Excess water?

mommared53

Ok, this may have already been addressed somewhere at some time but I'll ask it anyway. So I have a theory. I consistently drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. I do go to the bathroom a lot but can my body retain water and cause me to gain a couple pounds? I can get down to 145.8 but then I gain a couple pounds back. It's so frustrating because I can't maintain the 145.8. My goal is 140. It's not TOM because I'm 55 years old. Any help?

jljohnson

Do you pay attention to your sodium intake? I believe that the sodium will cause you to retain water moreso than the water by itself. I wouldn't think you'd eat enough sodium to hold 6 pounds of water, but maybe try watching that and see what happens.

BrendaLee

Water actually helps with fluid retention because as you continue to drink more water, your body will let go of the extra fluid it's retaining. The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day, so unless you're drinking obscene amounts of water, you don't have anything to worry about.

msarro

I second the sodium issue. Your body is essentially a big pumping station and can process a LOT of water in a day. You're unlikely to retain a whole lot extra unless a) you were dehydrated to begin with, b) you are taking in too much sodium, c)its that special lady time :laugh: .

LJCannon

I second (or third:happy: ) the opinion about watching your sodium intake. It can be hidden in a lot of food even if you don't add salt at the table or when you cook.

Another thing to look at is if you are eating enough calories for your activity. Occasionally you do have to eat MORE to get your body to "let go" of the last few pounds. :noway: That boggles my mind, but it is true.

mommared53

I really don't think it's the sodium because I'm very careful to not buy food high in sodium. Maybe I need to up my calories again. I really don't know how many I should be eating now because MFP doesn't change my calories. They stay at 1200. I've upped them to around 1550 so far. I guess I need to be more diligent about tracking my food. I'll up my calories some more, watch my sodium, and start tracking my food better and see what happens. Thanks everyone for your imput.