vertigo ear pressure

Vertigo is classified as a nervous disorder, or is a condition when a person loses control over his bodily movements, and feels a sensation of dizziness or light headedness, due to imbalance.

Although vertigo is not a chronic condition by itself, a person experiencing it needs support from others, as he gets a general feeling that all objects around him are moving in archic form, or that he would fall onto the ground if he attempts to move. Nausea is a forerunner in most cases of vertigo.

In Ayurveda, Vertigo is referred to as “Brahma”, wherein vitiated Pitta, combines with vitiated Vata, to cause a spinning like sensation.

Causes

Vertigo is thought to be caused due to disorders of digestion and gas formation, diseases of the ears due to fluid imbalance in the ear, impaired eye-sight, impaired functioning of nervous system, due to frequent and severe migraine attacks, poor blood circulation, sexual incompetence, repeated attacks of epilepsy, brain tumour and due to lack of sleep and utter fatigue. However, the most prominent cause of vertigo are, diseases that affect the inner ear.

Ayurvedic Treatment

The medications generally recommended in Ayurveda for vertigo are:

• ‘Duralabha Quath’ (50ml) taken with ghee twice daily.
• ‘Suvarna Sootashekhar Ras’ (50 to 60mg) to be taken twice a day with juice / decoction of Amla.
• Mix ‘Ashwagandharishta’ and ‘Saraswatarishta’ (10ml each), either alone, or with 20 ml of water, and consume twice daily.
• Mix powdered whole plant of ‘Sankhapushpi’ (1-2 gms) and mix with 100 to 250ml milk, and take twice a day.
• ‘Yogendra ras’ (120mg) twice daily with milk, is also an effective remedy.
• For vertigo caused due to insomnia, have only Ashwagandharishta (10ml) or its powder (1/2 tsp) with water, will serve the purpose.
• In case of constipation, take Amaltas (6gm) with decoction of Haritaki at night during bed time.
• ‘Shirodhara’, a part of Panchakarma treatment is said to be good.

Home remedies:

Steep 1 teaspoon each of dried amla powder and coriander seeds in water overnight. Strain and add sugar if required, and drink next morning. Repeat over the next few days.

Heat 2 tablespoon sesame oil (til ka tel), and mix in half teaspoon each of finely powdered cardamom and cinnamon. Apply this on head.

Mix about 8 almonds with 8 kernels of pumpkin seeds, 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds and 3 tablespoons wheat. Soak in water overnight.

Next morning, remove the outer skin of almonds and grind to a fine paste. Separately, heat 2 tsp ghee and fry half teaspoon cloves. Add the paste to it along with some milk and boil the whole mixture. Sweeten with sugar, if required, and have over the next few days.

Herbs:

The herbs generally used are Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Pitpapda (Fumaria Officinalis), Yavasa (Alhagi pseudalbagi), and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus).

Precautions to be taken:

Whenever there is an attack of vertigo (whether inside/outside home), the patient should not be allowed to move alone, particularly, when taking the stairs.

Avoid use of tobacco, alcohol, and narcotic drugs. Ensure that the diet of the patient is simple, light, bland, and spice-free.
Avoid operating any machinery, and self-driving.

Diet and lifestyle measures:

Take plenty of green vegetables and seasonal fruits, avoid excess salt intake, and keep away from junk food. Include poppy seeds, raisins, dates, citrus fruits and vegetables. Plenty of rest is essential.

Practise relaxation techniques, and try to sleep without a pillow for better blood circulation to the brain.

Top 5 Reasons People Retain Water

Although the human body is mostly made of water, it is not normal for people to gain weight because of excess water. This condition, in fact, is the result of an imbalance not only in water but in the important electrolytes and minerals (sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.) that our body needs. This can also be a wake-up call for you that you may be developing a serious medical problem. Best evaluated and addressed by a healthcare specialist, water retention can be caused by one of these five major reasons:

1. Dietary Habits
The consumption of excess sodium is the main culprit in water retention. Sodium can be found in large quantities in processed foods, restaurant dishes (especially fast food), and even in foods you may not suspect (salad dressing, cereals, and canned soup). When possible, cook at home using filtered water and low sodium recipes and read labels carefully before purchasing food products.

Nutritional deficiencies (vitamins B1, B6, and B5, and protein) can also trigger water retention. You should also be aware that a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet can put unnecessary strain on the kidneys, the organ responsible for controlling water in our bodies. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering a number of substances and can become strained if they have to detoxify and eliminate unusually high quantities of protein.

2. Lack of ExerciseWhether it is too much standing, sitting for long periods of time, lying down because of injury, sickness, pregnancy, or not having a very active lifestyle, lack of exercise is a major reason for water retention. When you exercise, you force the veins to carry back waste products and used-up blood to the heart, which, in turn, cleans that blood, with the aid of other organs. This aids in the secretion (much of it through the bladder) of excess fluids.

People who don’t exercise, on the other hand, often develop swollen limbs, over-burdened organs, and weight gain. Exercise is, in fact, one of your best defenses against water retention.

3. MedicationsPrescribed and OTC (over-the-counter) medications are often the reason people retain unnecessary fluids. These usually include steroids (corticosteroids, etc.), contraceptives containing estrogen, high blood pressure drugs (nifedipine, diltiazem, and verapamil), antidepressants (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and desipramine), hormones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs may interfere with the natural processes of fluid removal from our bodies, such as by affecting electrolytes, interfering with hormonal levels, or putting unhealthy pressure on vital organs.

You should not stop taking a medication because of water retention without first consulting your doctor. However, you should make your doctor aware of any changes in your body as a result of taking any medication.

4. DiseaseMany medical conditions can pressure the body into retaining water. Some of the more common ones include high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic venous insufficiency, cirrhosis of the liver, malignant lymph edema, hypothyroidism, allergic reactions, hepatorenal disease, and congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF, for example, leads to compromised blood pressure, which, in turn, makes it more difficult for kidneys to drain the blood of excess fluids and waste by-products. One common remedy is to prescribe diuretics to help the body get rid of excess fluids.

Ironically, water retention can be an important symptom in diagnosing disease, which is why you should never assume that it is from “natural” causes. In most cases, water retention can be classified as abnormal and treated successfully.

5. Hormonal FluctuationMore common in women than in men, hormonal imbalance is a common source of water retention, especially for women experiencing pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopause. This is especially true for women receiving hormonal replacement therapy. Hormones affect how kidneys function, how much fluid the body retains, and how the body manipulates protein, electrolytes, and important enzymes. In pregnant women, for example, it tells the body to retain more fluids for the sake of the fetus. 

Home Remedies for Water Retention

Home Remedies for Water Retention

1. Drink Plenty of Water to Eliminate Water Retention

Logically it seems to contradict the idea. If you already have excessive water in your body, why should you drink more water? There are at least two reasons for this.

Why drink more water to counter water retention?

• When your body gets dehydrated due to lack of water, it starts reserving whatever water is available so that it can reuse it later. If you thought, cutting back on water will make you look slim, you were wrong. You will, instead, suffer from bloating and your body will swell due to water retention.
• Water aids your liver in converting fat into energy which you can use. But when you don’t drink enough water, your kidney cannot eliminate concentrated fluid and takes help from liver which becomes overworked. The liver doesn’t then do its primary work of converting your body fat into energy. It holds onto the extra fat that it would have burned off if enough water was supplied it and to kidney. Thus, water retention also makes you bloated and fat.

Tips for drinking more water for elimination of water retention

1. Drink water whenever you feel thirsty. Don’t postpone this for other works. Always keep water in your reach. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.
2. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of filtered water every day whether you are thirsty or not. Sometimes, we do not recognize the thirst signal and mistake it for hunger.
3. Watch your urine. If it is yellow and thick or you do not urinate much during the day, your body is in need of water. Your urine should be clear.
4. If you feel weakness, dizziness, cramping, headaches and dry mouth without any explainable reason, it might be dehydration. Drink water.

However, if you have liver problems, you should talk to your doctor before increasing the intake of water. Consumption of large amounts of water to treat fluid retention may aggravate chronic liver problems.

2. Reduce Salt Intake to Treat Water Retention

Salt is a major cause for retention of water in your body. When you eat foods high in salt, you may feel puffy and bloated. Here is the reason why salt leads to bloating and water retention.

How salt retains water in body?

High salt intake leads to retention of sodium and thereby water in your body. This expands extra cellular volume in the body. Said simply, when you eat salt, your body tries to dilute it by holding water around your cells and in this process supplies more water to your bloodstream. This not only increases water weight in your body but also leads to other complications. As your heart has to deal with extra fluid in the blood vessels, it may increase your blood pressure which in turn may increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Also, when you eat more salt, your body flushes out more calcium through urine which may lead to osteoporosis and reduced bone density. So, it is wise to lower the intake of salt not only to cure water retention but also to keep other health complications at bay.

Tips to reduce salt intake for elimination of water retention

1. Cook food at home most of the time. Hotels and restaurants are loaded with sodium.
2. Use lesser amount of salt while cooking food at home.
3. Remove salt shaker from your dining table. Don’t add salt while eating food. Instead, you may use other herbs and spices for flavor.
4. Avoid canned foods including canned veggies, soups, sauces etc. as they use more salt as preservatives and also to make the foods flavorful.
5. Avoid having processed foods like potato chips, salted peanuts as well as junk foods.
6. Women should especially reduce taking salt prior to their menstrual cycle every month. Hormonal change during this period leads to greater water retention in the body of a woman.

In normal situation, the recommend level of salt in diet is a maximum of 2,300 mg of sodium per day. People with heart disease and high blood pressure should have less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. However, when you need to eliminate water retention, you need to reduce your salt even less than these recommended levels.

Suggestion: Sugar too indirectly helps in water retention. It increases general insulin level in your body, which in turn decreases your body’s ability to flush off sodium or salt. Therefore, sugar intake should also be reduced along with salt consumption.

3. Eliminate Water Retention Naturally with Diuretic Foods

Diuretic foods help your body release more urine. When you urinate frequently, your body not only releases extra water but also flush off the toxins and lower your blood pressure by resuming water-sodium balance. While there are over-the-counter diuretic pills available in the market but they have short term effect. You start retaining water as soon as you stop taking them. On the other hand, natural foods with diuretic properties have lasting effect, may be because you don’t need to stop having them. You can always have one or the other diuretic foods on daily basis. However, if you are already on diuretic or anti-diuretic medication, consult your doctor before including diuretic food in your diet.

List of diuretic foods to help eliminate water retention

• Cranberries
• Grapes
• Watermelon
• Leafy greens
• Lemon
• Pineapple
• Juniper Berries
• Tomatoes
• Pumpkin
• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Beets
• Onion
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Leeks
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Lettuce
• Watercress
• Celery
• Eggplant

However, urinating often means your body also releases potassium along with water and toxins. So, you need to have foods rich in potassium to maintain your potassium levels.

4. Potassium Rich Foods for Eliminating Water Retention

Lack of potassium is also one of the causes for water retention in body. It is an important mineral which is needed for proper functioning of body cells, tissues and organs. Potassium is an electrolyte which along with sodium maintains normal water balance in body. Potassium also helps stimulate the kidneys so that they may flush off waste along with excessive salt out of the body. Potassium deficiency may lead to water retention causing edema, swelling, and weight gain. So have foods rich in potassium too. Most of the fruits are rich in potassium as also certain vegetables.

List of potassium rich fruits and other foods for water retention

• Banana
• Raisins
• Apricot
• Blackberries
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Oranges
• Raspberries
• Spinach
• Fresh Mushrooms
• Bell Peppers
• Avocados
• Sunflower seeds
• Melons
• Watercress

5. Garlic Remedy for Water Retention

Garlic is one herb that we use extensively in our cooking and that’s good. Garlic along with all its medicinal values is also an excellent diuretic. It releases water as well as toxin out of your body. Not only this, garlic also beaks down body fat thus helping you lose weight. If you don’t use garlic in your dishes, start adding it as a cure for your water retention.

Images: Robert Banh & Emilian Robert Vicol

Ways to include garlic in your diet for water retention

1. Chew a couple of raw garlic cloves in the morning.
2. Use raw garlic paste in your bread spreads.
3. Use garlic in your soups, broths, gravies and stir fries.

6. Eat Yogurt to Eliminate Water Retention

Yogurt is an excellent source of protein. Lack of protein in your blood can lead to water retention. Protein aids in holding salt and water inside your blood vessels so that fluid does not leak out into your tissues. When the blood protein, albumin, becomes too low, fluid retention happens and you suffer from edema, particularly in your feet, ankles and lower legs. Most of the times, protein level goes down in blood due to malnutrition, kidney and liver disease. Yogurt gives you a healthy boost of protein. It is also high in potassium. While all types of yogurts are rich in protein, Greek yogurt has most of it to keep your albumin protein levels up. Greek yogurt is nothing but yogurt which is strained using cloth or paper bag and which attains a consistency between that of yogurt and cheese. Other foods high in protein include milk, cottage cheese, egg white, fish, tofu etc.

Warning: If you are on dialysis and take low protein diet for your kidneys, consult your doctor before adding yogurt or any other protein rich food in your meals.

7. Dandelion Leaves Tea for Eliminating Water Retention

Dandelion herb has been used traditionally for its medicinal values particularly for liver and kidney disorders as well as heartburn and other digestive problems. Dandelion herb also acts as a natural diuretic and facilitate the kidneys to increase the volume of urine which flushes out the extra salt out of your body. Dandelion is also high on calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and potassium, making it further useful in treating fluid retention. Use fresh or dried dandelion leaves to make tea for eliminating water retention.

Make dandelion leaves tea for water retention

Get this:

• Dandelion leaves (fresh or dried)- 1 tsp
• Hot water- 1 cup

Do this:

• Place dandelion leaves in a pot.
• Pour hot water over them.
• Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Strain and drink this herbal tea.
• Have dandelion tea twice or thrice a day.

Precaution: Dandelion herb is generally considered safe. However, some people may be allergic to the weed and sometimes the herb may lead to mild gastric trouble. As dandelion may interact with certain medications like diuretics, diabetes drugs and lithium, consult with your doctor before including dandelion tea as a remedy for water retention.

8. Parsley Remedies for Water Retention

The humble parsley is a scientifically proven diuretic apart from its traditional authority in folk medicine. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology has confirmed the diuretic effects of parsley way back in 2002. Parsley is high on antioxidants, calcium, iron, and B complex vitamins. It inhibits the re-absorption of sodium and potassium which causes more water to flow through osmosis. This increases the volume of urine. Due to its excellent diuretic properties, parsley has been used to treat kidney stones, urinary tract infection and edema or the swelling due to water retention.

1st way of using parsley for water retention: Fresh Parsley Tea

Get this:

• Fresh parsley leaves- a large handful of them
• Boiled water- 1 liter

Do this:

• Add fresh parsley to boiled water.
• Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.
• Strain and have a cup of this tea.
• Have the remaining tea through out the day. You can have 4-5 cups of parsley tea in a day and even a cup of it every couple of hours.

2nd way of using parsley for water retention: Dried Parsley Tea

Get this:
• Dried parsley- 2 tsp (or 1 teabag)
• Boiling water- 1 cup

Do this:
• Pour boiling water over dried parsley or teabag.
• Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
• Strain and have it.
• Drink 4-5 cups of parsley tea everyday.

3rd way of using parsley for water retention: Ayurvedic Paste

This is an Ayurvedic remedy for water retention where a paste of parsley leaves is applied on the swollen body parts. If you have localized water retention and your joints, ankles, wrists, hands, or legs etc. have bloated, you may use this remedy.

Get this:

• Parsley leaves- enough to make paste for your swollen body part

Do this:

• Crush the parsley leaves to get a paste.
• Apply this paste to your bloated body parts.
• Leave for about half an hour.
• Wash off with water.
• Do this twice a day.

9. Mixed Herbs Tea to Eliminate Water Retention

There are many herbs that have excellent diuretic properties and that may help you out with your fluid retention. However, it is not possible to have all of them at once. Herbalist Jeanne Rose has thus given a very effective herbal tea recipe which uses small quantities of such herb that have diuretic and detoxifying properties. Make this tea for your bloating problem.

 

Get this:

• Parsley- 1 bunch
• Blackberry leaf (chopped)- 1
• Dandelion leaf (chopped)- 1
• Cherry stems- 10
• Celery tops- ½ tsp
• Couch grass- ½ tsp
• Corn silk- ½ tsp
• Fennel seeds- ½ tsp
• Boiling water- 1 liter

If using dried herbs, take 3 parts of parsley and 1 part each of the other herbs.

Do this:

• Place all the herbs in a large pot.
• Pour boiling water over the mixed herbs.
• Cover and steep for about 10 minutes.
• Strain and have the tea through out the day at least for one day.

10. Corn Silk Tea for Eliminating Water Retention

The threadlike strands protruding from the end of the ear of a corn called ‘corn silk’ has been used traditionally as a medicinal herb. It has been used by herbalists for kidney disorders, urinary infections, uric acid and for edema to eliminate fluid retention. Corn silk is an effective natural diuretic which reduces fluid accumulation in the body. It eliminates toxins and wastes to give relief not only from water retention but also from gout and arthritis. It is high on antioxidants flavonoids and polyphenols as well as Vitamin K which helps blood purification and cleansing.

Make corn silk tea for water retention

Get this:

• Fresh corn silk – ¼ cup OR Dried corn silk – 2tsp
• Boiling water- 1 cup

Do this:

• Place fresh or dried corn silk in a tea pot.
• Pour boiling water over it.
• Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
• Strain and drink this naturally lightly sweetened tea twice a day.

Precaution: Although the American Herbal Products Association has rated corn silk as a safe substance to consume, it may interact with certain prescription medications like blood thinners. Check with your physician before having corn silk tea for water retention problem.

11. Barley Remedies for Elimination of Water Retention

Barley water has been traditionally used in some countries of Europe for fluid retention. Ayurveda, the Indian medicine too recommends barley for edema. It is comparatively a healthy drink having mild diuretic properties. It is also safe for pregnant women who suffer from swollen legs due to hormonal and blood chemistry changes during pregnancy.

1st way to use barley for water retention: Barley Water

Get this:

• Wholegrain barley (with peel)- ¼ cup
• Water- 5-6 cups
• Lemon juice or orange juice (optional)- 2-4 tsp

Do this:

• Wash the barley properly and add it to the water.
• Boil this water for 15-20 minutes.
• Strain and add lemon or orange juice if using.
• Have

2nd way to use barley for water retention: Soaked Barley Water

Get this:

• Barley- 3 tbsp
• Water- 1 glass

Do this:

• Add barley to water.
• Leave it to soak overnight
• Strain and drink the water in morning.
• Again soak barley in water and have it in the evening.
• Drink 2 glasses of soaked barley water everyday.

12. Coriander Seeds Remedy for Water Retention

Coriander seeds are diuretic in nature and can help prevent as well as eliminate water retention. It is also rich in potassium further making it beneficial for fluid retention. The other components of coriander seeds include Vitamins-A, C, and K, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium and small quantities of niacin, vitamin-b6, phosphorous and zinc. Ayurveda recommends coriander for fast elimination of water retention.

Get this:

• Coriander seeds- 3 tbsp
• Water- 1 glass

Do this:

• Add coriander seeds to water.
• Boil it till the time it remains half of its original quantity.
• Strain and let it cool down before drinking
• Repeat it once more. Drink this coriander seeds water twice a day.

13. Fennel Tea for Eliminating Water Retention

Fennel herb with its spicy aroma is native to the Mediterranean region but is cultivated throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Fennel seeds have in them anethole, the compound which give it the anise flavor and is responsible for most of its medicinal values. Fennel tea had been used in traditional medicine as a cure for water retention due to its diuretic properties. A study published in the ‘Clinical and Experimental Hypertension’ in 2011 stated that fennel extract reduced systolic blood pressure which was the effect of an increased release of sodium and water from the kidneys. So, use fennel seeds to eliminate water retention in your body.

Make fennel tea for water retention

Get this:

• Fennel seeds- ½ tsp
• Boiling water- 1 cup

Do this:

• Place fennel seeds in a cup.
• Pour hot water over it.
• Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes.
• If you wish, you may drain otherwise drink the tea with seeds int it. Chew the seeds for better digestion.
• Have fennel tea 2-3 times a day.

14. Comfrey- Coltsfoot Poultice for Water Retention Swelling

Pregnant women suffering from swollen feet are in a very delicate condition. They cannot use many home remedies for water retention due to some or the other compounds in the ingredients that may affect them negatively. In such a situation, they may find comfort in a herbal poultice made with comfrey and coltsfoot herbs.

Get this:

• Comfrey- 2- ½ tsp
• Coltsfoot- 2- ½ tsp
• Water- 5 cups
• A thick and soft cloth

Do this:

• Bring water to a boil.
• Add comfrey and coltsfoot herbs to this hot water.
• Let it boil for another 5 minutes and then take it off heat.
• Let it stand for about 10 minutes.
• Strain the water using a sieve.
• Soak the thick soft cloth in this herbal water.
• Place the cloth on the swollen body part.
• Do this twice or thrice a day to get relief from swelling due to water retention.

17 Best Home Cure for Water Retention

Archive of time tested, scientific home remedies for water retention. Cure water retention at home with these easy and effective treatments.

Understanding water retention

Water constitutes up to 70% of total body weight. 50% body fat contains water and 75% of muscle tissues is water. When body starts retaining more water than this, for some or the other reason, it leads to edema (medical parlance for excessive water
retention.)

Causes of water retention

Water retention can occur due to any of the following reasons:

• An unbalanced diet and lack of exercise.
• Reaction to some drugs can cause fluid retention too.
• Dehydration: as the body tries to keep the extra water.
• Menopause is often associated with water retention in women
• Diseases like Thyroid, Arthritis and Varicose Veins
• Liver and Kidney disorders

Diet comprising of salt and sugar and diet lacking in potassium, calcium, vitamins, proteins and amino acids of B are the most common causes of edema.

Symptoms of water retention

The most common symptoms of water retention are:

• Swollen face and other body parts, even if one has lost weight
• Swollen wrists, ankles, hands and feet
• Swollen or puffy face
• Swollen eyelids when one gets up in the morning
• Bloated and uncomfortable feeling

17 Home cures for water retention treatment

I) Drink more water to fight water retention:

Ironic as it may seem, excess water in the body is usually a sign that the body is afraid of losing even more water, and thus attempts to hold on as a precautionary measure.

The best way to cure water retention is to drink even more water. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Water intake should be evenly spread over the day. Drinking too much water in a short period of time could lead to intoxication (also called water poisoning or hyper hydration).

Even better is to drink water purified of dehydrating salt or minerals.Drinking more water is the most effective cure for PMS related water retention.

II) Reduce salt intake to cure water retention:

Salt has strong water retention attributes and it clogs water tissue. Salt contributes significantly to water retention. Avoid intake of salt for 2-3 days and you will be surprised how well it cures water retention. Reduce salt intake to as less as 0.5 grams for a few days to get rid of unwanted water from the body. During these days, replace salt with intake of herbs and spices.

III) Reduce sugar intake to cure water retention

Sugar increase general insulin level in the body, which decreases the body’s ability to get rid of sodium (salt). Excessive salt contributes to fluid retention. Thus sugar indirectly results in water retention.

Avoid overly sweet foods such as cookies, cakes, candies, soda and sugary cereals.

IV) Natural diuretic to cure water retention

Diuretic medicines are often prescribed to people suffering from excessive water retention. Natural
diuretics are a safer alternative to these medicines (consult doctor before replacing prescribed medications with natural alternatives).

Cranberry juice is one of the most effective natural diuretic and should be taken in liberal quantities to treat water retention.

Cabbage leafs is the second best natural diuretic. Liberal intake of cabbage leafs (raw) is an effective home remedy for water retention.

Other natural diuretics: Foods like nettle , dandelion, apple cider vinegar, celery, celery seed, green tea, tea leaf, fennel, juniper berries and parsley are very effective natural diuretics.

V) Food rich in Potassium as a home cure for water retention

Potassium deficiency is one of the main causes of water retention in the body. Banana is one of the richest sources of potassium and a liberal intake of banana is a beneficial home cure for water retention.

Other foods rich in potassium include raisins, apricot, blackberries, peaches, and strawberries, spinach, fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, apples, oranges, and raspberries

VI) Herbal tea to cure water retention

Herbal teas are effective diuretic and help remove excess water and toxins from the body. Herbal teas made from parsley or tea tree helps eliminate excess water from the body without adverse effects.

VII) Eat foods naturally high in water content

Eat foods that contain lots of water is another way to increase the elimination of water retention. Some foods naturally high in water content include: watermelon, tomatoes, watercress, cucumbers, artichokes, lettuce, asparagus, cabbage, oats,
Brussels sprouts and carrots.

VIII) Exercise to cure water retention

Exercise is a great way to get rid of excess body water. Exercises like walking, running, cycling or playing tennis results in sweating. This turns your entire body into an effective outlet for getting rid of excess water, salt and other toxins. Of course exercise in moderation and do not exercise, if you are pregnant.

IX) Garlic to address water retention

Garlic needs a special mention as one of the most effective natural diuretic food. Garlic not only helps in getting rid of excess water and toxins from the body, but also contributes to the breakdown of fats. This makes it double effective in combating water retention and associated obesity. A moderate intake of garlic is very effective home cure for water retention.

X) Over the counter diuretic pharmacies

Over the counter diuretic pills can come in handy, if one needs to get rid of excess water real quick.. However, it is important to note that this is not desired or a permanent cure for water retention.

OTC diuretic-counter supplement not only wash away water and toxins but also flush vital minerals and nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body. OTC drugs also contain caffeine which can cause sensitivity and pain in the chest. It can also make you very irritable.
Thus it is important that OTC diuretic pills should not be taken for more than a few days. Excessive use of OTC diuretics is also known to cause diarrhea. Herbal
diuretic pills can be safer choice in most of the cases.

XI) Sauna bath to get rid of excess water and toxins

Sauna bath is another way to sweat out excess water and toxins from the body. Sauna also helps in relaxing the body. Again, this should not become a regular practice as there are better ways to get rid of excess water from the body.

XII) Apply Ice Packs to cure water retention

Ice packs are effective in curing water retention. This can be prepared by placing ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag. The bag should be wrapped a thin cloth and tied on the swollen areas till it is bearable. People with diabetes should avoid ice bath and look for other remedies for water retention.

XIII) Body wrapping to address water retention

Getting a body wrap treatment in a beauty salon is another fast way to loose excess water. This involves wrapping the body in bandages soaked in special mineral solution for an hour or so. Again this is a temporary solution to loose excess body water and is not a long term remedy.

XIV) Say no to alcohol to cure water retention

Alcohol though an initial diuretic, turns into a potent cause of dehydration. This forces the body to retain even more water. Replace alcohol intake it herbal teas or green tea, which are known diuretics without negative side effects.

XV) Avoid prescription drugs that cause water retention

Drugs like birth control pills and steroids can cause water retention. Talk to your doctor before switching to alternative medications. If avoiding prescription drugs is not possible, try the previous suggestions to combat water retention.

XVI) Vitamin B-6 to cure water retention:

Vitamin B-6 helps breaks down sugar and starches and is very effective in reducing water retention. This is specially effective if water retention is caused by hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Taking liberal amount of Vitamin B-6 (around 200 mg) per day can reduce premenstrual water retention.

Caveat: Excessive intake of Vitamin B6 can be toxic and should be taken only under the supervision of a physician.

XVI) Water retention: When should one consult a doctor ?

Its time to consult a physician, when:

• If swelling in any body part persists for a week
• If your skin develops marks when pressed.
• If you are pregnant and witness swelling of body parts
• If you are diabetic or have some other serious ailment

Water retention can be a signal for serious health problems like heart, kidney, liver or thyroid disorder if it persists for more than a week or if skin develops marks when pressed. Consulting a doctor is
recommended in such cases.

Water retention: when is it normal ?

There are some situations where weight gain from water retention is inevitable and perfectly normal

Pregnancy: Water retention is pretty normal during later stages of pregnancy and in the first few weeks after birth. In such situations, there should be no rush to loose water from the body. However be sure to bring it to the notice of your consulting doctor.

Menstruation and menopause: Water retention is very common in women before or during menstruation. During this period, the extra estrogen produced in the body results in production of aldosterone, a hormone that forces the kidneys to retain water. Water is generally retained in the breasts and abdomen..

Water retention is also seen in women after their menopause as the body undergoes vital hormonal changes during the period.

Steroids & cortisone: People on steroids or cortisone also undergo vital hormonal changes making them prone to water retention. However this is intermittent and is not a great cause of worry.