Water Retention

Comment from Jacqui
Time August 6, 2009 at 5:47 pm

I’m not sure if I have water retention, but I drink about 2 litres of water (containing squash) a day, but don’t pass water all day sometimes not until 5pm. However, I am up 2 or 3 times in the night to go to the loo. I have one wee in the morning when I get up. I am overweight and can’t seem to lose the weight.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 7, 2009 at 7:15 am

It does sound like a possible case of water retention, especially if you have tried the low-calorie/exercise route and it is not helping. Weight fluctuations of several pounds from day to day are also a sign of water retention.

Comment from joe
Time August 14, 2009 at 9:43 pm

i have chf and salt is my main problem will this diet also be low in salt

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 15, 2009 at 7:46 am

Yes, the Waterfall Diet does avoid salt. For chf it’s also nowadays recommended to take cod liver oil capsules for vitamin D. Other good supplements that improve heart function are carnitine, taurine and coenzyme Q10.

Comment from Sue
Time August 18, 2009 at 11:26 pm

Hi, im so amazed by wot i read! Im struglin wth water retention, my stomach swells so bad that i struggle 2 breath. I HARDLY eat, nd drink PLENTY water, bt i dnt loose weight. Drs find nothin wrng, nd im fedup cause nothn worx! HELP!!!

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 19, 2009 at 7:40 am

Hopefully the E-guide will help you find out what’s causing your water retention and help you sort it out, Sue. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Comment from Rose
Time August 20, 2009 at 8:24 am

I was on dieuretics for water retention but stopped as they did not seem to work after a few months. I have gained over 15 pounds of water, the doctor doesn’t think that there is anything wrong, can your diet help me?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 20, 2009 at 11:17 am

It’s very likely to help, and the guide provides lots of information. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Comment from virginia
Time August 28, 2009 at 3:16 pm

iam a small frame girl but my legs are getting bigger and bigger
could i be retention water fast.can you tell me what is causeing.
this i dont like my legs please help me.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 28, 2009 at 5:03 pm

If your finger leaves a dent when you press it into your ankle or your shinbone, that is a sure sign of water retention.

Comment from Sarah
Time September 10, 2009 at 12:09 pm

Hi Linda, I have been changing my lifestyle for 4years now, eat healthy, exercise, and drink LOADS of water (4-6L/day – I love water!); however somedays I will put on 2-3kg’s overnight, and struggle to loose weight. I hav elost – 20kg in 3 years, but them amount I eat and exercise I should’ve lost more by now. I am a nurse, I am aware of fludi retention signs – I do not have pitting oedema, however my weight fluctuations and my rings always show me when I am retaining. Do you think this means i retain too much water? I pee alot, so all I drink comes out ok, so it doesnt make sense to me!!!

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time September 10, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Heart and kidney problems result in water retention due to reduced urination. Other types of water retention don’t. The fact that you are able to urinate normally does not mean that you don’t have water retention. Sometimes this particular type is known as idiopathic edema, but do try to read the Waterfall Diet book or the E-guide since you need information to understand this condition.

Comment from tina budde
Time September 14, 2009 at 2:14 am

HI Linda, water retention can be a sign of something more serious so those of you who have retention need to see a doctor and be ruled out for lymphedema, which brings me to a question for Linda, do you have any studies that might show the diet can help lymphedema? It’s been a huge discussion in my support group. Thanks.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time September 14, 2009 at 1:25 pm

All persistent symptoms should be reported to a doctor, including water retention. Lymphedema is a kind of water retention and so is covered in the Waterfall Diet book (the printed version, not the e-guide, which is more specifically for weight loss). The book does also discuss scientific research into lymphedema and helpful resources. Wishing you well for your support group.

Comment from Laura
Time September 14, 2009 at 1:27 pm

Hi, I am only 26 years old and have suffered from fluid retention in my ankles and lower legs for about 6-7 years now. Have had every test and nothing seems to be wrong, I have noticed that my ankles seem to be less swollen when i eat high protein and lower carbs, and when i eat normal again they seem to swell back twice as bad for a few days – is this diet for me?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time September 14, 2009 at 1:29 pm

The fact that changing what you eat influences your water retention is a good sign that your particular water retention is responsive to diet. So I would say definitely try out the Waterfall Diet and you should get even better results. With the self-test that’s also included in the book you should also be able to find out what makes the water come and go.

Comment from solveig
Time October 12, 2009 at 12:44 pm

I have rebound water retention from stopping diuretics treatment.Will your program help me with that ?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time October 12, 2009 at 4:57 pm

Hopefully your body will adjust itself in time, but you may well find useful information in the book which will help to speed things up. Also if you were originally taking diuretics to treat water retention then the original cause of your water retention still needs to be dealt with.

Comment from Julie
Time October 14, 2009 at 8:32 am

Hi Linda, I’ve just started your waterfall diet today and am looking forward to some positive changes to come ! The book is very good, clear and informative. I have one question at the moment, you often mention soya in various forms, I’ve previously been tested and am intolerant to soya, I would normally substitute rice milk or oat milk. Do you have any advice on this – is rice or oat milk ok, or should I move to goats milk? Also, will I be missing any nutrient if I avoid tofu as well?
Thanks a lot for your help.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time October 14, 2009 at 9:09 pm

Many thanks for your kind words about the book. I must add to the E-guide that FAQs are now available on my blog, including a section on soya. Apologies that the link has not been added to the book yet – I will email it to you.
I hope the information on the blog answers your question – if not just leave a comment. Wishing you all success with the diet.

Comment from Jay
Time October 19, 2009 at 6:50 am

Two months ago I gained a lot of weight (particularly around my waist), and it seemed to have happened overnight. This was also the same time I was going through some hormonal changes (estrogen dominance/progesterone deficiency). I read that there’s a relation between sex hormones and rapid weight gain. How can I lost this unwanted weight around my belly?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time October 19, 2009 at 2:53 pm

Jay, you might want to take a look at my new E-book ‘Linda’s Flat Stomach Secrets’. It could be right up your street as it has a lot of new information for balancing the hormones that control belly fat. It also teaches a great new way of walking that works out the tummy muscles at the same time. http://www.health-diets.net/flat-stomach/

Comment from Jen
Time October 25, 2009 at 6:00 am

I swelled all over, about 20-25 pounds in 3 days a year and a half ago. I drank softened water. It contains tons of salt , but I did not know that at this time. This water made me immensely dehydrated. I have never been able to pee it out. I always drink lots of water. I have seen a nephrologist, endocrinologist, neurologist and several MDs. Every test comes back normal. They diagnosed me with idiopathic edema. My sodium and potassium levels are normal so I know it’s not an electrolyte problem. I eleminated salt a year ago. The swelling went down a little. I have also eliminated almost every food with sodium. I am down to 50mg at most a day. There is not much I can eat. Orange juice has no sodium, but if I drink it or anything like it, I can barely pee for the next few days.I am tired of managing this condition. It hurts to stand and sit. It makes working difficult. I am in my mid twenties. Before the swelling, I was thin and slender. Please help.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time October 25, 2009 at 9:05 am

Jen, it is not possible to help a complex medical condition in just a few words. If you were to consult me as a practitioner I would still start you off with the Waterfall Diet to see how you respond to it, so maybe you’d like to get started on that and contact me again if it does not seem to help. Wishing you well.

Comment from Mary B
Time October 31, 2009 at 7:52 pm

I definitely have water/fluid retention. I have joined Weight Watcher’s recently and prepaid 6 months. I have only completed one month. One week I lose a couple of poinds, the next week I gain a couple. So in a month I am only down 1.8 lbs. I want to follow the Weight Watcher’s regime, because I have prepaid for six months. I have ordered your book from the book-store and expect to receive it within a week.

My question is – can I follow the Waterfall Diet in tandem with Weight Watcher’s. In other words, does the Waterfall Diet provide menus and food suggestions that I would be able to incorporate into my allowance of 22 points per day?

I have pitting edema 50% of the time. I realize that taking NSAIDS is one of the causes, as is the frozen (Weight Watcher’s SmartOnes) dinners that I take for lunch at work. So I already know I need to eliminate NSAIDS and find another natural source of anti-inflamatory type teas, etc. for my arthritis, as well as any processed foods. I am quite excited to receive my book so I can figure out why my body does not work like other people’s.

Mary

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time November 1, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Mary, when you read the book you’ll see that the two diets have different principles. Weightwatchers is about calorie control, whereas the Waterfall Diet is for getting rid of water retention. Hoping you enjoy the book.

Comment from mary
Time January 18, 2010 at 3:41 am

hi just found your web page haven’t ordered nothing yet because just wont to now will this water retention diet be ok for me am over weight about 2 stone and l am 46 year old l suffer from arthritis and on medication at the moment my fingers have swollen and really sore and l have no good diet to go on could you help me mary

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time January 19, 2010 at 2:05 pm

Mary, a lot of people don’t have arthritis they just have water retention which makes their joints painful. If you check out the case reports on the website you’ll find one of these cases described. The Waterfall Diet is a healthy diet so don’t worry about it being unsuitable. Let us know how you get on.

Comment from Carrie
Time January 20, 2010 at 7:47 am

Hi, I am 36 years old and I am at 155. I would like to lose 15- 20 pounds. I have been doing a low carb diet and I have noticed my weight has been going up and down within a 3 to 5 pound range. I do walk on a regular basis. I have noticed that my hands and feet in the morning feel at their heaviest. I am not able to put my jewerly on but during the day I do not notice it as much. My weight is mostly around my belly area. I am wondering if this is mostly water retention that I am dealing with. I also drink about 8 glasses of water a day. I have cut out all soda and alcohol. I do not know what I am doing wrong. Can you help??

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time January 20, 2010 at 6:15 pm

Carrie, it does sound like you could have water retention. This website is about the benefits of following the waterfall diet to treat water retention, and the book also provides a lot of information about the condition which will help you understand it and find out what you are doing wrong. We look forward to you letting us know how you get on.

Comment from Marilyn
Time February 11, 2010 at 11:31 pm

My Dr. told me yrs ago that I had dependent edema,what is that?
Recently I did a total body cleanse and noticed that my ankles do not swell as bad or not at all. Even with a diuretic they would still swell but the cleanse did better,what’s with that?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time February 13, 2010 at 10:36 am

Marilyn, sadly dependent edema means “swelling of the ankles”, something you could have diagnosed yourself… Diuretic medications should never be taken for water retention unless it is due to heart or kidney disease. It will actually make the swelling worse. Your cleansing routine worked because it gave your body what it needed to get rid of the water retention. Unfortunately it did not incorporate a test to find out which aspects of the routine you need to keep doing to keep the water retention away. The Waterfall Diet book does include this important test so it should have a similar helpful effect for you, but a more permanent one. Let us know how you get on.

Comment from Bobby
Time February 22, 2010 at 6:59 pm

Hey Linda. I’m 19, recently diagnosed with Gilbert’s Syndrome (liver condition), which is meant to be asymptomatic but has resulted in many digestive and detox issues. I am ridiculously distended around my abdomen. I am close to filming ‘The World’s 2nd pregnant man’…seriously though, it is that bad. I have very little fat as I have worked out for 2 years now…my stomach just feels hard and not really puffy so I’m not sure what it is and I’m sure it isn’t from my digestion or any enlarged organs. Could this be water retention? If so, which type? And will your diet work for me if I persist with it?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time February 23, 2010 at 9:07 am

Bobby, this does sound like water retention, though it may possibly be inflammation in your digestive system. Either way, a dietary approach will be very useful as an experiment. The extent to which it may help is not yet known until you try it for a couple of weeks, but you have nothing to lose and possibly a lot to gain. For this kind of problem I’d recommend my flat stomach diet, which is for both water retention and inflammation in the tummy area. You can get the book from Amazon.com (see panel on right). Let us know how you get on.

Comment from Deana
Time March 16, 2010 at 3:35 pm

I am currently doing the Atkins Diet. I have had no success so far. I weigh once a week to record, but do check in daily to see how I am doing. Some days the scale goes up A LOT, but others it stays the same. I am wondering if I am retaining water. I drink at least 64 oz of water a day, do not drink any sodas. Anyway, how does this diet pertain to low carb or Atkins?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time March 17, 2010 at 3:31 pm

If you do have water retention the waterfall diet should let you know. The download on this page is for the waterfall diet but also includes advice for people who also want to stay on a low-carb regime while they are doing the diet.

Comment from Debbie
Time April 2, 2010 at 7:22 am

HI, i went through a time in my life when the weight just piled on. i didnt know what it was, my stomach would bloat after eating some foods i thought i had allergies but the doctor ruled that out and any other serious illness through a blood test. 2 years later if wasn’t the weight just dropped off me fast out of the blue. i found i could eat what i wanted with no bloating and no weight gain. it was ironic i eat all the junk on the world and i loose weight and when im carefull with what i eat it piles on.
anyway after 6 months out of the blue it has happened again the weight has piled on. im finding i cant eat certain foods otherwise my tummy will bloat and feel uncomfortable. in 2 weeks have put on 8 pounds and i exercise and eat less and more health than before. Always have been fit and healthy go to gym 4-5 times a week. this is really fustraiting for me. and im worried im going to put on 2 stone like i did last time i had this. and another 2 years of my life feeling and looking fat and unhappy. will your diet help me do you think?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time April 2, 2010 at 10:33 am

Debbie, it is quite common to be sensitive to certain foods but we don’t always know what they are if we eat them every day. The Waterfall Diet book includes a self-test to help you pinpoint hidden problem foods more easily. It may help to make it easier for you to choose the right foods in future.

Comment from Karen
Time April 3, 2010 at 4:41 pm

I have been taking Warfarin since I was diagnosed with a blood clot last year.
Will I have a problem with the foods you recommend eating on the Waterfall diet?

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time April 3, 2010 at 4:50 pm

Karen, there is no problem with using warfarin while on the waterfall diet. Let us know how you get on.

Comment from sandra
Time April 17, 2010 at 7:32 pm

hi linda i had my gall bladder removed 2 years ago and no matter how much exercise or healthy eating i do the weight is creeping up i have gained about 20lb this is around my middle and since taking up running my left anckle swells.

Comment from Kerry
Time April 20, 2010 at 8:34 pm

Hi,
I think i’m suffering from water retention. In the last two years i’ve gained two stones and ive always had a fat metabolism and never had to diet. It has made me miserable killing my confidence and depressing me. Then my ankles started to swell badly. I joined weight watchers thinking I was fat followed it to the letter and lost nothing. Ironically if I don’t eat healthily I gain weight at the same rate as if I was dieting! They ran every known test and found nothing. They gave me water tablets and I lost four pounds! But now the loss has stopped so I just ordered your book with the hope I can lose further water and with a decent healthy eating plan get back my figure and self esteem

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time April 21, 2010 at 8:07 am

This is sadly the story for so many people with water retention. Fat loss diets will not work for this problem and I have received countless stories that people’s water retention has got worse after taking water pills.

Comment from Carey
Time April 22, 2010 at 8:30 pm

I have had excessive weight gain around my tummy area in the past 6 months or so. I have the problem of my jeans getting tighter and tighter as the day goes on instead of looser, as they did in the past. Also, in the afternoon’s, I begin to get hot, flushed, and my blood pressure rises. The tightening of the jeans feels like it’s cutting off circulation and hurts really bad. The waist up, and my feet, seem to be the only places that I’m swelling up. Does this sound like a water retention problem? I did switch from Yaz to Femcon for birth control in the last 6 months. Even working out 4-5 days a week, I lose nothing, and I have changed my diet, but the weight won’t go away.

Comment from Lyn
Time May 16, 2010 at 4:31 am

Hi Linda
I am looking at ordering your Waterfall diet book since I am intrigued to concept of releasing fluid retention. I am also a naturopath, but recently experienced some weight gain, (half stone), and swim 50 laps twice a week in 25metre pool whilst walking on average 8-12 kilometres a day – varies, however despite this and healthy diet (recently went vegan for 4 wks due to too much salmon for lunch causing gout), now intro fish again, and will have chicken, no red meat, drink lots of water 1.5 -2 litres daily, no cane sugar, etc, I am wondering if you have come across fluid retention occuring around the tummy and glute area more so when fibroids are present (7), no issue with them, tiny, still with cycles at 57yrs, 28-30 days, so other than that could be age, and hormonal adjustment, but I am determined to trim it down and often feel like their is fluid in my tummy/womb area, like swishing around, (not every month). Wondering which is best book for me re weight gain I mentioned on tummy, glutes and very top of thighs – waterfall diet or flat stomach book? Rest of my body no problem. With age as mentioned I know I must not over tax adrenals so I know my limits, and get 8+ hrs sleep, meditate, work p/time and take b vits with add’ b5 for adrenal support etc, however wondering if there is similar info in both books re this, thank you for your recommendations here. best wishes, Lyn

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time May 16, 2010 at 11:45 am

Lyn, if you are a naturopath I think you will find useful information in both books. The Waterfall Diet paperback (new edition, ask for ISBN 0749942533) is most informative on water retention itself. Linda’s Flat Stomach Secrets is a smaller book, with a section on water retention. The rest of the book aims to help problems like resistant tummy fat, bloating, and gives tummy exercises you can most easily fit into your life (even someone like me, who is always forgetting to do them). It also advises which tummy exercises target the right tummy-flattening muscles and which ones don’t. Both books include the waterfall diet, but the diet in the flat stomach book also incorporates some anti-bloating and intestinal cleansing techniques. You might want to start with the waterfall diet book and decide from there whether to get the other one too. Wishing you well, and let us know how you get on.

Comment from Louise
Time May 26, 2010 at 11:26 pm

I have read your book, and tried the diet, and failed a few times. I have the same problem with any diet, because I run from the time I get up to the time I go to bed (single mom, 2 kids, 3 jobs) and I find it hard to plan and prep ahead because there’s never a down-time, even preparing healthy meals for my kids has been a challenge, my daughter fends for herself but my son eats worse than I do. I know for a fact water retention is causing at least half my problems, I have pitted edema on my lower legs, more on the left for some reason, painful joints, especially hips, bad skin, fatigue, and feel generally run-down all the time. I sit for 2 of my jobs and the third is active, but not enough to get rid of the extra 60 lbs I’m hauling around. Basically, I’m wondering if you have any tips for getting on and staying on the program, or words of wisdom for terminally busy moms who want to get healthy but can’t seem to break old quick-fix habits.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time May 29, 2010 at 3:48 pm

Louise, the only tip is, you will be able to get organized if you can get yourself to feel more motivated. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Comment from Kyla
Time June 26, 2010 at 9:28 am

Hi Linda,
I came across a message board about water retention, and your book,The Waterfall diet was metioned, and recommended. I have water retention big time. I’ve tried water pills for awhile, but now it has stopped working. There was a time when I had a little tomato soup (homemade) late in the evening, and blew up big time the next day. I’m like what in the world happened. I just ordered your book, and I look forward to getting started. Just to add, I really don’t eat that much, but yet I gain weight. I will you keep you posted

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time July 5, 2010 at 9:11 pm

Kyla, looking forward to hearing how you get on.

Comment from terri
Time July 10, 2010 at 1:56 am

What causes water retention? Can it be a lung issues? What if you have constant water retention, can it be a diet issues? OR sitting to much in front of a computer? My legs are swollen. I have no known heart condition and have been check for that. I’ve been check for lung problems too but it doesn’t seem to be that.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time July 10, 2010 at 9:54 am

Terri if you visit this section of the website you will find some of the water retention causes that the waterfall diet book can help with. Let us know how you get on with your self-treatment.

Comment from Amira
Time August 14, 2010 at 7:40 am

Hi I just bought your ebook, it sounds really good i know this will work for me. 5 years ago I lost 20 KG, but I gained it all back in addition to 10 kg of my weight. I gained 30 KG in five years in london. it was weird I didnt eat much. In London bread makes my tummy hurt and feel bloating, Milk either make me bloat or have gases. During in london, I have psoriasis and eczema, I feel so swollen the week before my period, and also have breast tenderness. I dont know why I have these problems, and gaining weight.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 14, 2010 at 10:34 am

I get many people reporting problems like this. The digestion often weakens as people get older. See how you get on with the Waterfall Diet. If you’d like help with the other problems I am available for personal consultations by email.