Water retention/swollen legs - HELP

CorrinaG74

I've been following a healthy eating plan for 4 weeks now, and have reduced my intake of carbs and processed foods drastically. I'm drinking more than 2 litres of water a day and training with a personal trainer 3 times a week. So far I have lost 9 kgs but the water retention and swollen ankles/legs will not go away. I'm also taking water retention tablets every day.

Are there any tips? My legs go from looking 'normal' in the morning to elephant legs by midday and it's not a pretty sight!

albayin

you might need to see a doctor for this...I know there's sport induced edema but yours might be more than just that? I don't know...

BrainyBurro

could be medical. do your legs regularly swell if you sit for long periods of time? that often happens if you have circulatory issues.

my_transformation2014

Dandelion tea helps (super supplements sells a great one)…I used to hold on to water but, drinking a few cups a day has helped. Best of luck!

QuietBloom

All this has started since you began 'eating healthy'? Or was it an issue before? If it just started, how much sodium are you consuming? Edema can be caused by too little sodium, especially if you are working out and drinking a lot of plain water and any other drinks that do not contain sodium.

BarbieFromHellx

I have a huge problem with water retention as well! Regular exercise, drinking loads of water and limiting certain kinds of food like stodgy carbs (bread, pasta, rice, etc) helps a lot, I also find that peppermint tea is really good.

Additionally, the weather has a huge impact on water retention for me. If it's really hot and humid I swell up soooo bad!

Candi_land

Your dosage of lasix may need to be increased. Also, I would suggest elevating your legs as much as possible especially at night. A good way to do this is by propping a few pillows underneath your legs, in order to help comfortably lift them as much above your heart level as possible while lying down as it will help increase your circulation. Wearing compression stockings/knee highs with at least 15-20mmHg of pressure may help to reduce the swelling during the day. I would also recommend a full physical with your doctor to rule out the possibility of any underlying conditions.

CorrinaG74

The swelling started in the last year when my weight really went up to never-before-reached heights! Usually when I have in the past cut down on carbs and eaten healthily the swelling has reduced significantly, but this time there has only been a slight change. I don't have any blood pressure problems, or diabetes or anything like that, as I recently had a check-up.