Hi there,

Since moving back to Thailand my tummy has been bloated so much and doesn't seem to be getting any better even tho I am drinking a good bit of water each day. Does anyone know a good brand of water retention tablets that I could try over here that doesn't involve me running to wee every 5 minutes!

Much appreciated

Hi there,

Since moving back to Thailand my tummy has been bloated so much and doesn't seem to be getting any better even tho I am drinking a good bit of water each day. Does anyone know a good brand of water retention tablets that I could try over here that doesn't involve me running to wee every 5 minutes!

Much appreciated

First of all, "water retention tablets" work by making you urinate more, so they will, indeed, have that effect.

Secondly, very bad idea to take them on your own or for thsi purpose. They can cause serious electrolyte disturbances.

How long have you been back in Thailand? I am wondering if the problem is intestinal rather than fluid retention.

May help to reduce sodium intake and also avoid gas-producing foods.

I'm with you, Sheryl. I'm wondering if she might be infected with Giardia? It causes gas and bloating, as well as both diarrhea and constipation. I know I've been infected with it in BKK.

Lasix (brand name for Furosemide), available only by prescription where I'm from, but who knows, maybe over the counter here. Senna (in tea and tablet form) and Epsom Salt taken internally are actually used as laxatives, but also cause water to be expelled from your body. I prefer both of the latter methods because A-they're natural and B-I actually feel that they work better, and I can infact feel the onset of their activity. They may cause you to have stomach cramping at first if you aren't used to them, but you could try starting with a very low dose.

Oh oh, I almost forgot. Two substances that promote blood circulation (which in turn carries waste products away from cells, including excess fluid) are 1-chili pepper and 2-Niacin (Vitamin B3). To use the chili pepper, just mix a teaspoon in a favorite drink and down it (or you can just put a teaspoon in your mouth and quickly wash it down with a glass of juice, which is my preferred method since it leaves less of an afterburn this way).

But a far more effective method that you can REALLY feel is doing a Niacin flush. Now I LOVE this! Google for more detailed info.

I'm not suggesting any of this to you, just sharing what I personally do for your own informational purposes.

You can also look into lymphatic massage, and just plain massage.

Thanks for your replies ladies I've made an appointment to register with a GP today so will see can see what the problem is.

Much appreciated