Foods That Rid Water Retention

Water retention can be caused by a number of factors, including increased sodium intake and, for women, fluctuating hormones during pregnancy or menstruation. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a healthy diet that provides the body with the nutrients is necessary to maintain a healthy fluid balance. As such, many healthy foods naturally alleviate water retention.

Fruits and Vegetables

Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are natural diuretics, which are foods that encourage urination, as are watermelon and honeydew, according to diet expert Anne Collins. Bananas and other fruits that contain potassium also help regulate fluid levels. In addition, celery, eggplant and asparagus are diuretic vegetables, and other types contain potassium, according to health expert Dr. Andrew Weil. Consequently, you should consume a variety of vegetables, including leafy greens, cucumbers and peppers.

Whole Grains and Lean Protein

Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of whole grains, such as whole grain bread and whole wheat pasta, will help fight off water retention, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, choose lean proteins such as chicken breast and salmon, eat red meat in moderation and avoid processed varieties, as they typically contain too much sodium.

Dairy

Calcium has also been found to alleviate water retention, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consequently, low-fat versions of dairy foods such as yogurt, skim milk and cottage cheese are considered good choices for reducing or limiting water retention.

The Importance of Fresh Foods

Canned and processed foods often contain large amounts of sodium that can make water retention worse, so choose fresh fruits and vegetables. You should also prepare more meals from scratch rather than eating packaged foods, especially soups. In addition, avoid adding salt as you cook and opt instead for fresh herbs to season your food.

Beverages

The best way to combat water retention is to increase your water intake. Try to drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily, and more if you are retaining water. Coffee is a diuretic and will further disrupt your body's fluid balance, so drink it in moderation or avoid it. Similarly, alcohol is dehydrating and should be avoided.