Water retention, any advice?

Okay. First, Im 14, 5'2 and last weekend I was 48.1 kg (106 lbs.) That week my weight was dropping reallyreally fast as I had increased my calories from 950 to 1350, and then at last to 1700. Yes, the more I ate, the more I lost, and faster than ever. Then what happens? Suddenly I gain 0.4 kg overnight. "Fluid", I thought. But two days after I have gained 0.8 kg!!! Now Im 48.9 kg (around 108 lbs.) I was so freaked out I almost cried this morning after weighing myself. (Plain stupid I know but it's just that it happened so out of blue when everything had seemed to go almost too good to be true)

BUT! The reason of my weight gain got clear to me today. I just noticed my both ankles are HUGE. Well, not HUGE HUGE, but like jell-o, swollen... My heart really sighed in relief. It was just water, thank god... After all, I did eat subway on wednesday and today, and ate out yesterday. Who knows how much sodium I have consumed? Now I've hid my scale and wont get on it until my ankles are back normal.

Anyway, how could I get rid of the fluid Im retaining? Besides pinapple, keeping my feet up and maybe getting a massage... Does drinking lots of water help? And how long can it take for the excess fluids to flush out?

I think you should go to see your doctor....  Most people don't have swollen ankles unless they've got heart/circulation problems, they're pregnant or they've been on a long-haul flight.  Healthy 14 year-olds should not have 'HUGE' swollen ankles by eating what by any standards is qute a small amount of food.

Hi ieevee i am a true expert at this because i have high blood pressure and i retain water often so this is what i do start the day off with 3 kiwis and a banana and one cup of green tea and celeryseed boiled in drink that as well in the morning. Then as a midday snack celery sticks and 3 liters of water then for lunch another banana and anouther cup of of tea and for dinner anouther 3 liters of water and some yogurt with fresh fruit tons of it and last but not least 30 mins of running or fast walking .it works for me every time and this is just for a day also rest dont stand too much if you work the wait till the week end. if you see by the end of the day like at bed time you still puffy have 2 more bananas and kiwis and more water you will be peeing all night so be prepared and by morning you should be fine. ohhh NOOOOO SALT and no foods with high sodium . k let me know how you do ok .

Yes, drinking water will help.  Eat low-sodium foods (check food labels for unexpected sodium, it's everywhere), drink extra water, and go see your doctor if the swelling persists.

Original Post by gi-jane:

I think you should go to see your doctor....  Most people don't have swollen ankles unless they've got heart/circulation problems, they're pregnant or they've been on a long-haul flight.  Healthy 14 year-olds should not have 'HUGE' swollen ankles by eating what by any standards is qute a small amount of food.

 

Well I have rheuma and it's affecting my left ankle, that's actually why I hadn't really cared about the swelling of it when I first noticed it, it's so normal for me at this moment. But I have a medication for it and my doctor has told me to come see her if the ankle gets REALLY HUGE, and I know what she means with that. But it's far from that point for now, and my mom isn't concerned about it yet either. Maybe "HUGE" is a bit too strong word, sorry...

Thank you all for your replies. :)

I drink a ton of unsweetened 100% cranberry juice and take the extract pills too. and i definitely second drinking water and green tea. Thats what works for me...

Firstly, water and fluid actually help water retention. Sodium can also cause ups and downs. You've made good decisions already in keeping your feet elevated, and hiding the scale in waiting for your ankles to go down before you weigh again. There is no timescale for how long it will take for your ankles to go down.

But Jane is right. Swollen ankles shouldn't affect a healthy fourteen year old! You mentioned rheumatism - how do you mean? What kind of inflammation? Surely not gout? @_@ Still, I'd go back and mention the sudden swelling.

um, isn't 108lbs for someone 5'2 thin...  i'm confused...  but if you ARE having probs with your ankles or joints, def see a doctor