Water retention, also known as edema or fluid retention, occurs when excess fluids accumulate in the body. This may cause swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and legs (peripheral edema). FIs it possible to get rid of excess water from the body in just two days?

Causes of fluid retention in the body

Edema has many causes, including:

* Hormonal changes or pregnancy
* Lack of physical activity
* Chronic kidney disease
* Congestive heart failure
*Capillary leak syndrome
* Lymphatic system dysfunction (lymphedema)
* Obesity
* Malnutrition
* Infection that may cause inflammation and swelling
* Allergies

Certain medications, including:

* Oral contraceptives
* Corticosteroids
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
*Calcium channel blockers
* Some diabetes medications

Sometimes, fluid retention may be a symptom of a serious medical condition that requires treatment.

Symptoms of fluid retention in the body

Symptoms of fluid retention in the body include:

* Swelling of the affected parts of the body (the feet, ankles, and hands are the most affected areas)
* Pain in the affected parts of the body
* Joint stiffness
* Rapid weight gain within a few days or weeks
* Unexplained fluctuations in weight
* When pressing on the skin, the pressure mark may remain for a few seconds (impression edema)
* In other cases, the pressure mark may not remain on the skin (non-impression edema).

Getting rid of excess water from the body in just two days

There are several ways to get rid of excess water in the body within just two days. Some prefer to resort to natural methods, that is, using herbs at home, while others prefer medical methods.

Getting rid of excess water in the body with herbs

If you want to get rid of excess water in the body in just two days, and through herbs, use:

Dandelion

Some people may think that dandelion is just a harmful weed, but research has found that one of its compounds improves kidney function and increases the frequency of urination. You can try dandelion as a tea or in tablet form.

Hawthorn

This plant, which belongs to the rose family, is a powerful diuretic. According to research, some of the nutrients present in it increase urine secretion and flow.

You can eat hawthorn fruits directly or try its leaves as a tea.

Horsetail

Research has found that horsetail extract is an effective diuretic and may help treat kidney problems. You can take it as a tea or in capsule form.

Juniper

Juniper has been used as a diuretic for centuries. Despite its potential benefit, researchers say more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

You can try introducing juniper into your diet by adding it to soups and stews, and using it to flavor meat.

Green and black tea

Every time you enjoy a cup of hot tea, you may get rid of excess fluids in your body. Both green and black tea have shown natural diuretic properties, but most of this effect is thought to be due to the caffeine content in the tea.

Medications to get rid of excess water in the body

If you want to get rid of excess water in the body within just two days using medical methods, then resort to:

Increase your magnesium intake

Magnesium is an essential mineral that participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions that maintain proper body functions.

Some research suggests that increasing magnesium intake may help reduce fluid retention.

For example, a previous study found that taking 250 milligrams of magnesium daily improved several symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including fluid retention and bloating. However, more studies are still needed to explore the role of magnesium in reducing fluid retention.

Good sources of magnesium include nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

Get more vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a pivotal role in:

* Formation of red blood cells
* Protein metabolism
* Brain functions
* Immune system health

It also regulates fluid balance and may help reduce fluid retention in the body.

A reliable 2012 study suggests that vitamin B6 may relieve bloating and fluid retention in women with premenstrual syndrome. The authors of another authoritative 2016 study describe similar results, adding that vitamin B6 may be more effective when taken with calcium supplements.

However, research on the effects of vitamin B6 on fluid retention outside of premenstrual syndrome is still sparse.

If you want to increase your intake of vitamin B6, you can do so by eating foods such as:

*Banana
* Potatoes
* Chickpeas
* Walnut
* Tuna

Nutritional supplements

Vitamin B6 and calcium can be effective natural remedies for fluid retention in the body.

These supplements work with the kidneys to help the body get rid of excess water and sodium.

Studies show that these two supplements are very effective in relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including fluid retention. They can also reduce abdominal bloating, swollen legs, and breast pain.

It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking any new nutritional supplements, due to the possibility of side effects or interactions with other medications.

A drink that removes excess water from the body

Also known as “Taraxacum officinale” or “lion’s tooth,” dandelion extract is a popular herbal supplement often used for its diuretic effect.

It has been indicated as a potential diuretic due to the high potassium content of dandelion.

Eating foods rich in potassium stimulates the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water.

This may be a good thing, as most modern diets are very high in sodium and poor in potassium, which can cause fluid retention.

In theory, the high potassium content of chicory means that this supplement may help eliminate excess water resulting from increased sodium intake.

However, the actual potassium content in dandelion may vary, and therefore its effects may vary.

Animal studies examining the diuretic effects of dandelion have produced mixed results.

There are only a few studies on the effects of dandelion on humans. However, a small study in humans found that taking dandelion supplements increased the amount of diuretic urine produced during the five hours following ingestion.

Overall, information is still scarce about the diuretic effects of dandelion in humans, so more studies are needed.

Exercises to get rid of excess water in the body

Exercise helps the body get rid of excess water through sweating, which leads to increased fluid retention.

Exercise also stimulates blood flow and improves circulation, which reduces fluid accumulation in the body, especially in the legs and feet.

Exercise contributes to further reducing fluid retention by consuming energy stores of glycogen. However, replacing lost fluids is crucial after any physical activity to avoid dehydration.

Causes of fluid retention in the body

The main causes of fluid retention in the body include:

* Food choices: A diet high in sodium and carbohydrates may lead to fluid retention. Also, a deficiency of potassium and magnesium may cause an increase in fluid weight.
* Menstrual cycle: In women, natural hormonal changes may lead to increased fluid retention in the week before menstruation. Also, a strong desire to eat salty foods and carbohydrates may increase fluid retention at this time.
* Physical inactivity: Sitting or standing for long periods may hinder the proper circulation of fluids in the body, causing fluids to accumulate around the body’s tissues, and thus swelling of the extremities.
* Heart or kidney disease: These diseases may impede normal blood flow in the body, which may lead to fluid accumulation, and thus swelling and fluid weight gain.
* Medications: Fluid retention is a side effect of many medications, including anti-inflammatories and some oral contraceptives. A person should consult a doctor if any medication causes worrying side effects.