Water Retention

mcgee1516

New member
So, I would consider myself somewhat lean (6'0", 185, BF unknown but I'm guessing around 8-10%) but I've had this stubborn layer of water rentention thats been bugging the hell out of me and it seems like I've tried everything from low-sodium dieting to extra cardio. It seems my body is just prone to water retention, it's so annoying to kill yourself workout after workout and have most of your lines covered up by undefined skin (especially in abdominal department). Any suggestions would be much appreciated..
 
are you sure it is water and not fat?

at 8-10% body fat you should absolutely have a clear defined six pack all the time even if you are retaining water.
 
@saggy, no I have not really looked into any...do they work well enough to look into? I forgot to mention I'll be starting a test-e cycle soon with nolva included in my pct, can I expect significant water loss during post cycle?

@sonic maybe I should have said more in the teens...
 
Yes they do work. You can go for a specialist product developed specifically to lose the water before a show, or alternatively go something from a local chemist made for women who suffer bloat during that time of the month. I've tried this and yes it works and is suffecient for me.

By the way ...carbs do hold a lot of water. I can see the diff after i carb up!
 
Are you intelorant to any foods? Do you get gassy or somewhat sleepy? I am lactose intolerant and I am around 6% bodyfat but usually hold a lot of water due to the fact that I can't stay away from gluten sometimes or dairy. As soon as I drop them for a week (shakes, breads, milk..etc), I drop all the water weight. That is if I go to the beach or whatever. Water can make anybody look horrible, I mean from night to day I have seen my friends go from six pack ripped to super doughboy soft in a matter of a cheat day. Try cutting dairy, breads, sweetners (splenda has been known to cause water retention), maybe oats and see what it does.
 
im having the exact same problem, our body types seem to be very similar. I'm gonna try a thermogenic to see how that works, i cant do alot of cardio due to knee pains. but i was told im around 10-12 percent bf and can see some abs, but nothing insanely ripped.
 
Are you intelorant to any foods? Do you get gassy or somewhat sleepy? I am lactose intolerant and I am around 6% bodyfat but usually hold a lot of water due to the fact that I can't stay away from gluten sometimes or dairy. As soon as I drop them for a week (shakes, breads, milk..etc), I drop all the water weight. That is if I go to the beach or whatever. Water can make anybody look horrible, I mean from night to day I have seen my friends go from six pack ripped to super doughboy soft in a matter of a cheat day. Try cutting dairy, breads, sweetners (splenda has been known to cause water retention), maybe oats and see what it does.

So true.....you can go from looking fairly ripped to fairly soft overnight if your body holds water. Carbs seem to make a difference unfortunately! I love my carbs...
 
I've been using one of those isometric scales to measure body fat...I'm measuring around 10% but don't think this thing is very accurate...how are you guys measuring?
 
Use the mirror. Also, pinch your skin and if it ripples really fast, its water, for sure. Pretty much if you look ripped one day and get softer from day to day depending on what you eat, monitor what you eat and how you look that way it gives you a clear idea of what exactly this is doing to you. My 2 cents
 
So, I would consider myself somewhat lean (6'0", 185, BF unknown but I'm guessing around 8-10%) but I've had this stubborn layer of water rentention thats been bugging the hell out of me and it seems like I've tried everything from low-sodium dieting to extra cardio. It seems my body is just prone to water retention, it's so annoying to kill yourself workout after workout and have most of your lines covered up by undefined skin (especially in abdominal department). Any suggestions would be much appreciated..
Creatine in ALL forms for ME causes significant water retention, @ any dosage. I have used Ethyl Ester, mono, etc. Approx 2 weeks after cessation of use, it dissipates. ??
 
Yeaa I've always stayed away from the creatine for that reason..and yes I've noticed my skin ripples really easily when I pinch. So if i decided to go with a duiretic what are some decent otc options?
 
Creatine in ALL forms for ME causes significant water retention, @ any dosage. I have used Ethyl Ester, mono, etc. Approx 2 weeks after cessation of use, it dissipates. ??

Andy,

Is that water retention under the skin, ie masking muscle definition?
 
I've been using one of those isometric scales to measure body fat...I'm measuring around 10% but don't think this thing is very accurate...how are you guys measuring?

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scales rather. The method is said to be inaccurate b/c depends on your hydration levels, however the scale also measures body water, so I guess you could build a proportional scale to isolate the water variable, no>?
 
are you sure it is water and not fat?

at 8-10% body fat you should absolutely have a clear defined six pack all the time even if you are retaining water.

Not true at all... When I hold water, my abs a barely visible, but I can see an outline of 8. When I drop water they def pop out more. And some people may hold most of their fat in their core area, while having a lot less fat in every other area; and still be between 8-10 percent BF..
 
A low dose anti-estrogen works like magic. I'd start off with herbals and see how that treats you.
 
This might be a bit off topic ... but good water info

musclesci.com/forum/showthread.php?46942-The-Importance-Of-Water&p=478643#post478643

Find out exactly what you need!

Water is a fundamental part of our lives. It is easy to forget how completely we depend on it. Human survival is dependent on water - water has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life. The water you drink literally becomes you! Since such a large percentage of our bodies is water, water must obviously figure heavily in how our bodies function. We need lots of fresh water to stay healthy. Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. This "body water" also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage. Conversely, lack of water (Dehydration) can be the cause of many ailments.

Water and Weight loss

Among it's other benefits, water plays a major part in weight loss. Since water contains no calories, it can serve as an appetite suppressant, and helps the body metabolize stored fat, it may possibly be one of the most significant factors in losing weight.

Drinking more water helps to reduce water retention by stimulating your kidneys. Studies have recommended that if you are overweight according to average height and weight comparison charts, you should add one glass of water to your daily requirement (of eight glasses) for every 25 pounds over your recommended weight.

Dehydration leads to excess body fat, poor muscle tone & size, decreased digestive efficiency & organ function, increased toxicity, joint & muscle soreness, & water retention. Water works to keep muscles and skin toned.

Digestive Systems

The digestion of solid foods depends on the presence of copious amounts of water. Constipation is a frequent symptom of dehydration. Increased water, along with increased fiber, will usually totally eliminate a problem. Pain from ulcers and heartburn all decrease with increased water intake. Water eliminates toxins and water from the body.

Water Loss

Adults lose nearly 6 pints (12 cups) of water every day. We lose 1/2 cup to 1 cup a day from the soles of our feet. Another 2 to 4 cups is lost from breathing. Perspiration accounts for another 2 cups. Another 3 pints (6 cups) are lost in urine.

Water Retention

If you're not drinking sufficient water, your body starts retaining water to compensate for this shortage. To eliminate fluid retention, drink more water, not less. If you don't drink enough water to maintain your body's fluid balance, you can impair every aspect of your body's physiological function.

Joints

Water lubricates our joints. The cartilage tissues found at the ends of long bones and between the vertebrae of the spine hold a lot of water, which serves as a lubricant during the movement of the joint. Joint pain frequently decreases with increased water intake and flexing exercises to bring more circulation to the joints.

Back

75% of the upper body weight is supported by the water volume that is stored in the spinal disc core. 25% is supported by the fibrous materials around the disc. Back pain is frequently alleviated with hydration.

How much water should you drink?

A non active person needs a half ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. That is ten 8 ounce glasses a day if your weight is 160 pounds. For every 25 pounds you exceed you ideal weight, increase it by one 8 ounce glass. An active, athletic person needs 2/3 ounce per pound which is 13-14 8 ounce glasses a day if you're 160 pounds. The more you exercise the more water you need. Spread out your water intake throughout the day. Do not drink more than 4 glasses within any given hour. After a few weeks your bladder calms down and you will urinate less frequently, but in larger amounts.
 
I'm going thru that right now :( I can see abs but also a
gut

Thats why I asked. It seems to happen to me too hence I don't take creatine. But I thought it was just in my head. It doesn't make sense why you would hold water underneath the skin when supplementing with creatine?
 
Depends what creatine. All creatines ARE NOT EQUAL. Some will hold water in-between the skin and muscle (outer cell) in which a lot of powerlifters love since it helps out with joints and gives a more pumped look. Kre-alkalyn creatine in my opinion eliminates water bloat issues within the walls of your skin and instead helps drive water intra-cellular muscle walls, which gives a more ripped effect. I love kre-alklyn personally, but it depends what your goals are.
 
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