, and prevents the stagnation or pooling of blood in the legs and ankles. Always massage towards the heart.AcupressureLie on your back on the floor. Place all your fingers between the top of the pubic bone and the naval. Press 1-2 inches into the abdomen while taking deep breaths. Hold for 1 minute.Lying on the floor, bend the knees and bring the right foot onto the left thigh. With the right thumb, press on the inside leg where the tibia indents, just below the knee. With the left thumb, press on the point three inches above the ankle bone. Hold for one minute then do the same on the left leg.

Exercise

Muscular activity helps pump blood in the veins back to the heart, which encourages elimination of waste and prevents the blood pooling in the limbs. Walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing or aerobics are all good.

Orthodox

Diuretic drugs, in oral or injectable form, are effective in eradicating all but the most resistant forms of fluid retention. However, they should be used with caution, especially if you are taking other medication