What causes water retention? Know everything

water retention, or edema, is a phenomenon that can affect each of us. It is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluids in the body's tissues. 

Understanding the causes of this phenomenon is essential to be able to remedy it effectively. 

The use of water retention dietary supplements can also be an effective solution to reduce water retention.

What causes water retention?

Water retention is a complex phenomenon that can be attributed to a multitude of factors. Among the latter, a dietary imbalance stands out, in particular excessive salt consumption which promotes the accumulation of fluids in body tissues.

Likewise, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to this problem by slowing down blood circulation, making it easier to store water.

Hormonal imbalances, inherent to certain stages of life or specific medical conditions, can also induce water retention.

Also, the use of certain medications or the presence of certain pathologies can also be the cause of this disorder.

Finally, poor blood circulation can also promote water retention. Indeed, when blood circulation is slowed, water tends to stagnate in the tissues, thus causing swelling.

Excess salt in the diet

Excessive salt consumption is one of the main dietary factors that promotes water retention. Indeed, salt has the property of retaining water in the body, which can lead to an accumulation of fluids in the tissues.

How can excess salt in the diet lead to excess water?

When we consume too much salt, our kidneys have difficulty eliminating this excess. To compensate, our bodies retain more water to dilute the salt, which can lead to excess water.

Carbohydrate consumption

Eating carbohydrates can also promote water retention. Indeed, when we consume carbohydrates, our body stores part of these carbohydrates in the form of glycogen, which retains water.

What dietary factors can contribute to fluid accumulation?

Besides excess salt and carbohydrate consumption, a diet low in protein, excessive alcohol consumption or dehydration can also promote water retention.

Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle can also promote water retention. Indeed, the lack of physical activity slows down blood circulation, which can lead to an accumulation of fluids in the tissues.

How can a sedentary lifestyle cause fluid buildup?

When we are inactive, blood circulation slows and venous return is less efficient. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the tissues, particularly in the legs.

Overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are also risk factors for water retention. Indeed, excess weight can put pressure on the blood and lymphatic vessels, thus hindering the circulation of fluids in the body.

Pregnancy and menopause

Pregnancy and menopause are two stages in a woman's life that can contribute to fluid retention. Indeed, these two stages are characterized by significant hormonal fluctuations which can affect the body's water balance.

Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle can also be the cause of water retention. Indeed, during certain phases of the cycle, hormonal variations can lead to an accumulation of fluids in the tissues.

Excess water: hormonal causes

Hormones play an essential role in regulating the water balance of our body. Therefore, any hormonal imbalance can promote water retention. For example, excess estrogen or insufficient progesterone can lead to fluid accumulation in the tissues.

How can hormonal imbalances cause fluid buildup?

Hormones regulate many processes in our body, including fluid balance. When this balance is disrupted, for example during a hormonal imbalance, our body may tend to retain more water.

How can hormonal variations cause excess water?

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone have a direct impact on our body's fluid balance. So, at certain times of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause, when the level of these hormones fluctuates, this can lead to water retention.

Common medications

Certain medications can promote water retention. This is particularly the case for certain anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, certain heart medications and even certain contraceptives.

Associated pathologies

Certain pathologies can also promote water retention. This is particularly the case for heart failure, hypertension, kidney failure and even certain liver diseases.

Why can certain medications cause excess water?

Certain medications can affect our body's water balance by disrupting water regulation mechanisms. For example, certain medications can increase sodium reabsorption by the kidneys, which can lead to fluid retention.

Poor blood circulation

Poor blood circulation can also promote water retention. Indeed, when blood circulation is slowed, water tends to stagnate in the tissues, thus causing swelling.

What role does poor blood circulation play in fluid buildup?

Poor blood circulation can lead to fluid accumulation in the tissues. Indeed, if the blood does not circulate properly, water is not properly distributed throughout the body and can accumulate in certain areas, thus causing swelling.

Fatigue and fluid retention

Fatigue can also promote water retention. Indeed, when we are tired, our body tends to retain more water to cope with exhaustion.

Cause in women

In women, water retention can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Indeed, certain hormones can disrupt the body's water balance and promote the accumulation of fluids.

Cause in the legs

Water retention in the legs can be due to poor blood circulation, a sedentary lifestyle or excessive salt consumption. Taking certain medications can also promote water retention in the legs.

Retention in the feet: causes

The accumulation of fluids in the feet can be favored by a sedentary lifestyle, poor blood circulation, excessive salt intake, or the use of certain medications. Prolonged standing can also promote water retention in the feet.

Retention in the ankles: causes

Water retention in the ankles can be due to poor blood circulation, prolonged standing, excessive salt consumption or even taking certain medications.

Retention in the face: causes

Water retention in the face can be due to excessive salt consumption, dehydration, taking certain medications, or certain medical conditions.

Adapt your diet

Adapting your diet can help reduce water retention and its causes. It is recommended to limit your salt intake, favor foods rich in potassium and protein, and drink enough water to promote the elimination of waste through the kidneys.

Practice regular physical activity

Engaging in regular physical activity can also help reduce water retention. In fact, physical exercise stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, thus promoting the elimination of fluids.

Dietary supplements water retention

The water retention food supplements from D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS are formulated with natural, ultra-sourced, high-quality ingredients. These formulas aim to restore the body's internal balances, by specifically targeting levers such as detoxification and circulation. Therefore, they can help reduce the signs of water retention. By stimulating diuresis and detoxification, these supplements help eliminate excess fluids and improve circulation. This can contribute to a slimmer silhouette and a feeling of lightness. It is important to note that food supplements should be used as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

D-LAB Nutricosmetics offers in particular draining dietary supplements and a treatment for blood circulation that allows you to drain excess water.

Cold water

Cold shower or cold foot baths can also help reduce water retention. Cold water has a vasoconstrictor effect, which promotes venous return and the elimination of fluids. This simple and natural method can be integrated into your daily routine to combat excessive fluid accumulation in the body. By causing blood vessels to tighten, cold water facilitates drainage and limits water stagnation in the tissues.