Discover the best draining foods to defeat water retention and cellulite. For those suffering from water retention, summer is the worst period. In fact, the heat causes vasodilation and therefore an increase in the stagnation of liquids which, in addition to making your legs feel heavy, is also one of the reasons for the appearance of the much-hated cellulite. But what are the causes of this disorder?
First of all it is necessary to clarify how water retention is a real disease. According to Dr. Stefania Giambartolomei, gastroenterologist and nutritionist of SISA (Italian Society of Food Sciences), water retention is a pathological accumulation of liquids in the extra cellular space, therefore interstitial, partly due to deficient lymphatic drainage or increase in the sodium content which, by attracting water, causes the accumulation of excess liquids.
An unhealthy lifestyle makes the situation worse. In particular smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, too much salt, poor hydration and above all an unbalanced diet. So changing unhealthy lifestyle habits and following a correct diet are the ABCs of defeating water retention.
If you include these 10 foods in your diet, you will see that your fight against water retention will be easier. Further help can come from herbal teas to fight cellulite, such as aniseed, artichoke, fennel, hawkweed and dandelion, which you can drink in the evening or during the day with a few ice cubes.
The ABC’s to defeat water retention
A. Start by drinking the right amount of water. It is necessary to drink at least two liters a day, to stimulate diuresis and favor the expulsion of excess liquids, contributing to the elimination of this annoying ailment.
B. You have to move. In fact, doing physical activity helps circulation even at the lymphatic level. This manifests itself in all areas of the body, especially the lower limbs, limiting water retention in the legs.
C: Watch out for the salt! You need to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet, so avoid canned foods, cold cuts, cheeses, and overly salty foods. Always prefer fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables, especially those rich in potassium, an essential mineral for regulating fluids in the body.
D: Further help can come from herbal teas to combat cellulite, such as aniseed, artichoke, fennel, hawkweed and dandelion, which you can drink in the evening or during the day with a few ice cubes.
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth study on water retention.
The best draining foods to defeat water retention and cellulite
Do you want to know which are the best foods to include in your diet to defeat water retention and cellulite? We have selected for you the 10 superfoods that will allow you to get rid of all the unnecessary water on you.
You will be able to feel lighter in the most strategic points of your body, such as legs, stomach and buttocks.
1 – Pineapple
Thirst-quenching and draining, perfect for the summer season.
Contains bromelain, an enzyme that digests proteins and which makes it a valid aid in promoting digestion and in case of inflammation, water retention and cellulite.
Tip: pineapple loses bromelain with heat, so whenever pineapple is cooked, such as in cakes or jams, this enzyme is lost.
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth analysis on pineapple.
2 – Watermelon
Contains 95% water, has very few calories, provides a lot of potassium. It also has marked hydrophobic properties, i.e. enemies of water retention.
Not only that, watermelon also contains magnesium and phosphorus, which help you fight the stuffiness and exhaustion deriving from the heat.
Advice: it is better to eat watermelon in the mid-morning or afternoon and not at the end of a meal, because it dilutes the gastric juices and therefore makes digestion slower and more laborious.
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth analysis on watermelon.
3 – Asparagus
Purifying and diuretic, they help to eliminate fluid stagnation in the tissues. Thanks to glutathione, a tripeptide with antioxidant properties, which helps the body purify itself, improving its ability to fight free radicals.
Tip: due to the high intake of uric acids, those suffering from cystitis or kidney problems should eat asparagus in moderation.
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth study on asparagus.
4 – Cucumbers
They are composed of 96% water, it is a very suitable vegetable for water retention because it has purifying and refreshing properties, thanks to the high content of mineral salts such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium.
Tip: if you’re not crazy about the taste of this vegetable, you can fix it by drinking water flavored with a slice of cucumber. It will be a refreshing, energetic and super purifying drink!
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth study on cucumbers.
5 – Onions
Rich in vitamins and potassium, onions have a diuretic effect on the body. They are also very useful for the urinary tract, as they fight many infections.
Advice: a great advantage of this food is that it can be consumed very frequently in small doses. So try to add onions to every meal, raw in salads or cooked to flavor all your dishes.
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth study on onions.
6 – Lettuce
Quenches, refreshes, remineralizes, thanks to its iron, potassium and phosphorus content, and is rich in vitamins. It has purifying and antispasmodic, analgesic and sedative properties. Thanks to the discrete content of dietary fiber, lettuce is a natural regulator of the organism.
Tip: due to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, it can be used as a decoction or centrifuged to relieve states of anxiety and restlessness, especially in children, or to treat sleep disorders and to calm nervous coughs.
If you are interested in the topic, discover our study on lettuce.
7 – Bodies
Apples contain a very useful fiber for health and are rich in phytoestrogens and isoflavones, which perform an action similar to female estrogens.
Those with hormonal deficiencies can consume them in large quantities: the right level of hormones, in fact, is essential for the functioning of your body but also for your mood.
Furthermore, thanks to potassium, it keeps pressure under control and regulates diuresis, balancing sodium and fighting water retention.
Tip: apple cider vinegar is also perfect for counteracting water retention and for eliminating excess water. Choose it as a condiment for your salads for an increased draining effect!
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth study on apples.
8 – Blueberries
They promote the reduction of excess liquids and contain a good amount of anthocyanins (a class of water-soluble pigments belonging to the flavonoid family), which have a strong antioxidant power and prevent cells from attacking free radicals.
Tip: blueberries for breakfast also help the intestines. Prepare a homemade compote by placing two handfuls of fresh berries, a spoonful of cane sugar and a little water in a saucepan: bring to the boil and leave to cool. Use the compote on bread for breakfast: it purifies and deflates the intestine.
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth analysis on blueberries.
9 – Tomatoes
Due to its high potassium content, tomatoes are among the most suitable foods to combat water retention or other ailments such as high blood pressure. It also counteracts swelling, edema, stagnation, eliminates toxins and is rich in vitamin C, which also helps metabolism.
Tip: for your aperitif choose a nice tomato juice with some parsley. You will fight water retention and at the same time you will supply your body with many other substances that will make you live a summer in top shape!
If you are interested in the topic, discover our in-depth study on tomatoes.
10 – Banks
Rich in vitamin C (especially the black ones), they boast a fair amount of iron and potassium and have a good diuretic and anti-inflammatory action, especially of the urinary tract. Furthermore, they can have beneficial effects on blood circulation and capillary fragility.
Tip: Blackcurrant can cause an increase in blood pressure and is therefore contraindicated for those suffering from arterial hypertension.
