The Best Ways to Reduce Water Weight Gain - Page 2

Water weight gain can also dramatically offset the results that are obtained by eating right and working out regularly. Many people are frustrated with their weight loss efforts by water retention and the excess pounds that it can entail. While these individuals eat less and engage in routine and rigorous physical activity, they often find that they are gaining weight rather than losing it.

One major cause of this is the way in which the body repairs itself following an extremely demanding workout. If the body is not properly warmed up and cooled down, it can begin to produce lactic acid once the muscles become fatigued. This is then stored within the muscles. Lactic acid is what causes muscle soreness. It is also a sure sign that the body will begin cushioning the fatigued muscles by storing water in the areas that have been over-worked. The additional water helps to cushion and protect the affected muscle tissues until the body has made any necessary repairs and processed the lactic acid that has been stored. This is often why extended periods of strenuous physical activity are often followed by a minute weight increase.

To avoid seeing weight increases when fitness activities are kicked into high gear, people should always perform both warm-up and cool-down activities to avoid straining the muscles. By properly stretching the muscle groups that have been or will be used, it is possible to avoid the build-up of lactic acid and the potential of water weight gain.

Salt is a major player in water retention. Unfortunately, the average individual is unaware of how much sodium he or she actually consumes. Salt is present in nearly every pre-packaged food and specialty beverage that consumers are able to purchase. This includes carbonated colas and many popular premium coffee drinks. In fact, quite a few well-known coffee houses add salt to their coffee grinds as a flavor-enhancer before brewing. Small additions such as these all contribute to the daily level of sodium consumption. Consuming foods and beverages that contain minimal amounts of sodium will reduce the potential for sodium-related water retention and can increase the effectiveness of all other efforts to eliminate retained water.

When water weight gain remains persistent in spite of the implementation of one or more of the best ways to reduce water weight gain, it is generally recommended that the individual consult with his or her physician. In many instances, water retention could be a sign of a more serious health condition such as high blood pressure. A doctor visit will also give the affected individual an opportunity to discuss the use of supplements or other measures that may provide a more long-term solution to regular water retention issues.

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