Water Retention

Comment from Pamela
Time July 27, 2009 at 7:25 pm

I am FILLED with fluid…I cannot believe the fluid I retain. I go to a Theme Park, living in FL, and I can urinate at 10 am, then NOT again until 10 pm at night! I need help!! I take a diuretic with my blood pressure pill, and it does NOT appear to be enough….do I have a heart problem?? My left leg is decidedly worse than my right. I do have a Baker’s Cyst on that knee. I also have a deep, large red discoloration like a bruise on my lower ankle area. Should I stay away from salt completely? I use it only in cooking, and not a lot; I do LOVE soups, but have given up the canned variety. The amount of sodium is phenomenal!!! Anything you can offer will help! THANKS!!!

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time July 28, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Of course I would be glad to help. For a long-standing troubling condition like this and the thyroid imbalance you mention, you wouldn’t get very far with tips and snippets, but I’d be glad to write a personal health and diet program for you (request details). Alternatively if you get a copy of the Waterfall Diet book or E-guide you’ll find this diet will help your health in lots of ways as well as your water retention. Wishing you well.

Comment from Dee
Time September 2, 2009 at 12:34 am

I started working back in February and am standing for long periods of time. I hae never seen my ankles so swollen. Went to see my PCP said that he wouldn’t give me anything since i took a combination blood pressure/diuertic. Suggested the support stockings which cut into my legs seriously leaving marks that do not disappear for days. I can also go a full 8 hours without urinating. I am praying that your diet will help.

Comment from Pamela
Time October 1, 2009 at 3:32 am

Linda I am very happy to report a big change in my leggs. oddly enough they are smaller. and I know the big solid feeling is gone. since the hospital stay I’ve been trying to get used to oxygen. I need it. and today my legs are smaller still and very, very soft. I think I am going to enjoy seeing more improvements but I just felt to add this to you. I did send it another way my update on the vitamin hope you can use what I am reporting to you.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time October 1, 2009 at 7:20 am

That’s great news Pamela. After all your hard work you deserve to see these results.

Comment from Ivy
Time December 2, 2009 at 2:07 am

Linda, here’s the thing. Im not sure what I have. Im not completely sure that i retain water or not. All I know is that whenever I drink the “proper” or “recommended” amount of water I gain a ton of weight. Once I tried a diet (that I made up myself that was somewhat like yours, it was to drink alot of water all so that my body doen’t retain it…. i tried it for around a week and you wont believe how much weight I gained. I cried once because of how much i was gaining. so i stopped and not im drinking little for what i should and i often feel thirsty. Now I want to trust you and I want to do this but I’m very scared about how things are going to turn out. What if it doesnt work? It took me a year to lose the weight that i gained over a few years back and i’m really scared to gain them again if this doesnt work out for me. But i also dont want to live the rest of my life feeling thirsty for most of the day…

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time December 3, 2009 at 5:14 pm

Ivy, this sounds like a problem with your kidneys. The Waterfall Diet can help you find out whether something you are eating is making your kidneys act like this. If you get the paperback version of the book there is a whole chapter on the kidneys. I think you will find it very helpful. Let us know how you get on.

Comment from Mandy
Time December 8, 2009 at 5:47 am

Hello Linda! Thank you for putting together The Waterfall Diet. First heard about it in the “Good Health and Medicine” magazine (Aust) and started following it from there. Went on to buy the book. From following your program, discovered that wheat was interfering with the flow of things (er, pun intended?). The Waterfall Diet was followed for the full 3mths a total of 15kg lost (aprox 33lbs). In addition to the fluid retention subsiding (and more energy, better sleep, better skin…you know all this, the program is your baby!)…an unexpected ‘bonus’ was being able to go off the hayfever medications. Birrova shock to the system losing so much weight in a short space of time – most of it was lost in the first two weeks, from there it was a healthy, steady, gradual loss. Not sure what other feedback you would be interested in hearing about from another part of the globe? Just thought it would be nice for you to know after all your hard work that you’ve had another success with it, well done Linda! And thanks again.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time December 8, 2009 at 7:39 pm

Dear Mandy, thanks so much for your feedback – it’s always good to know of people’s success stories and most of all to know that my diet has made a difference to someone’s life. Bless you, and keep up the good work. This helps so much to inspire other people.

Comment from Linda
Time December 9, 2009 at 9:10 pm

Hi Linda,
I quit smoking in July and ever since I have been retaining water like crazy I don’t understand I went to a couple of doctors and they didn’t help me except for a water pill and that only releases some of the water not all. Before I quit smoking I weighted about 145 I am now 170. I’m not eating more in fact I keep trying to eat less and exercise but nothing helps. I feel like the water is in every part of my body – my arms, neck, hands, stomach, legs from top to bottom even my feet. My body is very tight and uncomfortable its sometimes hard to move. Also the 145 weight is also high for me last year I was about 135. I am 47 years old.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time December 11, 2009 at 11:17 pm

It’s hard to be patient when this happens, but your body will adjust. Some of the info in the printed (paperback) version of the Waterfall Diet may help you to rebalance your metabolism. The important thing is not to be tempted to resume smoking. You have done a wonderful thing in giving up, and the rewards will come even if it seems like a long time.

Comment from TBENMA
Time January 26, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Dear Linda,

Read your book that was published in 2000 and just ordered the 2010 version. I have not yet gone on the diet itself, will try to as soon as i can. Here is my question though: i am not sure i have a water retention problme. Based on what i read though regarding the congested nose, always tired after 10 hours of sleep, drastic fluctuation in weight in 24 hr span etc. sounds like i do. However i do drink alot (3L) of water a day, eat healthy over all, eat 5-6 times a day (3 meals 2-3 snaks) and yet i still cant loose the weight. i am 5 ft 5 in, i weight from 138 to 145 (these are my numbers through out the week) and i am STILL thirsty and hungry. I eat about 1200 calories a day. Do you think it may be more than just water retention? I just finished reading the celuite protion of the book, i am even considering that as a water retention problem, since i sit for about 12 hours a day. Can you please tell me what blood work i should run to rule out any dangerouse heart or liver or kidney conditions. Your book is an easy read, i couldnt pur it down since i got it. Thank you

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time January 27, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Tbenma, thanks so much for your kind words. A lot of work went into the new edition to make it more practical. Even if it is more than just water retention, the diet (plus exercise) will still be likely to help. The best thing is just to launch into it. Tell yourself it’s just for a week. Most people find they feel so much better they want to continue. Ask your doctor about the tests–you don’t need to get them done before starting the diet. Let us know how you get on.

Comment from TBENMA
Time January 29, 2010 at 7:55 am

Hi i have few questions, before i start my diet. I am currently taking the following vitmas everyday: Vitamin B -50 Complex, Vitamin K, Omega 3 oil, Primrose Oil, and Multi Vitamin for Women. Should i stop any of them during the diet period?
Thanks

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time January 29, 2010 at 6:58 pm

Tbenma, there’s no problem taking vitamins while you are on the waterfall diet. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Comment from Cynthia
Time February 23, 2010 at 12:16 am

I have exhaused all ideas for a solution with my fluid retention. I have had this for 13 yrs. My fingers started swelling (sausage like and have never gone down) right before I had radio-active iodine performed. I have had extensive testing regarding all auto-immune which was ruled out (medical diag is connective tissue disease). I have started a restrictive diet staying away from yeast and sugar, (ie all Candida stuff). I eat very clean and have stayed away from yeast, diary. Although my pants have gotten loose, the scale has not gone down and my body is still holding fluid. I can definitely tell in my legs and arms. I exercise all the time (spinning, weights, cardio, yoga) No doctor can figure it out. I came across one of your theories about hisatimine. About 10 yrs before this started, I did get bit twice in my yard (I believe by a biting fly). There was pus involved and I was never given antiobiotics. My gut is telling me that there could be some infection lingering around or regarding the protein not being able to be removed from tissue spaces. There is definitely a circulation issue with my body. I have helped by body by taking iodine supps (Iodoral) (one ND had me do a urine uptake) and found my body temperature was way to too and in my search for an answer, I came across learning more about T3 (compounded) which I take with Synthroid. Direutics did not do anything for me. I’m also helping my gut with Glutamine, Priobiotics and I have always done a cleanse since 2002. I am in need for a good trouble shooter. No doctor can figure this out. ANY IDEAS OR LEADS FOR ME WOULD BE IMMENSELY APPRECIATED.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time February 25, 2010 at 12:41 pm

Cynthia, all the trouble-shooting leads and ideas I can offer are in the waterfall diet book. If you’re just looking for small tips and hints, they won’t work for a complex health condition like water retention. I’d recommend getting the new 2010 edition of the book from Amazon UK (see panel at top right) as this is the most comprehensive information. Let us know how you get on. Once you’ve tested yourself as described in the book, I may be able to offer further help if you still need it.

Comment from asha
Time March 1, 2010 at 4:37 am

HI linda,
i was going through your site, and i thought why not ask you about the problems i am having…i am sure you can help me out.
i have a long medical history of different surgeries, starting with gall bladder stone which in turn resulted in hernia as a result i have to get rid of my gall bladder, then i have my uterus removed and latest got abdominoplasty done.I have diabetes and high BP and also weigh around 125 kg. now the current problem that i have is of swelling all over my legs and hands which doctors say is because of water retention and my kidneys are also loosing its proteins. i can’t move much so i have started going for lymphatic massages.How can i get rid of this water retention problem.Please guide me for my highest and best.
AWAITING FOR YOUR RESPONSE… THANX

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time March 2, 2010 at 5:14 pm

Asha, I’m sorry to read that you have had so much ill health. The fact is that I created the water retention website to tell people about the Waterfall Diet, which is a medical diet especially designed to help water retention. I recommend that you start the diet as soon as possible provided your doctor has no objections. The paperback version of the book may be better for you at the present time although the E-guide will give you the basic information you need. Let us know how you get on.

Comment from asha
Time March 6, 2010 at 3:19 am

hi linda, i am planning to start you waterfall diet, just wanted to bring one more thing to your notice. i have a major issue that i urinate a lot after going to bed in the night time. i am worried, please guide me is this normal in case of water retention. because of this urine problem i cant even sleep properly, as my sleep gets disturbed time to time.
awaiting your response……. thanx.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time March 6, 2010 at 8:07 am

Asha, after a couple of weeks on the diet you should find that this problem considerably improves.

Comment from shalil
Time March 26, 2010 at 4:03 pm

Linda,after going thru d site n knowing about yr cure in d form of waterfall diet i think i am suffering from water retention hv swollen feet,swollen ankles n lots of pain in feet n ankles want to know about waterfall diet how can i start n where will i find this book pls help urgentl thanx….Shalil

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time March 26, 2010 at 4:56 pm

Shalil, if you scroll up this page you will see a section on the right-hand side mentioning the sites where you can get the book online. If you prefer to order it through a bookstore, the ISBN number is 0749942533. Let us know how you get on.

Comment from Louise
Time April 20, 2010 at 8:20 am

Dear Linda

I became physically addicted to diurectics around 18 years ago. I have been taking a combination of lasix and moduretic for this time, and lasix on its own prior to that. I find that taking one without the other gives me no relief, I need to take the two different tablets together. I cannot get off them as when I dont take them I swell up and up and up more every day. Nothing helps, not herbal supplements, nothing. Avoiding salt only helps to stop the rapid rise in weight/swelling, but the swelling and weight gain is simply unbearable. I would give anything to be back to normal, but I cant see how this could ever be possible. I am desperate, this has ruined my life.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time April 24, 2010 at 8:21 am

Becky, there should be a link in the email you received with your E-book, that gives you two weeks free membership of my Support Forum. If you sign up for the forum you can get lots of help and advice with the diet.

Comment from Sunshine
Time May 8, 2010 at 7:36 pm

I had the mirena iud inserted in December. Since then I have gained 10 pounds. I know it is water retention bc when I take a water pill I lose 5-7 # overnight. Theweight comes right back. Within a day. I notice more cellulite on my thighs too.

Comment from Hope
Time May 28, 2010 at 4:35 pm

Hi Linda, I have miscarried in Dec 2009 and after the miscarriage I have gained around 18 lbs. No matter what, I can’t shed it. Exercising 6 times a week doesn’t help walking to work 2 miles there and back either. No overeating, nothing. Could this be estrogen dominance? I have started the diet today, but still feel hopeless to be honest. I worry that something as powerful as estrogen will fight any foods I eat and will maintain this fluid retention. Can diet fight something as strong as hormones? Want to remain hopeful, but I am struggling

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time May 29, 2010 at 3:40 pm

Hope, the work you have been doing on your own has only been appropriate for fat loss, not for water retention loss. But water weight does not respond to a fat loss program. If your extra weight is water retention, then rest assured that following the right diet is the only way you will have a chance of getting it down permanently.

Comment from Hopefull
Time May 30, 2010 at 4:24 am

Linda, I am just going to start the waterfall diet. I had a thyroid surgery few years back and water retention has been a problem since then. All my thyroid levels are normal right now with medication, but water retention is still there specially in my face which appears puffy including a double chin. I workout a lot and I am able to loose the body weight ( fat weight) but my face still appears puffy.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time June 3, 2010 at 8:11 am

Hopefull, let us know how you get on.

Comment from cath
Time June 10, 2010 at 9:38 am

Hi i am reading up on the waterfall diet but am not sure if i am retaining fluid or am just fat. My fingers feel and look quite swollen i feel very lethargic and do have problems with food ie i eat too much anyway i was wondering if this book would be good to buy and try the diet anyway.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time June 10, 2010 at 12:07 pm

Cath, whether or not you decide to try the diet, the information in the book is important if you think you might have water retention.

Comment from Hope
Time June 11, 2010 at 12:01 pm

Dear Linda,
Today is my 14th day into the diet and what I would like to say is a huge THANK YOU.
My boyfriend who couldn’t bare me crying every other day due to my ‘impossible to shed’ water retention gain of around 18-20 lbs following miscarriage last year did the research and stumbled upon your website and info. He suggested it, but to be honest I was i bit apprehensive and didn’t think different choice of the foods would be strong enough to override powerful hormonal information presumably retaining the fluids and making it impossible to lose the water retention. He insisted, ordered the book in from the bookshop and I (then still with reluctance – re: my previous post )started the diet on Friday 2 weeks ago.
First 2 days nothing major happened, but boy, after this!!!
There were days when I literally couldn’t stop visiting the loo especially after the evening celery and radish smoothies!!! To date I have ‘peed out’ 9 lbs!!!!!! How fantastic!
Must say my previous GP visits included checking thyroid, referring to have a scan following the miscarriage, everything came back normal. My GP shrugged his shoulders and I was losing hope I will ever get my body shape back. Until my loving partner discovered your book Linda!!!!
You can’t imagine how happy and grateful I am to both of you and would STRONGLY RECOMMENCED THIS BOOK to everyone who thinks there is no hope with losing water retention.
I have been following the diet for 2 weeks with two sins I must admit (few beers on work office event out) but the following days I went back to normal, drank plenty of water and all was good!!!
Not having drank a bit of alcohol I could have lost even more. Anyway, I ‘ll keep continuing being on it now, hoping to lose more!!!
Once again thank you for the best ever book, detailed info, great recipes and an fantastic explanation and insight which has helped me to achieve what I was unable to achieve for many, many months. Even writing this makes me emotional!!!!
I hope posts/feedbacks like this would be the ‘fruit’ of your hard work Linda which in my opinion is what I can describe as amazing and helping people to get their body shapes and health back.
I never thought foods can stand to powerful and stubborn hormones, but this book has changed my perception on food nutrition for ever.
It does help to lose water retention weight and I would recommend this book like no other!!!!
MILLION THANK YOUs Linda and wishing you all the best xxx
very happy
Hope

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time June 11, 2010 at 8:57 pm

Hope, I am so happy that the diet was such a success in helping your water retention, and very much appreciate that you took the trouble to write this post to let me know. Thank you so much. It is a real joy to me to be able to change someone’s life in this way. I wish you all the health and happiness in the world.
Linda

Comment from Lee
Time June 13, 2010 at 9:41 pm

Hi Linda,can you please tell me is it safe tfor someone with heart failure to walk and excercise even though they have water retention? thanks for your very helpful site.Lee

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time June 14, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Lee, this is something you need to ask your doctor as heart failure is something too serious for me to advise on when I don’t know the person in question.

Comment from Ash
Time August 6, 2010 at 5:35 pm

I am starting your waterfall diet from tomorrow and would like some suggestions. First of all I want to know if I can prepare food indian style. Fry onion, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and green chillies in 1tbsp of extra virgin olive oil then add turmeric in it and after sometime add the vegetables. Can we eat bell peppers, zucchini? Also I am having difficulty in finding wheat free cereal. A few years ago I worked at a fast food restaurant during high school and almost everyday I ate junk food. Couple months ago I started having pain in my stomach and my periods were 1 month late. My stomach bloated and in 3 days I gained 4 pounds. I got every possible test done and doctor’s were unable to find anything wrong with me but gave me antibiotics in case I have bladder or kidney infection. I took that medicine for 3 days. When I got my periods they were very heavy and painful. Since then I feel bloated everywhere. I feel very sluggish, foggy brain and my knees and legs hurt alot.

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 14, 2010 at 10:55 am

There is absolutely nothing in the Waterfall Diet book to say that spices, frying and vegetables are banned. If you are confused in any way, just read the list of permitted foods, and eat them. Do not eat anything else. That is the simplest approach and will get you the quickest results.

Comment from Sam Eighteen
Time August 29, 2010 at 10:55 pm

Hi Linda, I am type 2 diabetic and take Metformin twice daily, Simvastatin for Cholesterol and Ramipril for Blood pressure. Is your diet safe with this as I started it about a week ago and eat a lot of fruit. Please advise. Thanks. Sam

Comment from Linda Lazarides
Time August 30, 2010 at 9:23 am

The waterfall diet is healthy and can be used by anyone unless they have been put on a strict medical diet which must not be deviated from. If you are worried about your fruit consumption, keep an eye on your blood sugar levels. Most diabetics are given a kit for testing their own blood sugar with an easy skin-prick test.