Fluid retention may not sound like much of a problem, but feeling bloated and uncomfortable can really begin to get one down. Thankfully, for those who regularly suffer from symptoms associated with fluid retention, there are a range of self-help treatments available.
Self-Help Treatments for Fluid Retention – Nutritional Changes
Making simple changes to one's dietary intake can make a real difference to symptoms relating to fluid retention. In The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, Brewer (2010) highlights nutritional and lifestyle changes which may be of benefit to those suffering from fluid retention, to include the following:
- Lose excess wight (when in overweight BMI category).
- Take regular exercise.
- Cut back in salt intake.
- Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, salads.
- Drink juices containing potassium.
- Try to eat a wholefood diet.
- Eat foods rich in magnesium – fish, nuts, seeds, soy beans.
However, if fluid retention is not menstrual-related and is either persistent or recurrent, then it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any other health conditions. The family doctor should be able to provide a referral to a nutritionist or dietitian, who would be able to offer practical advice and support on nutritional changes and food supplements to ease fluid retention.
Herbal Supplements for Fluid Retention – Herbal Diuretics
In addition to making the above nutritional and lifestyle changes, there are different herbal and nutritional supplements which are able to help reduce fluid retention problems. In Healing Supplement, Lakin et al. (2007) identify herbal approaches to fluid retention treatment, as follows:
- bromelain – stimulates fibrin breakdown (protein associated with fluid retention)
- dandelion leaf tea – natural herbal diuretic, reduces water retention/bloating
- nettle leaf tea – natural herbal diuretic, rids body of excess fluids
- peppermint tea – eases digestion, relieves bloating
Further self-help remedies and supplements for those suffering from fluid retention, as recognised by Brewer (2010), may include the following:
- magnesium – maintains sodium/potassium balance
- vitamin B6 – increases utilisation of magnesium
- bilberry – anti-inflammatory
- calcium – improves premenstrual syndrome water retention/bloating
All of the above nutritional and herbal supplements and herbal diuretics are available from high street pharmacies and health food shops. Before beginning any new herbal or nutritional supplement, it is worth making an appointment with the family doctor, as some supplements or herbal remedies for fluid retention treatment can cause side-effects and react with other medications.
As highlighted above, fluid retention is a common health problem, which especially affects women during their menstrual period. Dietary changes to reduce fluid retention symptoms involve cutting back on salt, eating a wholefood diet, rich in magnesium and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Alternative approaches include herbal and nutritional supplements, including bilberry, vitamin B6, calcium, bromelain, peppermint and herbal diuretics, dandelion leaf and nettle leaf tea.
Sources:
Brewer, S. (2010) The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements London: Constable Robinson
Lakin et al. (2006) Healing Supplements London: Reader's Digest
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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