A Message From Linda Lazarides
Ok, so you’ve been searching the internet for help with water retention and have found this crazy-sounding claim that you could lose 10 lbs of water weight in a week.
Of course you’re sceptical. Why wouldn’t you be? Everyone else keeps saying that water weight doesn’t stay off, that you can’t lose weight that quickly, that it’s not healthy and so on.
So what are my credentials? Well, first of all, I’ve written several books on dieting, and they’ve been published by major UK publishing houses, including HarperCollins and LittleBrown. After I submitted the manuscript for my Nutritional Health Bible in 1997, the editor at HarperCollins said “Linda, no-one knows more about this stuff than you do…” I can’t think of any better compliment than that. In 1999 my third book the Waterfall Diet became an instant best-seller in the UK.
I trained as a naturopathic nutritionist, and this has been my profession for 19 years. I very quickly developed my own methods and my results were so impressive that I was hired by the British National Health Service to work in a GP (family doctor) practice in London in 1991. All the doctor’s cases of overweight, IBS, fatigue, arthritis, skin problems, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and recurrent headaches, were referred to me.
Then in 1997 I founded the British Association for Nutritional Therapy and Applied Nutrition. My first book Principles of Nutritional Therapy, inspired hundreds of people to train as nutritional therapists. There was so much demand that in the late 1990′s, with my assistance, the University of Westminster in London set up a new degree course for people to study this important subject.
For me it’s a matter of personal pride not to churn out the same stuff as other writers. Yes, I could have written a whole book repeating what everyone else says: “Water retention comes from eating too much salt. Here’s a salt-free diet for you, and by the way don’t forget to drink water and ask your doctor for some diuretics.” You’ve already read all that stuff, and you know it’s not enough. You’ve also read other tips and snippets, but have probably ended up more confused than ever.
I’d rather help people than just make money. It’s very, very easy to make money by telling people what they already know. In fact if you’ve already heard it somewhere else you’re more likely to trust it. Does that ring a bell?
The Story of the Waterfall Diet
The diet comes from research which I painstakingly extracted from medical journals – research carried out by scientists all over the world. Some of it was buried in obscure publications and needed someone to join up all the dots and turn it into a practical formula.
It took me a year to compile all this information and create a diet formula that I thought would work. Then another year to test the diet on people. Then another year to write and publish a book about how and why the diet works.
It’s not hard to lose water weight temporarily – the challenge is to stop it coming back. That is what the Waterfall Diet is all about.
You’re welcome to go on being sceptical, but one thing I will say. If you’re determined to lose your water retention, you won’t find so much information to help you anywhere else. Please feel free to check out the reviews for the Waterfall Diet book on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. And don’t forget there’s also an E-guide available to download.
I’d love to get your feedback in the Comment box.
Wishing you the very best of health
Linda
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Comments
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time November 5, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Wishing you well, Kate – let us know how you get on with the diet.
Comment from Craig
Time December 6, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I have a friend with Obvious water retention – turtle feet.
There are medical complications from an “inoperable Cancer Tumor”.
While the cause of the water rentention may never be resolved, can the
symptoms(water retention) be lessened?
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time December 6, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I’m not able to recommend a treatment as I don’t know your friend, but cancer related swelling of the extremities is normally due to blockage of the flow of lymph. There is a chapter about this kind of problem in the printed version of the Waterfall Diet book. In addition your friend should ask his/her doctor whether wearing support stockings may help reduce the swelling.
Comment from Karen Lamb
Time May 25, 2010 at 9:51 am
I have just started the diet on Sunday and I have found that my swollen ankles are much better already. I go to bed weighing 6 pounds heavier than I do in the morning and have lost 2lbs since Sunday… However have very stiff leg muscles and wondered what was the cause?? toxins leaching out??? If anyone can help it would be appreciated.
Thanks
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time May 25, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Karen, this is occasionally reported once people start to lose water retention. It’s not clear why it happens, but it should pass within a few days. Sometimes people get odd ‘withdrawal’ reactions when they start the waterfall diet. Generally speaking reactions like this are quite a good sign. Massaging your legs and getting plenty of exercise should help. If you keep homeopathic remedies at home, Rhus Tox is generally good for stiff muscles.
Comment from Karen Lamb
Time May 28, 2010 at 1:24 pm
All aches and pains have now gone and I now have ankles and not large swellings…. I haven’t lost so much weight (approx 3lbs) but feel so much lots of energy and sleeping better despite the fact that I have to go to the toilet at least 7 times a night. Can I assume that after nearly a week that will be the extent of my weight loss through fluid retention?
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time May 29, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Well done Karen, that is good news. Some people lose more pounds of water weight over the next couple of weeks on the diet – it can go in fits and starts, so there may still be more to go. However even 3 lbs of water is a lot, as you would see if you put it in a bucket and look at it. Even 3 lbs of excess water retention in your body is enough to cool down your metabolism and stop fat loss programs from working.
Comment from Karen Lamb
Time June 7, 2010 at 8:43 am
Thanks again for your reply. I am very happy with the results and am now up to 5lbs in weight loss. In addition I have lost 2 cms water retention off 1 ankle and 1.5 off the other. My legs don’t swell as much even given the hot weather we are having…Now I feel ready to tackle the fat. Thanks again, so happy…
Comment from Karen Lamb
Time July 13, 2010 at 11:32 am
Hi just a quick update I have now lost a stone (14 pounds) in weight and I am feeling very healthy and happy.
Thanks again.
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time July 19, 2010 at 7:41 pm
That is great news Karen! I’m so glad the diet helped your water retention. Thank you very much for letting me know.
Comment from Mrs. James
Time July 21, 2010 at 5:16 am
I think that I have water retention. I have had a very swollen tummy since I have been 16 years old and now I am in my late 30′s. I can’t get rid of this tummy. It got swollen in a short period of time. At the same time I was dianosged with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I had severe allergies. What is causing my tummy to feel so swollen, bloated, and gassy all the time? How do I know if it is just fat or if it water retention? Doctors have not been helpful to me. None of them have even given me any tips about my excessive tummy weight. I am a recent mother on a tight budget that needs suggestions of how to lose the tummy weight and not having to spend much money to do it.
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Hi, it sounds like the book you need is ‘Linda’s Flat Stomach Secrets’ (scroll up column on right). Many years ago I used to have a big, bloated tummy. This is the book which tells you how I got rid of it and includes a 7-day diet. You can also order it as a paperback from Amazon.
Comment from Ash
Time August 6, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Hi Linda I just bought your book. There is so much useful information and I am amazed to find how we mistreat our bodies without even thinking about it. I am starting my waterfall diet from tomorrow because I am going to do my grocery today. I just wanted your advice on couple things. Is there a way to contact you through email? Please let me know….eagerly waiting.
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 14, 2010 at 11:00 am
You are welcome to contact me for personal consultations by email. Please use the contact link in the right-hand column and I will let you know more information about how I work and how much it costs.
Comment from rich
Time September 8, 2010 at 3:11 am
I have been working out for the past two years. I initially lost 12 lbs of body weight in 6 weeks, but did not really get rid of my belly and love handles. I was on a restricted low calorie diet and I went from 187lbs to 173lbs. As soon as I started to eat more to regain some needed weight, my belly and midsection just got bigger. I was doing weights and a bit of cardio and developed great shoulders and arms, but my quest for a reduced belly was thwarted. I have been ping ponging with my weight and belly now for 2 years and never really getting the results from my hard work.
I have been exercising regularly and focusing on leg work and abs for the past two months (with great intensity) but it appears that my water retention is getting worse. I have been drinking more water but how do I know what is enough to get rid of the excess water? I am 31 years old 6’0 and 193 lbs. My trainer says I am holding about 20 pounds of water? My belly is the most bloated but it is spreading to my ankles.
In addition, I have been told by a naturopath that my stomach is not good and needs a cleanse.
I have been eating fairly well…. not perfectly, but okay. I have had some late night eating episodes and my only vices are beer and pizza (I can hear you laughing already) but thats it. I consume about 5 pints a week and at least 1 medium pizza per week too….but thats it. My workouts are incredibly challenging… weights and pulling/pushing sleds etc. I workout a minimum of 2 to 3 times a week for about an hour. I sweat like crazy.
I have had blood tests done and my kidney and heart are functioning properly.
Comment from Jaan
Time October 10, 2010 at 8:31 am
Fluid has been accumulating in my body for over four years and your book seems like it may be the answer…Thank you.
Comment from Barbara Forstrom
Time October 21, 2010 at 2:11 am
Dear Linda,
Where can I find the book “Treat yourself with Nutritional Therapy” in the USA? I’m 55 years old. I have been taking diuretic Hydrochlorot 25mg daily since April 2009 and for asthma Asmanex 220 mg daily plus Ventolin 18 gm when needed from Sep, 2009 which has been changed to Symbicort 80-4.5mcg on Sep 9, 2010. I read your book “The Waterfall Diet and I am planning to start the diet this weekend. I am concerned about the asthma, and I would like to learn more about it and what food could I be allergic too. Please let me know.
Thank you,
Barb
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time October 21, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Barb, the Treat Yourself with Nutritional Therapy book is not yet published in the US, so the best place to get it is from Amazon.co.uk. They will send it pretty quickly. Hoping it helps.
Comment from Tom McGuire
Time November 6, 2010 at 2:04 pm
My wife has slissoris (nash)and water retention including bloating. Will your diet be of any help to her? She is also on a diuretic tab.
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time November 10, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I’m not familiar with this condition – can only suggest your wife reads the information in the paperback version of the waterfall diet book and decide if she would like to apply it.
Comment from angela
Time December 4, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I’m 17 and I’ve always had a problem with my menstruation; it happens only once every 3-4 months and sometimes even more. I’m overweight now, I’m 1.61 m and weigh 69 kg. Ive been trying to lose weight and the nutritionist who diagnosed me said that I may have a case of water retention.
Comment from slatimer
Time January 20, 2011 at 11:48 pm
once on this “diet” do you have to STAY on it to keep your water weight off?
Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time January 26, 2011 at 9:48 pm
Hi, the program is more than just a diet. You do have to stay on some aspects of the program on a permanent basis.
Comment from eve
Time February 2, 2011 at 12:22 am
I have just got the book, hoping it will help. When I have more than 1g of sodium a day I gain so much weight, I have to avoid sodium and eat many bananas till it goes away but now and then it comes back.Mine was caused by a tablet called chantix which I took for 8 weeks and it has really messed me up somehow.
Comment from lesley
Time April 3, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Hi. I am all of a sudden getting fluid retention in bags under my eyes. I dont carry fluid any where else!? I am 42, diabetic and eat a very low calorie diet.
Comment from Tammy
Time April 8, 2011 at 2:35 am
Hello,
I am on a lowfat 1200 calorie diet. I am hypothyroid and use levothyroxine for that and have had 7 abdominal surgeries due to adhesions,hysterectomy, and a staph horrid.. Anyway, ulcers too from all this. I retain water pretty bad and worse since I have been on my diet. I am not aloud any citrus,tomatoe,dairy products.
Comment from sooz
Time April 11, 2011 at 1:24 pm
hi , i have reasently gained 12lb [the last 3 months] i was 10 stone 10 iam 5feet 6. am diet has not changed but i feel realy bloated around my tummy bottom and thighs ? iam neary 50years old . i feel realy thight and slugish . i dont eat wheat has iam intolerant to many foods including lemon, sugar , i have allergies to penecillin ,iodine,asperin,bee stings the list goes on . i feel like i have contsantly got pms .
Comment from Christine
Time April 24, 2011 at 11:06 am
I am on lots of medication following a minor heart attack 18 months ago. I have also been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My weight problem, which I have for a very long time attributed in part to water retention, preceded my health problems. I am a 55 year old woman and I have not yet had any menopause symptoms other than irregular and heavy periods.
Comment from Laura
Time July 25, 2011 at 2:56 pm
I have orthostatic edema and seasonal allergies. I’m not taking allergy meds bc I’m scared of weight gain. I lose weight feel great in winter when no allergies
Comment from Jane
Time October 7, 2011 at 11:32 pm
Hi Linda,
I’ve been following a low carb diet for 2 weeks now and I’ve gained 4.5lbs in this time my weight goes up and down in the morning, lunch, dinner etc. Im also taking naproxen for arthritis in my knee. I’m trying to loose weight as I need knee surgery. I’ve just ordered your book I was wondering if you think I might have water retention, as I’ve been struggling with my weight for years.
Comment from Josalyn
Time October 27, 2011 at 3:40 pm
I just purchased your book and am very excited to start the diet. I have been struggling with ediopathic edema for 10 years since my son was born. I am up to 160mg of Lasix and 20mg of Prinyvil a day. I have fluncuated weight over the past years, but gained over 60lbs in the last 2 years. The only diet that works is the low-carb…but that is not healthy on the kidneys over time. I drink a ton and I urinate often!! Like 30+ times a day. If I miss one day of meds, I gain another 10lbs. It is horrible! I have had my kidneys, liver and bladder tested. I have tested negative for diabetis and thyroid disease. I am meeting with a heart specialist next week, and possibly the Mayo clinic is my next best option. I have never been so miserable in my life. 
It effects every aspect of my life.
Comment from Kate
Time November 3, 2009 at 11:54 am
I used to be a lot overweight. I lost 70lbs following Weight Watchers, and have kept most of it off. However, I have suffered from periodic fits of water retention all my adult life, and after a run-in with a grumbling appendix and IBS, a few years ago I had my gall bladder removed. The water retention has been dreadful these last couple of years, despite trying very hard to keep my weight down and swimming a mile two or three times a week. I also suffer from fibromyalgia. Diuretics have really not helped. After reading the first few chapters of your book and looking through the lists of causes, I am sure that the waterfall diet will help. My diet is already somewhat curtailed by being unable to eat many things (so fried anything, red meat, coffee, excesses of sweet stuff are already ‘off’), so adjusting may not be too hard on a personal level…. I am fundamentally agin ‘fussy eating’, and it galls me to have to be careful about ingredients. However, we do cook using raw ingredients every day, and processed and packaged foods are already at fairly low levels. We also run a ‘low salt’ kitchen, as we prefer the taste of food to that of salt. So I have hopes.