How to Lose Excess Water Weight

A major part of the human body is made up of water and it is obvious that it plays an important role in all the bodily functions. Yet there is something related to it that is a bit of a worry – water weight. Bodybuilders and professional athletes need to work on it because they need to maintain their weight to be able to compete for a category or improve their appearance.

Water should not be confused with edema – excess water retention – which may be a result of an underlying serious medical condition relating to the kidney, liver or the heart. Women in particular might be prone to water retention during pregnancy or some time in their menstrual cycle. 

The point is that you can lose water weight for overall weight loss. The best way to lose weight is to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Checkout FITPASS for comprehensive workout solutions.

How to Reduce Excess Water Weight

• Exercise often

In the short term, the best way to lose weight is to exercise. Whenever you workout, you sweat and lose body fluids, which are then utilized from the excess stores. An hour of exercise can help you lose 0.5 to 2 litres of water depending upon the intensity of the workout, clothing, and heat in your surroundings.

Moreover, a lot of water is shifted into the muscles during the workout. So, when you workout, the excess water is used up in the muscles and improves your body figure/physique. However, under no circumstances should you decrease the amount of water you drink, especially if you work out.

• Reduce Salt Intake

The body retains water if you consume high amounts of salt because it is made up of chloride and sodium. The latter binds water to maintain fluid balance inside and outside of the cells. Avoid eating foods high in salt like processed foods to prevent water retention. In fact, processed foods are the most prominent sources of sodium. This is the most common way to decrease sodium intake. According to many studies, this has been proved.

• Sleep Well

Sleep plays an important role in defining your health. In fact, it determines how your body responds to dietary habits and exercise. On the other hand, sleep affects the sympathetic renal nerves in the kidney that regulate sodium and therefore, the water balance in the body. Several studies have proved that sleep helps your body control hydration levels. It also helps in minimizing water retention. Therefore, aim at getting at least 7 hours every day.

• Eat Right

If you eat the right foods, you can tackle water retention. Eating potassium-rich foods is recommended for this. Potassium is known to balance sodium levels by increasing urine production and thus decreasing the excess water in the body. Include green leafy veggies, avocados, beans, tomatoes, bananas, and yogurt because they are all potassium-rich. You can also include magnesium-rich foods like dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, dark chocolate in your diet.