Can anyone recommend any remedies (available in BKK) for retaining water before your period? I've heard celery tablets are good but the pharmacist didn't know what I was talking about.

Nothing is going to completely relieve it but reducing your sodium intake starting a week to 10 days before your period will reduce the bloating somewhat.

Taking diuretics is not advised.

There are various "natural" remedies that have been touted, none have been scientifically proven as far as I know.

The fluid retention is a normal physiological event and other than perhaps curbing sodium intake, is best just tolerated.

Contrary to what used to be thought, the fluid retention is not the cause of other PMS symptoms like mood swings and cravings. Those can be treated if they are severe.

Edited September 10, 200718 yr by Sheryl

Thanks Sheryl. Do you know why diuretics are not advised? I seem to get really bad water retention, I look almost pregnant! And since I'm a boxer it messes with my weight as well... is it okay to sweat it out and not take any electrolytes?

don't fight with the symptoms.

look into reducing pms by diet (yes, salt, as well as processed foods, high on preservatives), drinking a lot of water (to dillute and remove salt and toxins), avoiding alcohol, exercises, avoiding stress or combating it (massage).

duretics will damage your kidneys and not the best for the liver. If your strongly believe it's a serious condition talk to the GP, might be something going on with hormons, kidneys, heart, tyroid. Go for the Manual Lymphatic Drainage and maybe fasting, to detoxyfy

Edited September 10, 200718 yr by londonthai

Bella, as London explained, diuretics can be harmful to the kidneys and also cause serious electrolyte imbalances. They are also not going to work except for a very brief time, the fluid will reaccumulate.

For the same reason, sweating and then not replacing the fluid loss is a very bad idea. You'll be dehydrated.

Reducing sodium (that's sodium, not just salt...so all processed foods, anything with preservatives) is the best bet. Massage is also helpful although the fluid will re-accumulate, you may get a temporary improvement plus it feels great, relaxes and is free of adverse effects.

Al of these things may help to reduce it but there will always be some increase in your weight due to fluid pre-menstrually, it is just nature.

Thank you

Reducing your sodium intake as was mentioned, and then other dietary approaches that are not scientifically proven, but work.

Eggplant usually works for me, green tea, watermelon, cucumbers, parsley and a cup of coffee. Cut back on sodium, drink tons of water, and eat a few meals with these foods, and you should see a difference. I also cut back on white flour products such as bread.