Last Updated on September 6, 2022
Does your body retain water when you’re sick? It certainly can. Inflammation, especially in the stomach and mucus membranes, can make water retention a problem. Treating inflammation, especially in the digestive system, can reduce the amount of water retained in the body, but it can take some time. Staying hydrated can increase the amount of water retained by the body. Here’s how to keep your body hydrated during a bout of sickness.
Vomiting
When you’re sick and experiencing vomiting, the first thing to do is to replenish your body’s electrolytes. While one or two vomits won’t cause any problems, several can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. These conditions can be uncomfortable, but they’re not life-threatening. If you’re having multiple vomiting episodes, the following tips may help. Eat plenty of water and plain, bland foods to help you avoid dehydration and vomiting.
When you’re sick, the body’s immune system starts to make sure it gets rid of the threat. This response involves the release of neurochemicals that travel through the body to activate receptors. Some neurochemicals are responsible for triggering the vomiting reflex. Immune changes, medications, and drugs may trigger a chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain. It may also trigger the vomiting reflex by picking up a signal from the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem to the GI tract.
If you think you might be sick, it is a good idea to consult with your GP. If the vomiting persists, your GP can investigate the cause and prescribe medication to help you manage the pain. People with diabetes should also see a GP because prolonged vomiting can lower blood sugar levels. If you suspect you’ve eaten a poison, call your doctor for immediate medical care. While most vomiting episodes are harmless, they should be treated by a doctor.
Diarrhea
Does your body retain water when you are sick and how do you lose it? Most people do not realize that they are actually holding on to water more than usual when they are sick. The body’s fluid volume increases during illness because of a variety of reasons, including mucous membrane inflammation, vomiting, and diarrhea. As a result, most of the weight you lose while sick is water weight, and it will return when you feel better.
Inflammation
Does your body retain water when you’re sick? It might seem like a simple question, but inflammation is a major contributor to water retention. It can contribute to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, there are ways to combat this problem and keep it from getting worse. Here are some ways to fight inflammation and reduce your risk of water retention:
First, try to stay hydrated while you’re sick. Inflammation in your stomach and mucous membranes is a major cause of water retention. The good news is that you can reduce water retention by treating the inflammation causing it, but this process takes time. In the meantime, you may notice that you’re retaining more water than usual. In addition, it may be a good idea to exercise to shed the water weight.
Pregnancy
The answer to the question, “Does your body retain water when you’re pregnant?” is yes! Morning sickness, or vomiting, is a common occurrence during pregnancy. In fact, up to 20% of expectant women will suffer from it during the third trimester. Vomiting increases water and electrolyte loss in the body, so drinking fluids can be especially beneficial to refuel your body.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your GP or midwife. If you’re experiencing chest pain, wheezing, or discolored mucus, see your doctor. Drinking plenty of water can also relieve dehydration symptoms. If you’re feeling sluggish, try sipping on a glass of water. During pregnancy, the fluids in your body increase at a higher rate than during other times, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids during this time.
In addition to water, you’ll want to drink as much fluid as possible during a cold or flu. Fluids regulate your internal temperature and help regulate body temperature, so dehydration can lead to overheating, nausea, and constipation. Drink plenty of water during these times, and consider water-rich fruit or liquids. You’ll be happier and healthier if you make sure to eat plenty of water-containing food.
Over-the-counter medications
Are you curious to know if your over-the-counter medications can cause you to retain water? There are several factors that can cause your body to retain water, and one of them is the type of medicine you are taking. Taking the wrong medication may cause the opposite effect. You should avoid taking OTC medicines if you have any medical conditions, because they can have a negative impact on your body’s normal function.
Over-the-counter medicines can help you reduce a fever and reduce pain and discomfort. Many cough suppressants and decongestants can also help you get rid of a stuffy nose and chest congestion. But always remember to follow the label instructions and consult your doctor if you have any questions. In addition to following directions on the label, you should avoid taking multiple over-the-counter medications that conflict with each other.
Sports drinks
Whether or not you get dehydrated is a very personal question. For most people, sports drinks are beneficial in restoring hydration during exercise. These beverages contain electrolytes, which are salts that your body loses through sweat. The purpose of sports drinks is to replace these salts, which are vital to maintaining a healthy blood pressure. They also help your body restore damaged muscle tissue.
Some of the most popular brands of sports drinks contain caffeine, which gives you energy, but also triggers your liver to release stored sugar. This extra sugar can spike your blood sugar. Moreover, most sports drinks contain artificial flavors, food colorings, and preservatives. You may want to opt for sugar-free versions if you’re concerned about your health. You should avoid drinks that contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners, as these can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Vitamin B6
If you feel sick, you might want to add more Vitamin B6 to your diet. It is essential for your health, and it can be found in many foods. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that you obtain the most of your vitamins and minerals from food. Foods are the best source of vitamin B6. However, you can also use dietary supplements to meet your requirements, especially during specific life stages.
Although vitamin B6 is essential for good health, it’s also important to avoid overdosing on it. Excessive intake of vitamin B6 can have harmful effects. Symptoms of vitamin B6 overdose may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Vitamin B6 is classified as a water-soluble vitamin. Many foods are rich in it, but it’s not the only vitamin that helps you feel better.
A prospective study of nearly 500,000 adults found that those in the highest quintile had a lower risk of stomach and esophageal cancer. Vitamin B6 intake was found to be around 1.4 milligrams per day in the highest quintile. In a meta-analysis of four nested case-control studies, individuals in the highest quartile of vitamin B6 intake had a 48% reduced risk of CRC, compared to those in the lowest quintile. In postmenopausal women, the highest quintile of vitamin B6 intake was associated with a 29% lower risk of breast cancer.
Avoiding salt in your diet
The top 10 sources of sodium in the US diet are meat, breads and rolls, soups, sandwiches, savory snacks and chicken and cheese. While salt is needed for flavour, the amount found in these foods is not significant enough to offer significant nutritional benefits. Instead, you should opt for less-processed natural salts or use less-salted varieties. Also, when you do dine out, ask for a dish that contains less salt.
Keeping sodium levels low in your diet can help prevent water retention. Consuming too much salt increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, chronic fluid retention, kidney damage and even heart disease. A lower-salt diet can also help people with oedema improve their symptoms. Excess salt consumption is also known to cause fluid retention in some people, particularly after long trips or prolonged sitting.
Studies show that a high-salt diet can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, and kidney disease. High salt intake can also contribute to the development of diabetes, vascular dementia, and Meniere’s disease. Try to limit salt intake to less than six grams a day. Look for less processed foods, and read labels carefully. This way, you can ensure that the salt level in your food is within safe limits.
About The Author
Fernánda Esteban is a food fanatic. She can't go more than a few hours without eating, and she loves trying new foods from all over the world. Her friends know that they can always count on her for a good conversation, and she's an animal lover who will never turn down an opportunity to pet a dog or cat. Fernánda also enjoys learning about random facts, and she's a social media practitioner who loves to share what she knows with others.