A bloated stomach is such a common problem these days because of people’s poor diets, making it an epidemic. But what we eat isn’t just the one to blame for our bodies retaining water. Other reasons include high levels of stress, medications taken daily, and various pollutants that we are constantly exposed to.
Water retention is not only uncomfortable, but also embarrassing especially when you need to run to the bathroom or pass gas. What’s worse is that persistent bloating and water retention can signify that you have a health problem, such as candida, autoimmune disease, digestive disorder, hypertension, and sometimes even cancer.
Natural Treatments for Bloating Found in Your Kitchen
While you can take medicine to get rid of bloating, you can turn to these foods to help alleviate your symptoms:
1. Fruits that are Rich in Potassium
Potassium can help reduce water retention because this mineral can balance the levels of sodium in the body. If you often suffer from water retention, start your day with a fruit smoothie or salad, which has any of the following:
- Dried apricots (33% daily value of potassium)
- Raisins or prunes (21% potassium DV)
- Avocados (14% potassium DV)
- Bananas (10% potassium DV)
- Peaches (5% potassium DV)
Citrus and melons are also fruits rich in potassium.
2. Watercress
One of the most overlooked greens around, watercress is actually a very nutritious plant and can act as a natural diuretic. It is also high in potassium and has high amounts of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can reduce bloating and water retention. Just add watercress to your salad or your sandwich to get rid of the problem.
3. Salmon
Considered as a superfood by many food and health enthusiasts, salmon is loaded with healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acid. Salmon is also good for the heart, joints, and brain. Since water retention often happens in women who are about to have their period, eating salmon can help them avoid premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Consume salmon as well as other fatty fish, such as tuna, herring, and mackerel at least twice a week.
Other foods to consume are leafy greens like celery as well as other healthy foods, such as carrots, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Whole grains and nuts are rich in vitamin B6, which can help alleviate PMS symptoms, including water retention and bloating. One of the surprising ways to treat water retention is by drinking more water. Most people avoid water because they think it is the cause of the problem, but it is actually a solution. Have at least eight glasses of water every day to say goodbye to water weight fast.