Fluid retention can be caused by the body’s reaction to hot weather, a high salt intake, the menstrual cycle, standing for long periods, sunburn, pregnancy, the pill, insufficient protein or vitamin B1 (thiamine), arthritis, medications and weakened valves in the veins of the legs.

Symptoms include swelling of feet, hands and ankles, headaches, joint stiffness and weight fluctuations. When pressed, the skin may hold the indent for a few seconds.

Self-help solutions:

* Recommended foods for losing fluid: apples, avocadoes, bananas, beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, oily fish e.g. salmon, mackerel, lentils, liver, nuts and seeds, tomatoes, lovage, parsley, tarragon, cucumber, onion, dock root, watercress and yoghurt.
* Coumarin, a bioflavonoid-like compound is helpful in discharging excess fluid. Herbal teas such as dandelion, fennel, comfrey, nettle, chamomile and peppermint are rich in flavonoids and coumarin.
* Bilberries and blueberries are rich in flavonoids and are good for fluid retention.
* Reduce the amount of salt in your diet.
* Vitamin B6 can help in cases of mild fluid retention.
* Supplements such as evening primrose oil may help where fluid retention is caused by the menstrual cycle.
* Drink plenty of water. A well-hydrated body is less likely to retain fluid.
* Cut back on dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee and alcohol.
* Cranberry juice has a diuretic action.
* Lie down with your legs higher than your head, when possible.
* Exercise regularly.
* Aqua-Rite natural diuretic formula supports fluid balance in the body.
* Wear support stockings.

If you are on medication, discuss the use of supplements with your healthcare professional.

For women going through the change of life, otherwise known as menopause, they are faced with a wide array of symptoms that change from one person to another. If you find yourself in this role, chances are you find yourself frustrated. Unlike other conditions, you are not treating just one or possibly two symptoms but many. Because of that, it is common to take more than one prescription, herbal remedy, or form of therapy. One common symptom that is often overlooked has to do with menopause and water retention. Let’s face it, as women age, the one thing most worry about is weight gain. Therefore, as water builds in the body, the numbers on the scale begin to rise.

Typically, when a person retains fluid, it indicates some type of weakness in the kidneys, adrenals, circulatory system, or even the heart. However, when it comes to menopause and water retention, the problem is generally harmless. In most cases, what happens is that the kidneys simply become tired from working so hard. With this, fluid is retained. So how can you help? Well, the good news is that treating menopause and water retention is usually as simple as keeping your intake of fluids to no more than a quart or liter a day. Yes, we hear all the time how important water intake is, and it is important but for women going through menopause, especially when they are having an extremely hard time holding water, lessen the intake.

Causes of body water retention depend on a wide range of factors including a high salt intake, as a reaction to hot weather, gravity, nutritional deficiencies, burns as well as sunburn and as a side effect of certain drugs. Pregnancy, oral contraceptives such as the pill, the menstrual cycle and menopause are also known causes of body water retention.