Naturally, unwarrantedbloatingmay immediately cause you to freak outbut don’t.

What is water weight?

Did you know that a good portion of your body is comprised of water?

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Water takes up the spaces between and inside our cells.

Again, don’t freak out if you’re experiencing water weight.

In addition, your body needs water to function to the best of its ability.

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And lastly, gaining water weight here and there is normal.

“Water weight is not necessarily a bad thing,” Dunn stresses.

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Why you have water weight:

1.

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You’re consuming too much salt.

Salty foods can result in water weight.

“But this is usually a short-term issue.”

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2.

It’s that time of the month.

Cramps, mood swings, and bloatingoh, the joys of that time of the month!

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Your menstrual cycle could also be to blame for your water weight.

“Many women tend to retain water right before and during their menstrual cycle,” Amidor tells us.

The water weight tends to go away once menstruation ends."

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In addition, regular exercise and a nutritious diet can help bring down the excess fluids.

You’re eating a lot of carbs.

Carbohydrates are another reason why your body may be holding onto excess water.

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“For every one gram of glycogen stored, we store three to four grams of water.

When you stop eating carbohydrates, your body uses up your glycogen to provide it with energy.

As the stored glycogen is used up, the stored water goes away with it.

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4.

This may sound a tad obvious, but when you’re dehydrated, your body craves more water!

So it’s only fitting that dehydration would result in water retention.

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If you recognize these symptoms with your water retention, you likely need to drink more H2O.

You have venous insufficiency.

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6.

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You’re dealing with an underactive thyroid.

They may prescribe you a diuretic to eliminate excess water, Amidor points out.

Consume closer to the recommended daily amount of carbs and sodium.

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It’s important to be mindful of your daily values, and don’t exceed them!

Food and Drug Administrationexplains the daily value of sodium should be less than 2,300 milligrams each day.

so you can stay properly hydrated and avoid water retention, Dunn encourages you to drink more water.

Check in with your healthcare provider about your medications.

A great topic to chat about during your visit is evaluating your medications.