The Healthiest Way To Lose Water Weight Quickly And Safely

Although the body contains 60% of water, according to Healthline, water retention can make you feel uncomfortable. Whether you're a bodybuilder looking to sculpt your physique or if your fingers and toes seem to swell, understanding how to safely lose water weight is important. According to MindBodyGreen, water weight refers to the amount of water stored between cells. Larger amounts of water can lead to swollen body parts and an out-of-sorts feeling. However, it's always best to understand the reason why you're retaining water first as pregnancy, menstruation, and some medical conditions (heart or kidney disease) can be culprits, per Healthline. 

Say goodbye to alcohol and processed foods if you're trying to lose water weight. Both of these items are inflammatory foods and can trigger water weight, points out MindBodyGreen. Although it can be challenging to limit your consumption, it's important to find out what's provoking fluid retention. Eliminating processed foods may also lower your sodium intake, which is the next thing you'll want to monitor (via Healthline). Believe it or not, high or low salt intake triggers imbalances within the body, affecting hydration levels that ultimately lead to water retention (via Healthline). Aside from restricting certain foods and drinks from your diet, there are lifestyle habits you can incorporate to quickly and safely lose water weight. 

Hydration is key! While it may seem counterintuitive, MindBodyGreen suggests drinking water actually helps remove toxins and waste, which ultimately releases excess water, too. Beyond proper hydration, the next best way to lose water weight quickly and safely is by exercising the body (via Healthline). Regular exercise promotes circulation to get the blood pumping into the muscles and the body sweaty. Because sweating is crucial for reducing fluid retention, any sweaty exercise will help, and for an extra boost, jump into the sauna to sweat more (via Healthline).

Otherwise, calming your mind may also help reduce fluid retention, per Healthline. Not only does stress produce cortisol, but one 1993 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigations found stress also influences the retention of more water. Another calming activity Healthline suggests is getting the recommended amount of sleep per night, as getting the proper amount of quality sleep may "help your body manage its fluid and sodium balance and lead to reduced water weight in the long term."