With it being cold/flu season, have you guys noticed any kind of water retention after getting sick?
I’ve always been really sensitive to water retention. I eat mostly low carb, and after a conservative cheat day (2 slices pizza, bowl of cereal, rest of day clean), I can easily gain about 8lbs. of water. Usually, it comes off easily within 2-3 days of cardio, coffee and a low-carb diet.
Last week I got a sinus infection, and had a fever that was slightly under 101 for a few days. Took no medications but Clarinex and Advil for 3 days…Gained about 11 pounds, and six days after feeling fine, haven’t lost a pound of it. My jeans don’t even come CLOSE to fitting right now, and they were a bit loose last week. My face is unrecognizably bloated. I’ve been doing cardio with an extra sweatshirt, drinking coffee religiously, and taking almost 2 gallons of water for the last 5 days. My salt consumption is negligible…Usually this retention stuff doesn’t bother me, but now it’s playing games with my head…
No, but you obviously have an issue with it so it probably doesn’t take much to set you off. Keep your salt low, drink a lot water, sit in the sauna, etc.
Some antibiotics or other medication contributed to the water. You can also take over the counter diuretics. Pee freely my friend.
If you are holding water after an illness, it is because your body needed the extra fluid while you were ill.
What seems opposite of true is, just continue drinking water, and you will expell the extra and get back to your normal. If you stop drinking, your body will hold the water/fluid and go into a survival mode.
Also, I weigh myself daily, so I know what has happened over the last 24 hours, and what if any changes should be made. I’ve listened to those who say do not do this, but recently read a Bill Pearl article that he still works out 6 x a week, and weighs himself daily for the same reason. Weighing your self daily lets you know if you are holding water and/or weight.
[quote]Chris2121 wrote:
With it being cold/flu season, have you guys noticed any kind of water retention after getting sick?
(snip)
My salt consumption is negligible…Usually this retention stuff doesn’t bother me, but now it’s playing games with my head…
Any of you guys gotten this after a cold/fever??[/quote]
I was eating about 5000 kcals a day for a week and then noticed a huge water retention in my ankles. It was like a monster movie. My big mistake was probably eating an entire meat lover’s pizza by myself. LOTS of protein there, but also LOTS of sodium.
I immediately reduced my calories and kept an eye on my sodium intake as well. I’m suffering from congestion and getting over the flu/cold thing myself right now but have only been eating jello and a bit of soup so I haven’t suffered any water retention as a result. My bodyweight, strength, and size has dropped considerably, though. Bah!
