Fluid retention occurs due to your body's reaction to warm weather, high salt intake and hormonal changes caused by menstruation. To remove excess fluid from body tissues, increase water intake and reduce sodium consumption. Water is a natural diuretic that naturally helps alleviate fluid retention. Certain vitamins can also assist with water weight loss.
Vitamin C
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Your body requires vitamin C for growth and repair of tissues. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C supplements have a diuretic effect, so drink plenty of fluids when taking the vitamin. The organic compound can cause increased urination when taken. The vitamin also acts as an antioxidant, blocking damaging free radicals that occur when your body converts food into energy. Free radicals can cause cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
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Natural sources of vitamin C are oranges, cauliflower, strawberries and broccoli. The vitamin isn't stored in the human body, so it needs to be obtained through supplementation or food. Low levels of vitamin C can cause high blood pressure, stroke, some cancers and gall bladder disease.
Vitamin B6
According to the Better Health Channel, vitamin B6 can help in cases of mild fluid retention. It can assist in flushing out excess water and water-soluble wastes from your body. The vitamin is not produced by your body and must be replaced each day.
Natural sources of B6, also called pyridoxine, are beans, nuts, eggs, brown rice and meats. Refrain from taking large doses of B6, as they can cause numbness and neurological problems.
Vitamin D
According to an article on Medical News Today, vitamin D deficiency can cause hypertension, fluid retention and osteoporosis. Vitamin D, calcium and vitamin B5 can help your body to excrete excess fluids. Increase fresh fruit and low-fat dairy consumption to increase the diuretic effect.
Natural sources of vitamin D include fish, fortified milk and cod liver oil. Sunlight also contributes to vitamin D production. Ten minutes of sunlight per day can be enough to prevent deficiency.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- Better Health Channel: Fluid Retention
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B6 source
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B6 benefit
- Medical News Today: Vitamin D Deficiency Leaves Millions Of Children And Adults At Risk For Numerous Diseases And Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin D