posted April 02, 2000 04:04 PM         

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I drink over a gallon of water each day yet i havent lost the water under my skin (and I hold quite a bit of it) What else can I do for this? Any ideas are appreciated, thanks!

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posted April 11, 2000 07:47 AM            

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Check your sodium levels. If they are too high you will retain water. Also, how high are the carbs in your diet. High percentage of carbs have a tendancy to increase water weight (at least for me). When I lower my carb level, I notice a lrage drop in subcutaneous water retention.

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posted April 12, 2000 02:11 PM            

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Drink more water, at least a gallon a day. Water pills (G.N.C.)

HARDWORK-100MPH

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posted April 12, 2000 11:47 PM         

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No, don't take water pills! Diuretics are among the most dangerous drugs sold today. The reason they are so dangerous is that most people take them without knowing their serum electrolyte levels. Most people also take them without also increasing water intake. This is why they are linked to kidney failure and heart attacks...when the body removes too much fluid (such as by way of diuretics) then the potassium, sodium and calcium levels will fall also (depending on the circumstance, obviously) and that spells big trouble.
Be very careful!

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posted April 13, 2000 12:06 AM            

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Backdoc, What diuretics are you talking about(brand names)?? Is dandelion root one of these??

HARDWORK-100MPH

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posted April 13, 2000 01:37 AM         

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No, dandelion is perfectly fine. Although dandelion eliminates excess water it will not cause the same side effects as other diuretics. This is because dandelion replaces potassium that is lost in the urine. So it does not cause the bad effects like other diuretics. Of course, take it as the label directs so that you don't waste your money.
The diuretics that you want to avoid are drugs like lasix and over the counter "water pills". I would even avoid taking Taraxtone too. Basically, you don't want to take any diuretic unless told to do so by a doctor.
But dandelion is perfectly safe. In fact, it is good for your liver and may counteract the stress imposed on it by supplements and diet.
I hope that answers your question.

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posted April 13, 2000 03:26 AM            

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backdoc,
Thanks, I appreciate the info!!

HARDWORK-100MPH

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posted April 13, 2000 03:24 PM         

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Backdoc- thanks for the reply. I read that taraxatone is supposed to be potassium-sparing, but does that mean its safe? It also says it supplies electrolytes....

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posted April 13, 2000 04:08 PM         

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back doc....taraxatone and the new eas water pill have dandelion and kava kava and some caffiene...nothing too scary there...

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posted April 13, 2000 04:36 PM         

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Taraxtone might be okay, but why not just save money and buy dandelion instead? I'm not sure about the specifics of their product, but I'd be on the safe side and go with something that's pure. But yes, you're right, taraxtone if it contains only a few electrolytes with dandelion and caffeine then it is probably not to much of a risk. Caffeine is technically a diuretic but it is much less so than lasix or other over the counter water pills.
Basically, avoid anything labeled as a water pill unless you are told to do so by a doctor. That's just playing it safe. Often times, food allergies that you might not be aware of can be the cause of bloatedness especially when water intake is nearing a gallon per day. You might think of checking into that.
I hope that helps.

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posted April 13, 2000 05:20 PM         

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Thanks Backdoc, that helps tremendously, i wasnt aware that it could be an allergy to some kind of food, and i do drink over a gallon of water a day. Only prob is, how do i find out?

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posted April 13, 2000 05:41 PM         

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Well, first things first. You'll need to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about sports related matters. Obviously, as a chiropractor, I'm biased towards my profession. It's just a good idea to have a doctor checking the joints of your body regularly since weightlifters often knock them out of place. The reason I'd go to a chiro is because many chiropractors use the IgG4 test to determine if patients have food allergies. I've found that many people have allergies to foods that they really crave, and not all allergies result in noticeable symptoms. Doctors of naturopathy also use the IgG4 food allergy tests routinely. So if you are interested, you can call local chiros and naturopaths on the phone and ask them if they commonly order food allergy tests. If they don't then keep calling around. Sooner or later you'll find a doc who tests for food allergies.
Just a cautionary note: even though I think it is a great way to invest in your future health (after all, a long-standing food allergy according to some doctors can contribute to other diseases) it may be expensive and insurance may not always cover it. So be prepared to spend $130 minimum for just the basics. But like I said, it's well worth it, and I think you'd be pleased with the information that such tests could give you.
I hope that helps. Good luck.

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posted April 13, 2000 07:07 PM         

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Thanks a lot Backdoc, that info is really appreciated. I definitely plan on looking into this b/c Im the kind of person whos allergic to everything like flowers and hairy animals, etc. so i wouldnt be surprised if some foods I eat are on the list too. Thanks again

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