Water retention is a condition that occurs when the body isn’t able to eliminate all the water or fluids effectively. Characterized by swelling and puffiness of the area where there is maximum retention, this condition can be triggered by various factors like medications, hormone imbalance, certain health conditions, deep vein thrombosis, diet and lifestyle habits.
While you may need to see a doctor if the water retention is caused by a health condition, it may usually go away on its own if triggered by a salty diet or menstruation. This is where foods with diuretic benefits can come in handy; these fruits and vegetables might have the ability to reduce water retention and decrease puffiness.
1. Garlic
Allicin, one of the major components in garlic, gives it its pungent fragrance and medicinal properties. Studies show that garlic could help synthesize fats, provide antioxidant benefits and offer excellent diuretic benefits too.
2. Watermelon
As the name suggests, this fruit has nearly 92 percent water content and is also a good source of potassium, a combination that makes it a good diuretic. Watermelon also has citrulline, an amino acid that can help reduce water retention.
3. Cucumber
The sulfur and silicon content in cucumbers help increase the elimination of uric acid from the body. The water and potassium content in them may also help curb the production of nitric oxide that is said to cause inflammation and swelling.
4. Celery
Celery has a component called phthalides, which give it diuretic properties. Doctors recommend celery for conditions like swelling caused by gout because it could help reduce the amount of uric acid in the body.
5. Cranberries
Used widely by the Native Americans, cranberries could help with conditions like scurvy, urinary tract infections and bladder problems. Experts believe that cranberries might help remove excess fluid while preserving the potassium level in the body.
6. Beets
Potassium is said to help remove fluids from the body and beets are rich in potassium. Apart from that, beets also contain betanin that can reduce the levels of C-reactive protein, which might cause inflammation.
7. Cabbage
You’ve probably heard of the popular weight loss diet that claims you can lose weight while on a cabbage soup-only diet. The diet is based on the vegetable’s amazing diuretic properties. Purple cabbage contains anthocyanin, which may provide it anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Asparagus
Asparagine, the amino acid in asparagus, gives this vegetable its diuretic properties. Asparagus may be beneficial for conditions like rheumatism and water retention that occurs during the menstrual cycle.
9. Lemons
Lemons have a lot of vitamin C, but along with that, they could also be able to flush out toxins from the body, thus reducing water retention and swelling.
10. Nettle Leaves
Nettle leaves come packed with various nutrients that may support the body’s natural elimination process. Experts recommend consuming nettle leaves in the form of tea for maximum benefits.
11. Dandelion Greens
With nutrients like potassium and certain vitamins, dandelion greens might support the elimination of water and toxins from the body. These greens can be added to salads or brewed into tea too.
12. Ginger
Used as a spice in various cuisines, ginger provides anti-inflammatory benefits and could help eliminate excess fluids and toxins from the body. You can cook with it, brew it or simply add it to salads for an instant kick and added benefits.
13. Mint Leaves
A popular garnish and ingredient in juices and various dishes, mint leaves can help improve digestion and address fluid retention. Freshly brewed mint tea might work wonders to reduce bloating.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Those who have tried taking a sip of ACV, first thing in the morning, will know that it has a pungent flavor. But if you can withstand the taste, you might get some benefits like a dose of potassium to promote the elimination of fluids from the body.
References
E. (2018, August 07). 20 Natural Diuretics to Add to Your Diet. Retrieved from https://www.eatthis.com/diuretics/
Feuer, S. (2018, September 05). 9 Fruits and Vegetables That Are Natural Diuretics. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a20707480/natural-diuretics/
