What causes water retention? Know everything

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

Understanding the causes of this phenomenon is essential in order to effectively address it. 

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 these, a dietary imbalance stands out, notably an excessive consumption of salt which promotes the accumulation of fluids in body tissues.

Similarly, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to this issue by slowing blood circulation, thereby facilitating water retention.

Hormonal imbalances, inherent to certain stages of life or specific medical conditions, can also cause 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, causing swelling.

Excess salt in the diet

Excessive salt consumption is one of the main dietary factors promoting 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 water retention?

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

Carbohydrate consumption

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

What dietary factors can contribute to fluid retention?

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 accumulation?

When we are inactive, blood circulation slows down and venous return is less effective. This can lead to an accumulation of fluids in the tissues, especially in the legs.

Overweight and obesity

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

Pregnancy and menopause

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

Read also: hormonal water retention what to do ?

Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle can also cause 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. Thus, any hormonal imbalance can promote water retention. For example, an excess of estrogens or a deficiency of progesterone can lead to fluid accumulation in the tissues.

How can hormonal imbalances cause fluid retention?

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

How can hormonal variations cause water retention?

Hormones such as estrogens and progesterone have a direct impact on the water balance of our body. Thus, at certain times during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, when the levels of these hormones fluctuate, it can lead to water retention.

Common medications

Some medications can promote water retention. This is particularly the case for certain anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, some heart medications, and certain contraceptives.

Associated pathologies

Certain pathologies can also promote water retention. This is notably the case with heart failure, hypertension, kidney failure, or certain liver diseases.

Why can some medications cause water retention?

Some medications can affect the body's water balance by disrupting the mechanisms that regulate water. For example, some medications can increase sodium reabsorption by the kidneys, which can lead to water 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, causing swelling.

What role does poor blood circulation play in fluid accumulation?

Poor blood circulation can lead to a buildup of fluids 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, 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 related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Indeed, certain hormones can disrupt the body's water balance and promote fluid accumulation.

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. Read also our article on water retention in the thighs and water in the knee.

Retention in the feet: causes

The accumulation of fluids in the feet can be promoted 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.

Ankle swelling: causes

Water retention in the ankles can be due to poor blood circulation, prolonged standing, excessive salt intake, or the use of certain medications.

Facial Retention: Causes

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

Adapt its power supply

Adjusting one's diet can help reduce water retention and its causes. It is recommended to limit salt intake, favor foods rich in potassium and protein, and drink enough water to promote waste elimination by the kidneys.

Engage in regular physical activity

Regular physical activity can also help reduce water retention. Indeed, physical exercise stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, thereby promoting the elimination of fluids.

Dietary supplements water retention

The water retention dietary supplements from D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS are formulated with natural, highly sourced, and high-quality ingredients. These formulas aim to restore the body's internal balances by specifically targeting levers such as detoxification and circulation. Consequently, they can help reduce 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 dietary supplements should be used as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

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

Cold water

Cold showers or cold foot baths can also help reduce water retention. Cold water indeed has a vasoconstrictive 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 the blood vessels to constrict, cold water facilitates drainage and limits water stagnation in the tissues.