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How can I get fluid retention moving faster?

F40 205 5’4

I have fasted 4 of the last 5 days for 17h each day. Feeling really well except for fluid retention. I am very sore and swollen in my ankles and knees. I have kept water intake to minimum of 3 litres each day. Jumped in the scale this morning and I have lost just under 1 pound. I am not overly concerned about the number in the scale but the pain from the retained fluid is quite bad. Does anyone have any advice on how to move the fluid along faster?

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Answer

Just my 2 cents, and I’m not a physician so take it with a grain of salt:

  1. what’s your sodium intake like? More sodium has been shown to increase water retention.
  2. do you have a source of potassium in your diet? It’s my understanding it acts as a natural diuretic. Eating a banana, for example could give you that potassium intake that could help release water from your system.
  3. lastly, I’d give your body time to adjust, especially if you’ve just started fasting… it took me a full two weeks to feel like I’d adapted

Answer

I can’t eat fast food or MSG without bloating up, I have ditched most convenience foods because my weight was fluctuating so much.

If your legs are a particular problem and you are on your feet all day (especially a job where you have to stand in one place) consider wearing compression stocking. In general walking is good for getting fluid moving from your legs so have a look at your steps.

If none of that is shifting it you may have to see your doctor to make sure you don’t have underlying heart problems.

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