If you are like me, you are probably familiar with the terms “water retention” and “cerebral hemorrhage.” I will attempt, in this article, to explain the differences between these two terms, and what you can do to prevent either. First of all, if you have never heard of either of these terms, don’t feel bad – they just came into my life unawares. In this article, I will attempt to explain what each term means.
Water Retention – In its most common form, water retention refers to the retained water within the body. This can occur from exercise, or extended periods of sitting. In its most severe form, this can lead to a phenomenon known as “cushioning,” in which the walls of the bladder harden, and water cannot pass freely through it. This condition can progress to the formation of kidney stones – which is, of course, not good for you.
Cushioning – If the walls of your bladder harden and you develop kidney stones, then you are at risk for water retention. Because more water cannot pass through, the urine becomes concentrated, having more volume than normal. Because the concentrated urine has more volume, it also holds more water – which leads to the dreaded combination of swelling and back pain! (And if you already have kidney disease, you may want to consult with your doctor before trying any home remedies.)
Water Aggression – A more serious problem, water retention is actually caused by bladder weakness. It occurs when there isn’t enough strength within the bladder muscle to force out a regular flow of urine. This causes the bladder to “grab hold” of the urine, holding it in place instead of letting it freely flow through. This is essentially what happens when you pass gas: the muscles inside your body try to hold it as tightly as possible, to prevent the gas from escaping.
If you are experiencing water retention, there are several things that can help you feel better and prevent further damage to your urinary tract. First, drink plenty of water. Water is very important for flushing out bacteria and keeping everything healthy in your body. Water retention can often be linked to a weak immune system; so drinking lots of water can help ward off infection and other disorders that can further damage your body.
Consider strengthening the bladder muscles. There are several options – exercises you can do at home, or in the privacy of your own bathroom. But exercises alone aren’t always enough. You need to be able to strengthen these muscles properly, not just once, but rather several times a day. You can buy specially made products (such as Popsicle Sticks) that you can use several times a day. Or you can take a class – or find a guide on the Internet.
Other Causes of Water Retention One of the more common causes of water retention is excessive eating. Our bodies need frequent doses of nutrients – whether it’s from the food we eat, vitamins, or minerals. If your body can’t get enough of the right nutrients, it starts extracting them from other areas. This may include muscle tissue. So if you regularly eat a lot of red meat or consume a lot of dairy products – check the label of the products you buy to make sure that they don’t contain chemicals or artificial flavors that could irritate your stomach.
Increase Your Water Intake Instead of eating more, try drinking more! Water is the best fuel for your body – you’ve heard that right? Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated, flushes out toxins, and keeps you feeling full so that you can cut back on your calories without gaining weight! If you’re not already drinking enough water, start by taking in eight to ten glasses each day. If you start with larger glasses, you can always up that amount to twelve or even up to fifteen – you’re on a personal exercise adventure, isn’t it?