Kidney malfunction can cause water retention, but fortunately in most cases, it’s not a signal that you have kidney problems. However, if you’re over 45 and find yourself suffering with bloating and swelling, especially of the ankles, then it’s a good idea to visit your GP for a check up. Water retention can be a sign of renal hypertension, (high blood pressure) or heart problems, so the GP check can eliminate worries and you can consider the advice I’m giving you here.
With hypertension, the external pressure of the unwanted water, upon the veins and arteries, causes narrowing of their internal passages, (called the lumen). Consequently, as the same quantity of blood is then flowing through a smaller compressed bore, the result is increased pressure.
In most cases, water retention is the result of the kidneys not being allowed to do their job properly. Kidney function is very complex. They are a vital part of an elaborate system designed by evolution to deal with everything taken in by mouth, air and through our skin. Kidneys identify the nutrients our body needs, like vitamins and minerals, sending them back into the bloodstream. They also detect toxins, like unwanted pollutants and other waste, propelling them into the body's evacuation system. We cannot survive without them!
Working 24/7 all our lives, they’re responsible for ensuring all parts of the body get water as and when needed. This is where water retention problems originate.
The kidneys take water from wherever they can find it within the body; if there isn't enough, they become inefficient. When water doesn't arrive where it's needed, the body thinks a drought-emergency is imminent and goes into survival mode. Instead of using and eventually shedding the water it has at its disposal in our cells and tissues, it holds on to it, and stores it in the familiar places we all know too well!
THE REMEDY
This is simple, without one very common mistake. Water retention doesn't mean you are holding too much water and should drink less! The opposite is true. Drink more!
Many people suffer needlessly from this experience, and don’t drink enough water. Modern diets of junk, packaged and “fast” foods with heavy emphasis on carbohydrates, means the kidneys just aren't receiving enough water, because it takes 2-3 grams of water for your body to process 1 gram of carbohydrate, so the increased fluid demand of fast/ junk foods becomes plain! Too little water equals water retention. A very simple formula!
The solution is simple too. Try and drink at least one, preferably two litres of water every day. That's in addition to drinks like tea or coffee, which can actually dehydrate you a little with their caffeine content! Bottled spring or mineral water is good, but tap water will do. Avoid salt, as on and in food, it encourages the body to retain water. Eat more fruit and vegetables as both are ‘water rich’, as well as their nutritional benefits.
Keep water flowing in, and the kidneys will ensure it flows out!
REPLACING YOUR LOSSES
After each trip to the toilet, if possible, drink a large glass of water afterwards. Make it a life pattern and if you can, carry a small bottle with you everywhere and keep sipping. The paler your urine at the end of the day, the more efficiently your kidneys are working; if it's dark, then they’re struggling. Note your water intake, so when your urine is colourless at the end of the day, you’ll know you’ve managed the right amount.
It’s difficult to drink too much water, but some newspaper reports over the last few years, reported one or two individuals dying from a condition called ‘Hyponatraemia’.
It’s rare and difficult to achieve. Those unfortunates consumed extreme quantities of water under rigorous exercise conditions, or, had psychological disorders. Good hydration is good news, because we’re 68-72% water and need to constantly ‘top up’ our systems.
Beware! Being thirsty means you’re actually dehydrated and in fluid ‘debt’, so quenching that thirst is just repaying the ‘debt’, not maintaining good balance.
Drink moderately and as much as practically convenient for you; constantly; to ensure you have good fluid balance and never suffer from water retention.
