Foods That Fight Water Retention


Water retention, also known as fluid retention, refers to an excessive buildup of fluid in the circulatory system, body tissues, or cavities in the body. This condition is generally treated with a medical prescription for drugs that stimulate excess water expelling from the body and combat the feeling of bloating.

However, if you are more inclined towards holistic treatments, there are certain foods that won’t only help you expel the excess water you’re retaining, but will also inhibit recurrence of the condition. There’s a list of foods below that have shown amazing effects against water retention.

Foods That Fight Water Retention


It’s the vital food to be incorporated into your diet. As odd as it sounds, dehydration can actually prompt water retention. If your body isn’t getting enough water, it will hold onto what it has and resist getting rid of it.

Watercress & Other Greens

Although often disregarded in diets, watercress is an all-natural diuretic that has additional health benefits like its high potassium content. Numerous other leafy greens including kale, spinach, Collard greens, lettuce, broccoli etc. can help you stop retaining water along with carrots, onions, peppers, celery and tomatoes.

Delicious Melons

Fruits abundant in potassium are highly efficient in balancing sodium levels thus preventing water retention. Adding melons, citrus fruits and other delicious fruits into your diet will give you more benefits than just controlling water retention.

Salmon & Other Fish

Salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Their health benefits range from improving brain function, cardiovascular health and the joints to preventing water retention.

Nuts & Grains

Whole grain products and nuts are great sources of B6 vitamin, healthy fats and fiber, which makes them a powerful tool against water retention. However, always opt for nuts and whole grains that have very little sodium because sodium can stimulate your body to retain water.

Some Herbs

Water retention can also be addressed with some herbs that have proved beneficial for water retention prevention and elimination. A herbalist can help you determine which ones are good, but celery seed, primrose oil and dandelion root are a good start.

Foods You Should Avoid When You Are Retaining Water

Apart from foods that should be incorporated in your diet, there are also foods that should be avoided when battling with the issue of water retention.

Salt is the number one substance that aggravates this condition, so cutting down on foods that have a lot of sodium in them such as processed and pre-packaged foods is a must. If you want to stop retaining water, give priority to a healthy diet of whole foods.

A variety of foods are helpful when you are retaining water and if you stick to a diet plan that includes them, you will prevent water retention before it even occurs.