The Webster Dictionary defines water retention as the accumulation of excess fluids in the body tissues (medically known as “oedema”).
Water retention is a common subject of complaint that can leave a person feeling bloated, uncomfortable and sluggish, and has many various causes.
How is water retention caused?
The causes of water retention can be broadly categorized into general and medical causes. These factors result in increased accumulation of water and other fluids in the spaces between the cells and tissues by altering mechanisms that normally clears excess fluids in these spaces.
1 General causes
People should take cognisance of the following factors:
µ Dietary factors:
- Over consumption of salt is one of the most common reasons why people retain excess water.
- Low levels of protein (albumin) in the blood stream may cause oedema.
- Inadequate intake of vitamin B1 (Thiamine) can cause fluid retention.
µ Gravity: Prolonged periods of standing often cause fluid to "pool” in the tissues of the legs.
µ Burns: When burn injuries occur, the skin reacts by retaining fluids and this causes localized swelling.
µ Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS): Women have an increased risk of water retention, due to the rise and fall in the hormone levels. The reduction in the progesterone hormone, in the week before menstruation, can cause fluid retention: when the blood breaks down progesterone in the run up to menstruation, the kidneys retain water and sodium. In addition, a water retaining compound (an anti-diuretic hormone) may be secreted, which causes more water to be retained.
µ Contraception: The birth control pill or any other oral contraception that includes oestrogen can lead to fluid retention in some women.
µ Pregnancy: Hormones released in pregnancy encourage the body to hold onto excess fluid. Swelling in the face, hands, lower leg and feet is typically seen in pregnant women.
µ Menopause: Hormone fluctuations and oestrogen replacement therapy cause bloating and oedema in menopausal women.
µ Medication: Water retention can be caused by drugs such as steroids or high blood pressure medication.
2 Medical causes
µ Kidney Disease: Can cause swelling in the legs and around the eyes. It is the result of an increase in pressure in the blood vessels, caused by the kidneys failing to excrete a sufficient amount of sodium and fluid. The fluid left behind raises pressure on the blood vessel walls, which induces fluid to move from inside the blood vessel to outside, leading to oedema.
µ Heart failure: Heart failure can adversely affect the chambers of the heart, the function of which is to receive and pump blood around the body. If these chambers are unable to pump blood effectively, the body compensates by retaining fluids and increasing the volume of blood.
µ Chronic Venous Insufficiency: In some people, weak valves in the veins of the legs fail to return blood to the heart at normal efficiency. The pulling of the blood results in varicose veins.
µ Liver Disease Cirrhosis: This causes swelling in the abdomen and the feet.
µ Other Medical Conditions: Thyroid Disease, Arthritis and Allergic Reactions.
Symptoms of Water Retention
µ A feeling of puffiness in the affected areas.
µ Rapid increase in weight may be noted.
µ Joints may feel swollen, stiff and painful.
Treatment
Water retention in the absence of any medical condition can be treated easily with certain home remedies:
µ Avoid standing / seating for long periods of time;
µ Taking few steps prevents water pulling;
µ Elevating the legs improves the return of blood;
µ Pressure stockings improves blood circulations;
µ Reduce salt intake;
µ Fruit intake;
µ Regular exercise keeps muscles and blood vessels fit enough to function normally;
µ Herbal supplements e.g. evening primrose oil can prevent water retention associated with menstrual periods
Medical condition
If a medical condition is a cause for the water retention, this needs to be treated appropriately by an experienced health professional (consult your doctor)
Water retention is not caused by having too much water; usually the opposite is true in most cases.
