This is water retention, and it causes puffiness and swelling. As a first step, you should know that fluid retention involves an imbalance between the forces that regulate how fluids move throughout different areas of your body. What happens as a result is that water builds up in your body’s tissues.
Water retention, also called fluid retention, occurs when the body can’t eliminate excess water. Foods high in saturated and trans fats can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries. However, canned fruits packed in syrup should be avoided due to added sugars. Very salty foods like chips or pretzels can cause a temporary rise.
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Hibiscus tea, which is herbal and doesn’t have caffeine, is another good option. Other flavorful foods like carrots, chives, and scallions make a great replacement for onions. However, Moskovitz warns that chives and scallions could still be bothersome to some people. Moskovitz notes that onions are usually on the top of the list of bloat-producing foods. “Onions add a ton of flavor, but there may be a price to pay,” she explains.
Not only is cucumber very rich in water, but it’s also a diuretic. Whether it’s from irregularity, gas, or water, we’re all going to bloat at some point. While treating one type of bloating may not address all your bloating issues, it can help you figure out healthier habits. Zumpano also says you should seek medical attention if you are noticing fluid retention on a consistent basis.
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Even soups labeled as “reduced sodium” or “low sodium” may still have more salt than is ideal for those with high blood pressure. It’s important to read nutrition labels carefully when choosing canned soups. But, even if you’re not, the chocolate could still be worth eating.
If water retention persists even after you’ve made changes to your diet or lifestyle, consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment. Additionally, your liver and muscles store carbs as glycogen, a form of sugar that is bound to water. Each gram of glycogen is stored with at least 3 grams of water, so following a high carb diet could increase water retention. But if your swelling is mild and you don’t have an underlying health condition, you may be able to reduce water retention with these six methods.
Eat More Diuretic Foods
When choosing coffee creamers, it’s important to read labels carefully. Look for options with minimal added sugars and saturated fats. Some brands now offer low-cholesterol alternatives that may be better for blood pressure. Knowing which foods to avoid can help people keep their blood pressure in check.
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- The combination of hormonal disruption and carbohydrate load makes many alcoholic drinks a significant factor in fluid disruption.
- Dark leafy greens are generally also rich in fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
- Let’s dive into the details and uncover which foods are the main offenders.
- Discover the top 17 healthy snacks from Trader Joe’s that are highly recommended by dietitians.
- As for the cooking methods, it is possible to resort to preparations in foil, in a pan or steamed, as well as using the pressure cooker and boiling in a little liquid.
- Carbonated beverages can also lead to bloating and mild fluid retention.
Reducing water retention through your diet involves making small, mindful changes over time. Eating more vegetables can help lower blood pressure naturally. Healthier alternatives[3] to traditional coffee creamers exist.
What Is Water Fasting?
Also a good source of potassium, as well as low in sodium, chia seeds are useful in counteracting water retention, also acting indirectly thanks to the contribution of fiber. Also interesting is the relative content of Omega-3, which are classified as essential fatty acids with an anti-inflammatory and vasodilating action. This unimeal app reviews group also includes crackers, breadsticks and potato chips in bags, as well as ready-made sauces, sauces (e.g. mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc.) and stock cubes.

How a Dietitian Can Help with Water Retention
When it comes to water retention, refined carbohydrates are a major player. Foods like white bread, pasta, and pastries might be delicious, but they can also hide a sneaky downside. These refined carbs cause your body to produce insulin, which in turn ups the rate at which your kidneys reabsorb sodium. Processed foods, like packaged ramen noodles, bacon, and ham, are particularly high in sodium. Over time, consuming these foods can add up to a significant sodium overload.
Learn how to maintain your weight using a reverse dieting approach and other potential benefits. Learn how each type of professional can support your health goals and find out which is right for you. When you exercise regularly, you strengthen your heart and improve blood circulation. Check the label and look for options that say no sodium added, low sodium, or have 5% or less of the daily value of sodium.
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Carbonated beverages like soda or energy drinks are often high in added sugar, which can contribute to water retention if consumed excessively. Similarly, frozen vegetables with added sauces or seasonings can also contribute significantly to daily sodium intake.Canned and frozen goods can still be included in a balanced diet. Additionally, some mixed drinks may contain sugary or salty ingredients, which can affect fluid retention. Likewise, diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars may lead to insulin spikes, promoting sodium retention and fluid buildup.
Day Elimination Diet Meal Plan for Food Sensitivities
Foods that are high in sodium are the primary culprits for water retention. Processed foods, such as canned soups, fast food, and snack foods, typically contain significant amounts of salt, which can lead to the body holding onto water. Additionally, certain condiments like soy sauce and salad dressings can also contribute to water retention due to their high sodium content.
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We suggest you make a note of them, stay away from an excess of their consumption, and rather choose a healthier and organic lifestyle to get in better shape. High insulin levels may cause more sodium retention by increasing sodium reabsorption in your kidneys. In turn, this may lead to more fluid volume in your body and increased water retention.