Water Retention

I think I retain water more than I should.  Of course, during that time of the month it is expected, but when I press on my ankles it always has a big indentation the entire month!

Now, I don't want to take pills, and I realize that I should reduce salt, but are there any other natural ways to get me to retain less water?  I drink plenty as it is.  I was wondering if coffee is the culprit?  I love the stuff.

Any ideas?

definitely could be.   i've heard that coffee dehydrates, and that you need an extra cup of water for every cup of coffee.  salt reduction is absolutely the best way to go, however.

edit: just read this and it doesn't make sense, does it?  if coffee makes you dehydrated, then it should be the opposite.  okay, someone else will have to take over on this one!

coffee dehydrates.. makes the body hold on to every drop of water as a storage incase you don't drink again for a while.. drinking water will actually flush out those stores and let you lose the water weight gain.  i hope that makes sense to you guys.. :) 

Caffeine, believe it or not, does work to help keep extra water inside you. I don't know why, but I noticed the same thing when I drink caffeinated diet sodas.

That said.. the weight is WATER and WATER is not the issue. The issue is fat!

So... concentrate on losing fat and the rest will follow :)

yup I think i will go with Hellick on this one.. Drinking lots of water will help you not retain so much water

Champykk -  As a PA, I'm a little concerned. What you're describing is called "pitting edema" (pressing on the front of the tibia and leaving a thumbprint). If you have some form of it all the time, this is unlikely to be due to water retention, and could be a signal of something more serious. This is different from what happens when we are on our feet all day and end up with a little indentation from sock hems or the like.

I would recommend seeing your PCP re: this...could be a symptom of high blood pressure, kidney, or thyroid issues, to name a few.

I don't know if it is a "proven fact" but I like to add a slice of lemon to my water and squeeze another slice in it when I am retaining water, also I find green tea helps. Again, this is not proven just something I find helps me.

Plus drinking at least 8 8 ounce glasses of water a every day. really helps me avoid retaining water.

see your doctor to find out if you should be taking a diuretic and potassium supplement.  These are prescription drugs, so don't even think about doing it without medical supervision. 

Claire

Hey jcaratan,

Thanks for the advice.  I haven't seen a doctor for a while.  Mine quit practicing and I have put off finding a new one.  (I know I am bad) but the fact that it it always there does concern me as well.  I also noticed that my weight keeps fluctuating although I am eating right (really! - correct calories in the correct range with an A rating all the time) and excercising daily both cardio and weights.  I think it is time to get a check up.  ( I am the worst at keeping up with doctor's appointments!).

You go girl! Hopefully it does only have to do with your salt retention, but the fact that it's always there just makes me want to run a few tests, just to be sure.

Not sure how old you are, but definitely get your blood pressure taken (perhaps a few times, spaced apart), blood count, chem panel (which checks your electrolytes), and if you're 25 or 30-plus, a fasting lipid panel. The lipid thing likely has nothing to do with your problem, but is nice to get when you're on a weight loss program. If you've never had your thyroid tested, or have a family hx of thyroid dz, get a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

Your weight fluctuation IS likely due to water weight, if it's throughout the day or day-to-day. Anyways, get yourself in for a tune-up! 8-) 8-)