Keto Means
Keto Means
Photo: Maria Orlova
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, brain function, and immune health ( 20 ). It also regulates fluid balance and may help reduce water retention.
The bottom line You should avoid cheat meals and days on the keto diet. Consuming too many carbs can kick your body out of ketosis — and it takes...
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Fatty poops are different from normal poops. They tend to be looser, smellier and paler in color, like clay. They might float. You might have an...
Read More »Water retention, also known as fluid retention or edema, occurs when excess fluids build up in your body. Water retention occurs in the circulatory system or within tissues and cavities. It may cause swelling in your hands, feet, ankles, and legs. There are several potential causes, including: Hormonal changes. Water retention may occur during pregnancy or before a menstrual period as a result of changes in levels of certain hormones, such as progesterone ( 1 ). Water retention may occur during pregnancy or before a menstrual period as a result of changes in levels of certain hormones, such as progesterone ( ). Lack of physical activity. People who are physically inactive — whether they’re unable to walk for medical reasons or are simply sitting through a long flight — may be affected by fluid retention, particularly in the lower legs ( 2 ). People who are physically inactive — whether they’re unable to walk for medical reasons or are simply sitting through a long flight — may be affected by fluid retention, particularly in the lower legs ( ). Kidney disease. Because the kidneys are responsible for maintaining fluid levels, people with chronic kidney disease often experience fluid retention ( 3 ). Because the kidneys are responsible for maintaining fluid levels, people with chronic kidney disease often experience fluid retention ( ). Heart failure. If your heart can’t pump enough blood through your body as a result of congestive heart failure, you may experience fluid buildup in your lungs and your arms and legs ( 4 ). If your heart can’t pump enough blood through your body as a result of congestive heart failure, you may experience fluid buildup in your lungs and your arms and legs ( ). Capillary damage. Damage to the capillaries — small blood vessels that deliver nutrients to your cells — may cause excess fluid to enter the spaces between your cells, leading to water retention ( 5 ). Damage to the capillaries — small blood vessels that deliver nutrients to your cells — may cause excess fluid to enter the spaces between your cells, leading to water retention ( ). Lymphatic system issues. The lymphatic system plays a key role in immune health and fluid balance. Injury, infections, certain types of cancer, and even local cancer treatment may cause lymphatic issues, leading to fluid buildup and swelling ( 6 ). The lymphatic system plays a key role in immune health and fluid balance. Injury, infections, certain types of cancer, and even local cancer treatment may cause lymphatic issues, leading to fluid buildup and swelling ( ). Obesity. Obesity may be associated with increased water retention in the core, arms, and legs ( 7 ). Obesity may be associated with increased water retention in the core, arms, and legs ( ). Malnutrition. A severe protein deficiency can cause kwashiorkor, a condition characterized by fluid retention and an enlarged stomach (8). A severe protein deficiency can cause kwashiorkor, a condition characterized by fluid retention and an enlarged stomach (8). Infections. Some infections may trigger inflammation and swelling, which are normal parts of your body’s immune response ( 9 ). Some infections may trigger inflammation and swelling, which are normal parts of your body’s immune response ( ). Allergies. When your body detects an allergen, it releases a compound called histamine, which causes fluid to leak from your capillaries into the surrounding tissues, leading to short-term swelling and inflammation ( 10 ). When your body detects an allergen, it releases a compound called histamine, which causes fluid to leak from your capillaries into the surrounding tissues, leading to short-term swelling and inflammation ( ). Medications. Certain medications, including oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), calcium-channel blockers, and some diabetes medications, may increase water retention (11). Although fluid retention may be a sign of several serious conditions that require medical treatment, you may be able to reduce it with a few simple steps — as long as your swelling is mild and you don’t have an underlying health condition. Here are 6 ways to reduce water retention. Share on Pinterest 1. Eat less salt Salt is made up of sodium and chloride. Sodium binds to water in your body and helps maintain the balance of fluids both inside and outside your cells. If you often eat foods that are high in salt, such as many processed foods, your body may retain water. In fact, these foods are the biggest dietary source of sodium in most Western diets ( 12 ). The most common advice for reducing water retention is to decrease sodium intake. However, the research on this is mixed. Several studies have found that increased sodium intake leads to increased fluid retention. However, many other factors are involved in regulating fluid balance, and the effects of salt on water retention may vary from person to person ( 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ). summary Sodium binds to water in your body. While research on the topic is inconclusive, decreasing your salt intake may help reduce water retention.
Either fish or krill oil are excellent options for keto supplementation, as they are both rich in both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA...
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Form the ground beef into patties and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 360 degrees...
Read More »2. Increase your magnesium intake Magnesium is a very important mineral. It’s involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions that keep your body functioning properly ( 17 ). Moreover, increasing your magnesium intake may help reduce water retention. In fact, some research suggests that magnesium supplements may help decrease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including bloating and water retention ( 18 ). For example, one older study found that taking 250 mg of magnesium per day improved several symptoms of PMS, including bloating. But keep in mind that further studies are necessary ( 19 ). Good sources of magnesium include nuts, whole grains, dark chocolate, and leafy green vegetables ( 17 ). It’s also available as a supplement. summary Though more research is needed, some studies suggest that magnesium may help reduce water retention associated with PMS. 3. Get more vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, brain function, and immune health ( 20 ). It also regulates fluid balance and may help reduce water retention. For example, one older study found that vitamin B6 may decrease bloating and fluid buildup in women with PMS ( 19 ). Several other studies describe similar findings, noting that this vitamin may reduce PMS symptoms such as bloating when used alone or combined with other supplements such as calcium ( 21 , 22 ). While research is lacking on whether vitamin B6 affects fluid retention outside of PMS, you can easily increase your intake of this vitamin by eating foods such as bananas, potatoes, chickpeas, walnuts, and tuna ( 20 ). summary Vitamin B6 may help reduce water retention in those with PMS, but further studies are needed. 4. Eat more potassium-rich foods Potassium serves several important functions, especially regarding heart health, muscle contractions, and nerve function ( 23 ). It’s also essential for maintaining blood volume and fluid balance to help decrease water retention. It works by counteracting the effects of sodium to prevent fluid buildup and swelling, as well as by increasing urine production ( 23 , 24 ). Notably, low potassium levels may even cause disruptions in bowel function, leading to issues such as stomach bloating and discomfort ( 25 ). Thus, eating enough potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and tomatoes is essential to support healthy fluid balance. summary Potassium plays a key role in fluid balance and may reduce water retention by increasing urine production and decreasing the effects of sodium. 5. Try dandelion Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has long been used as a natural diuretic in folk medicine. Natural diuretics may help reduce water retention by increasing urine production (26). In an older study, 17 people took 3 doses of dandelion leaf extract over 24 hours, which led to a significant increase in urine production ( 27 ). All the same, larger, more recent studies are necessary. Other studies in test tubes and animals have found that the diuretic properties of dandelion leaf extract may protect against conditions such as kidney stones. What’s more, this herb may offer other benefits, including antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant effects (26). Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before adding dandelion supplements to your routine. summary Dandelion may help reduce water retention, especially when taken as a leaf extract. Still, more research is needed. 6. Limit your refined carb intake Refined carb sources like white bread, pasta, and crackers are typically high in carbs or added sugar and low in fiber, which may lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels ( 28 ). High insulin levels may cause more sodium retention by increasing the reabsorption of this mineral in your kidneys. In turn, this may lead to more fluid volume in your body and increased water retention ( 29 ). Additionally, your liver and muscles store carbs as glycogen, a form of sugar that’s bound to water. Because each gram of glycogen is stored with at least 3 grams of water, following a high carb diet may cause increased water retention ( 30 , 31 ). It’s best to opt for fiber-rich whole grains instead, such as quinoa, oats, brown rice, or whole wheat bread. summary Eating refined carbs may contribute to water retention in several ways, so it’s best to replace these carbs with high fiber whole grains.
Some claim that individuals can lose a pound of fat a week just by taking 10,000 steps a day because of the potential to burn 3,500 calories from...
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7 Worst Snacks Your Dietitian Would Never Eat Any baked chips. Rice cakes. Pretzels. Potato chips. Veggie sticks or straws. Store-bought smoothies....
Read More »Other ways to reduce water retention Though there’s limited research on natural remedies to reduce water retention, you can try a few other tips. Note that some of these tips are supported by only anecdotal evidence rather than research. Furthermore, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking any medications. Move around. Simply walking and moving around a bit may be effective in reducing fluid buildup in some areas, such as the lower limbs. Elevating your feet might also help. Simply walking and moving around a bit may be effective in reducing fluid buildup in some areas, such as the lower limbs. Elevating your feet might also help. Drink more water. Though it may sound counterintuitive, some people believe that increasing water intake may help reduce water retention ( 32 ). Though it may sound counterintuitive, some people believe that increasing water intake may help reduce water retention ( ). Take horsetail. Both older and newer studies suggest that the herb horsetail may act as a natural diuretic ( 33 , 34 ). Both older and newer studies suggest that the herb horsetail may act as a natural diuretic ( , ). Try parsley. This herb has a reputation as a diuretic in folk medicine ( 35 ). This herb has a reputation as a diuretic in folk medicine ( ). Supplement with hibiscus. Roselle, a species of hibiscus, has long been used in folk medicine as a diuretic to increase urine production ( 36 , 37 ). Roselle, a species of hibiscus, has long been used in folk medicine as a diuretic to increase urine production ( , ). Up your garlic intake. In ancient Greece, garlic was used to treat a variety of ailments and considered a natural diuretic ( 38 ). In ancient Greece, garlic was used to treat a variety of ailments and considered a natural diuretic ( ). Eat fennel. Some research suggests that fennel may have diuretic effects and increase urine output (39). Some research suggests that fennel may have diuretic effects and increase urine output (39). Try corn silk. According to an older review, this herb is traditionally used for the treatment of water retention in some parts of the world ( 40 ). According to an older review, this herb is traditionally used for the treatment of water retention in some parts of the world ( ). Eat nettle. This leafy green is another folk remedy used to reduce water retention and support fluid balance ( 41 ). summary Several other natural remedies may help reduce water retention, but their effects haven’t been widely studied.
Tips to achieve ketosis Eat 20–50 grams of carbs per day. This can encourage your body to produce ketones. ... Track your carb intake. ... Limit...
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One of the most effective tools for this is to utilize Intermittent Fasting and fast for 12-16 hours after your "cheat" meal. Intermittent Fasting...
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Nutrient Deficiencies Deficiencies in certain minerals such as zinc, chromium, iron, calcium, and magnesium may lead to sugar cravings as well,...
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