Why is water retention bad?

grimnir

I see a lot of people on here trying to minimize their water weight. I can see why that might be desirable if you feel bloated and uncomfortable, but I don't get that way at all. Why should I want to not retain water? I don't really care about how many lbs I weigh (that always seemed silly to me), so why should I be sure to cut sodium, etc? I don't have anywhere close to high blood pressure, so that's not a concern. Is there some other reason it's a good idea?

Is there ANY legitimate reason I should want to minimize my water weight, or is it mostly a neurotic obsession with the number on the scale? Interested in hearing people's opinions on this. I have gout and have to assume more water retention is better for me (dehydration is the #1 cause of a flareup), so I'm probably not going to change regardless, but what's your take on the subject?

AshDHart

I have gout and have to assume more water retention is better for me (dehydration is the #1 cause of a flareup), so I'm probably not going to change regardless, but what's your take on the subject?

Dehydration can cause your body to retain what little water it has. Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration will also prevent you from retaining water.

Thriceshy

I see a lot of people on here trying to minimize their water weight. I can see why that might be desirable if you feel bloated and uncomfortable, but I don't get that way at all. Why should I want to not retain water? I don't really care about how many lbs I weigh (that always seemed silly to me), so why should I be sure to cut sodium, etc? I don't have anywhere close to high blood pressure, so that's not a concern. Is there some other reason it's a good idea?

Is there ANY legitimate reason I should want to minimize my water weight, or is it mostly a neurotic obsession with the number on the scale? Interested in hearing people's opinions on this. I have gout and have to assume more water retention is better for me (dehydration is the #1 cause of a flareup), so I'm probably not going to change regardless, but what's your take on the subject?

Water retention isn't a sign of adequate water intake; in fact, it's sometimes a sign of inadequate intake--if you don't drink enough water, your body begins to hoard it. So when folks talk about water retention here, they're not suggesting less water, but rather that we make sure we're getting enough.

Water retention can also indicate too much sodium in the diet, and is often a symptom of kidney and/or blood pressure issues. Severe water retention can actually interefere with cardio-pulmonary function.

My mom has gout. Sadly, she's not willing to make any changes to her lifestyle in order to help improve her symptoms. I think it's great that you're here.

Kris

usmcmp

Not everyone has problems with water retention. Many women do thanks to hormones that are beyond our control. It is uncomfortable. When someone is dealing with water retention putting on jeans or work clothes can be torture. Imagine wearing clothing that is basically a size to small just because your body is retaining extra water. Water retention can put pressure on internal organs as well. Water retention means that their body isn't moving water effectively and can cause stress on the kidneys. If you aren't bloated or retaining extra water then you obviously wouldn't worry about reducing water weight, just make sure you are drinking enough water to keep your body functioning properly.

NightOwl1

As others have said, water retention is not the same as hydration. A constant water intake is the best way to make sure you stay hydrated.

And for many people, reducing water retention is about reducing the bloated feeling/excess pounds/stomach appearance.

MuchMovement

Water retention isn't a sign of adequate water intake; in fact, it's sometimes a sign of inadequate intake--if you don't drink enough water, your body begins to hoard it. So when folks talk about water retention here, they're not suggesting less water, but rather that we make sure we're getting enough.

Water retention can also indicate too much sodium in the diet, and is often a symptom of kidney and/or blood pressure issues. Severe water retention can actually interefere with cardio-pulmonary function.

explained well