[xsmith95]

I found this very interesting and thought I would pass it along. It is long but worth the read.

On a "good" day, your body is 60 to 70 percent water by weight. About two-thirds of the water is in your cells; the rest is in blood, body fluids, and spaces between cells. This water is essential. It flushes toxins, moistens your respiratory system, and is part of every metabolic process. Cells take the water they need from capillaries, which in turn carry water products and excess water to the kidneys.

However, many individuals carry an extra 10 to 15 pounds of water trapped in their tissues. This water contributes to abdominal bloating, cellulites, and face and eye puffiness. It is what is called "false fat". That is, the weight is not the result of additional adipose tissue, or true fat, but of excess water. Waterlogged tissues result from various causes, including

~consuming too little water and protein
~food sensitivites
~hormonal fluctuations
~certain medications

It's ironic, but consuming too little water can cause your body to retain water. Your kidneys must have adequate water to flush waste from your body. When your fluid intake is low, the kidneys hoard water.

Insufficient fluid also slows the lymphatic system. This system of organs, tissues, and tiny channels filters cellular waste and other foreign particles, pushing the debris along in lymph the contraction of the lymph vessels. Some researchers conjecture that when a sluggish lymphatic system fails to carry wastes away in a timely fashion, the waste accumulates in fat cells and causes cellulite. At least one study, conducted at Brussels Universtiy in Belgium and cited by Elisabeth Dancey, M.D. in The Cellulite Solution, has found that women with cellulite showed lymphatic system deficiencies.

Our obsession with protein and fat has abolished these nutrients from our diets and may contribute to widespread water retention. Protein plays a crucial role in tissue growth and healing, strengthening in immune system, and burning fat. But it is its hydrophilic - literally, "water loving" - properties that have an impact on water retention. Proteins that circulate in your blood control water levels between and within cells and within your arteries and veins by attracting water molecules. As the blood circulates through your kidneys, this excess water is removed and eliminated. When your body is deficient in protein, however, fluid leaks from the vascular spaces into the spaces between the cells. It becomse trapped there, resulting in cellulite, water retention, bloating, and water weight gain.

[ChuppyGirl]

Thanks for sharing this with us...it's so true it happens with me during the TOM which I totally hate.

Makes my scale jumps up and down in the same day!

Thanks again, and stay around. You're wanted
Hanadi

[xsmith95]

Thanks Hanadi!

I think what that really means is if was stay hydrated, it will keep from causing all these problems. Especially the cellulite!

[DocSanae]

Good article, Shelley.
Lack of protein causes water retention, yes. As does a lot of other factors, like imbalance of salts.
So, especially for post ops, it is very very important to get in enough water, enough protein, and all of your supplements.