How to Treat Water Retention

Water retention can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, dietary intake of salt, certain medications, not drinking enough water, kidney problems and congestive heart failure. Treatment for urinary retention may be simple or complicated. Urinary retention may cause bloating, swollen feet and ankles, puffy eyes, and sore and swollen fingers. You need to treat water retention and the cause because you risk cardiac or kidney problems if you do not. There are steps you can take to treat water retention.

Instructions

1

See your doctor. You need a physical examination so your doctor can rule out serious causes of water retention such as kidney disease or heart problems. Your doctor may examine your ankles, abdomen and fingers to check for signs of edema, or swelling. Your doctor may recommend further medical tests such as blood tests, cardiac tests or x-rays of your kidneys.

2

Ask about diuretic medication. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic, or "water pill" to get rid of excess fluid retention. When you take diuretic medication you will urinate more frequently. This will treat water retention and decrease swelling.

3

Drink plenty of water. When you do not drink enough water, your body will become dehydrated. When your body feels threatened by dehydration, it begins to hold on to every drop of fluid it gets, causing water retention. When you drink enough water, your body will not hold on to fluids.

4

Eat healthy. Diets high in fruits and vegetables promote adequate elimination. When you do not get enough fruits and vegetables, you become bloated and retain water.

5

Drink a cup of coffee. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a natural diuretic and will promote water loss. Do not drink too much, because coffee can cause nervousness, palpitation and insomnia.