How to Reduce PMS Related Water Retention and Bloating

Water retention that is a result of PMS and occurs frequently is a reoccurring problem for many woman and greatly reduces the quality of life during that time of the month. It can range in severity from discomfort to debilitating but almost every woman experiences it in one form or another. Fortunately there are many things that can be done to reduce and even eliminate the water retention and bloating both before it occurs and after it already is causing problems. The treatments for PMS related water retention involves exercise, diet and nutrition as well as over-the-counter medications. As with most medical conditions, the preferred method of dealing with PMS bloating is through natural changes to the individual´s lifestyle rather than reactionary medications.

The healthiest way to deal with PMS water retention is through nutrition and changes in diet. There are many foods and beverages that can both exacerbate or diminish the symptoms of PMS bloating. Fruits, vegetables and grains will all help provide the nutrients your body needs to effectively regulate water retention. In particular, foods high in potassium such as bananas and kiwi can make a noticeable difference in reducing bloating and water retention. Other minerals such as magnesium and calcium have also been shown to help reduce water retention. Calcium is mainly found in dairy products and magnesium is found in almost all fruits and vegetables.

Foods to avoid include salt, alcohol and caffeine. Each of this will cause the body to retain extra water. Salt in particular needs to be drastically reduced if an individual suffers from monthly PMS and bloating. It is important to remember that salt comes from more sources than just the salt shaker. Foods such as canned soup, lunchmeat and most processed foods are very high in sodium.

Exercise is a great way to reduce bloating because it forces the body to redistribute the water in the body, which moves it from the abdomen to other parts of the body where it can be sweated out completely. There have been numerous studies that show that women who exercise regularly have far fewer and less severe PMS symptoms including bloating and water retention.

The final piece to prevent the PMS symptoms of water retention and bloating is pharmaceuticals. Over-the-counter medications like Midol and Pamprin contain mild diuretics that force your body to get rid of excess water. It is important to note that these medications contain many other things to combat other symptoms of PMS, so if your only major symptom is water retention, you might end up causing more problems than you solve by taking them.