7 Science-Backed Ways to Get Rid of Water Weight

7 Science-Backed Ways to Get Rid of Water Weight

(GoHealthier.com) – Water weight may make us feel bloated and uncomfortable, and make our clothing fit tighter. Getting rid of this extra weight often means feeling more like ourselves, but it’s essential to do it the right way.

Water weight needs to come off safely. Remember, if there’s a medical condition involved, working with a doctor is the right choice. These science-backed ways to get rid of water weight are only recommended for healthy people and shouldn’t be followed by those who have kidney disease, heart disease, or other medical conditions that cause swelling unless approved by a healthcare provider.

1. Get More Sleep

Poor sleep may contribute to a lot of health issues. If we don’t get enough sleep each night, we may also have more water weight than usual. Sleep helps the body balance sodium and fluid properly, and it may affect the renal nerves, as well. That means good sleep might help kidneys work better, contributing to less water weight.

2. Reduce Your Stress

Short-term stress is common and expected, but long-term stress may cause water weight problems. That’s because prolonged stress affects cortisol, which influences fluid retention. The antidiuretic hormone (ADH) affected by cortisol levels tells the kidneys how much fluid to put back into the body. Well-controlled stress means better ADH control and a lower amount of water weight.

3. Supplement With Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral and a key electrolyte. It’s also a popular supplement for sports performance and good health. Research into magnesium is extensive, with it playing more than 600 roles throughout the body. Along with other electrolytes, magnesium helps to control the body’s water balance.

4. Get Regular Exercise

While starting an exercise program may initially cause some fluid retention for muscle repair, that goes away over time. Frequent exercise may help people maintain a more natural balance of water in the body. Additionally, sweating from exercise may mean a loss of water. That may provide a more toned and less “soft” look, as well.

5. Cut Carbs From Your Diet

It’s not necessary or healthy for most people to cut all — or nearly all — of the carbohydrates from their diet. But reducing overall carb intake may make it easier for the body to reduce water weight. Carbs may cause some water retention, which is why people who choose a low-carb diet often drop several pounds fast.

6. Reduce Your Sodium Intake

Sodium is a significant cause of water retention for a lot of people. It’s a very common electrolyte, but there’s often too much of it in today’s processed foods. Choosing low-sodium foods and avoiding table salt can help reduce water weight.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

It may seem strange to drink water to reduce water weight, but that’s exactly what people should do. When the body doesn’t think it has enough water, it will hang on to what’s available. Getting adequate hydration may help the body release stored water and keep critical systems in balance.

If water weight is a problem and a medical condition does not cause it, these tips may help remove the water. Not only might that help us look and feel better, but it may also play a role in helping us take better care of our bodies for the long term, too.

Let’s take a look at seven scientifically proven ways to get rid of water weight.

~Here’s to a Healthier Life!

Copyright 2021, GoHealthier.com