What Drink Gets Rid of Edema? Natural Solutions for Fluid Retention

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, dehydration can surprisingly cause your body to retain fluid, worsening edema. Finding out what drink gets rid of edema involves looking beyond simply reducing fluid intake and focusing on proper hydration and specific natural diuretics to support your body's fluid balance.

Quick Summary

Several drinks with diuretic properties can help manage edema by promoting the elimination of excess fluid. The most fundamental is water, along with herbal teas like dandelion, green tea, and hibiscus, and certain fruit and vegetable juices that are rich in potassium and antioxidants.

Key Points

Plain Water is Key: Drinking sufficient plain water is crucial, as dehydration causes the body to retain fluids and can worsen edema.
Natural Diuretics Work: Drinks like lemon water, dandelion tea, green tea, and hibiscus tea contain compounds that promote urination and help eliminate excess fluid.
Balance Electrolytes: Potassium-rich drinks such as coconut water and cucumber juice are effective because potassium helps balance sodium levels, which are often linked to water retention.
Limit Certain Drinks: Alcohol and sugary beverages should be limited, as they can exacerbate fluid retention and inflammation.
Rule Out Underlying Causes: Always consult a doctor for persistent or severe swelling, as edema can be a symptom of more serious conditions like heart, liver, or kidney disease.
Combine with Diet and Lifestyle: For best results, pair these drinks with a low-sodium diet and regular physical activity to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Edema, the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, can be uncomfortable and concerning. While severe or persistent edema requires medical evaluation to address any underlying conditions, incorporating certain drinks and making dietary changes can provide relief for milder cases. The key is to support the body's natural fluid regulation processes, primarily controlled by the kidneys and the balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium.

The Crucial Role of Plain Water

It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking more plain water is often the most important step in combating fluid retention. When the body is dehydrated, it holds onto every drop of water as a survival mechanism. This can exacerbate swelling and lead to a concentration of sodium in the body. Staying well-hydrated helps signal the body that it's safe to release excess fluid, flushing out extra sodium and waste in the process. A general recommendation is to aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, though individual needs vary.

Natural Diuretic Drinks That Aid Fluid Balance

Beyond plain water, several beverages contain compounds that act as natural diuretics, encouraging the kidneys to excrete more urine. These drinks are often rich in potassium, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that further support fluid regulation.

Lemon Water: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and many people find that a glass of warm lemon water in the morning helps flush out excess fluids and aid digestion. It also helps make plain water more palatable, encouraging you to drink more throughout the day.
Dandelion Tea: Dandelion leaves have a long history in traditional medicine as a natural diuretic. Small studies have shown that dandelion extract can significantly increase urination. It is also high in potassium, which helps counteract sodium's effect on water retention.
Green Tea: Containing both caffeine and catechins, green tea is another effective diuretic option. Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, while the catechins, a type of antioxidant, may help support fluid balance. It's best to consume green tea in moderation and not too close to bedtime if sensitive to caffeine.
Cucumber Water: Cucumbers have a very high water content and are rich in potassium, making them excellent for natural hydration and for helping to combat water retention. Infusing water with cucumber slices is a refreshing way to boost your daily fluid intake.
Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice has mild diuretic properties and is known for supporting urinary tract health. It promotes urine flow and helps the body flush out excess fluids.
Coconut Water: This natural beverage is a potent source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps balance sodium levels and reduce fluid retention. It's a great choice for rehydration, especially after exercise.
Hibiscus Tea: Studies have shown that hibiscus tea has notable diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body's cells.

Comparison of Diuretic Drinks for Edema


Drink	Primary Active Compound	Key Benefit for Edema	Considerations
Plain Water	H2O	Essential for overall hydration and flushing excess sodium.	Most effective when consumed consistently.
Lemon Water	Vitamin C, Antioxidants	Aids in flushing toxins and makes hydration more appealing.	Can be hard on tooth enamel if consumed frequently; rinse mouth afterward.
Dandelion Tea	Diuretic compounds, Potassium	Research suggests it significantly increases urine output.	Limited research on supplemental forms; best to stick with tea.
Green Tea	Caffeine, Catechins	Combines mild diuretic action with antioxidant benefits.	Moderate caffeine content; may not be suitable for all individuals.
Cucumber Water	High Water Content, Potassium	Promotes hydration and helps balance sodium levels.	Simple and refreshing; easy to incorporate into daily routine.
Coconut Water	Potassium	Excellent for electrolyte balance and flushing out sodium.	Contains natural sugars; consume in moderation.

Important Considerations and Drinks to Avoid

While certain drinks can help manage fluid retention, it's equally important to consider what to avoid or limit. Alcohol and sugary beverages, for example, can disrupt fluid balance. Alcohol dehydrates the body, prompting it to retain fluids, while sugary drinks can contribute to inflammation and bloating.

For mild, temporary fluid retention, these natural drink options can be beneficial. However, edema can also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. If you experience persistent or severe swelling, especially if it's accompanied by pain, fever, or swelling in the face, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic medication if necessary.

A Holistic Approach to Managing Edema

Beyond beverages, a holistic approach combining diet and lifestyle adjustments is the most effective way to manage edema. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a low-sodium diet are all crucial components. Reducing your intake of processed foods and favoring fresh produce can significantly help lower your sodium intake. Combining these lifestyle changes with the hydrating and diuretic drinks mentioned above can create a comprehensive strategy for managing fluid retention.

Conclusion

To manage edema naturally, the answer to what drink gets rid of edema starts with prioritizing consistent hydration with plain water. Beyond that, a range of natural diuretic drinks, including lemon water, dandelion tea, green tea, cucumber water, and coconut water, can assist your body in flushing out excess fluids due to their beneficial compounds. However, these dietary strategies are most effective when combined with a low-sodium diet and a healthy, active lifestyle. For chronic or severe swelling, always consult a healthcare provider to rule out or treat any underlying medical issues. Taking an informed, balanced approach can help you find relief and improve your overall well-being. For additional resources on diet and fluid retention, you can refer to authoritative sources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lemon water can help with edema by acting as a mild diuretic and increasing overall hydration. The vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon assist in flushing out toxins and making water more appealing, encouraging you to drink enough fluid to counter retention.

Dandelion tea is often cited as one of the best herbal teas for fluid retention due to its natural diuretic properties and high potassium content. Other effective options include hibiscus tea and green tea.

When you are dehydrated, your body enters a survival mode where it holds onto all available fluid, which worsens swelling. Drinking enough water signals to your body that it is properly hydrated, prompting it to release the excess fluid it has been retaining.

To manage edema, you should limit foods high in sodium, including processed foods, canned soups, fast food, and salty snacks. Reducing salt intake is one of the most effective dietary changes for fluid retention.

Yes, coconut water is rich in potassium, an electrolyte that helps balance the body's sodium levels. Since high sodium can contribute to fluid retention, boosting potassium intake can help flush out excess fluid.

Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, but consuming too much, especially from sources like alcohol or coffee, can lead to dehydration. For managing edema, it is better to rely on hydrating, natural diuretic drinks and consume caffeinated beverages in moderation.

You should see a doctor if your edema is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like pain, fever, or swelling in your face. Edema can be a sign of serious underlying conditions that require medical attention, such as heart, kidney, or liver disease.