Over the Counter Ways to Lose Excess Water Weight
- A common misconception among water-retaining individuals is that drinking less water will help them retain less water. This is actually untrue. The more water that we drink, the more water we get rid of. Drinking 64 oz. of water a day will help with water retention. Some people find it difficult to drink this much water, but adding flavor to it is helpful, such as lemon juice, lemon slices or a splash of cranberry juice.
Apple cider vinegar is also helpful when trying to reduce water retention. It naturally helps the body reduce the amount of water it would normally retain. Add approximately 1 to 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar (organic is best) to 16 oz. of water and drink several times a day. - Diuretics are also sometimes called water pills. They help water retention by flushing unwanted, excess water out of the body. Water pills are available either by prescription or over-the-counter. Natural diuretics are less likely to have side effects and are available in most local health food stores or the pharmacy section of many discount stores. Some negative side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Caffeinated beverages are another possible option for reducing water weight. These should be consumed in moderation. There is some belief that drinking too much caffeine can cause the body to become dehydrated, so individuals wishing to reduce water retention should be careful of this method and first discuss it with their doctor. A lot of research suggests that caffeinated beverages are safe and do not cause dehydration. According to a report in the June 2002 issue of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise, caffeinated beverages have a similar diuretic effect on the human body as water. The report outlined a research study, which was conducted by Lawrence E. Armstrong, who was a scientist in the field of human performance and thermoregulation.