Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to reduce water retention. You may also receive fluids from food such as fruits. The more fluids your body consumes, the less it needs to retain to function normally.
Limit salty foods such as pretzels and peanuts. Choose unsalted nuts instead. Check the sodium content in canned foods, which contain high amounts of salt, and purchase lower sodium foods instead. Processed foods such as lunch meat and whole hams also contain large amounts of sodium. Eat fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish that are lower in sodium.
Eat foods high in potassium such as potatoes, bananas, and citrus fruits. Potassium adjusts the amount of sodium within the body, eliminating excess fluids.
Use light salt or herbs instead of salt when cooking. Give your food the spiciness and extra kick it needs from herbs and spices instead of salt.