Beat the Bloat

Fluid retention or 'bloating' is a common problem, but it can be treated and even avoided. Sarah Jewell expands.

Fluid retention or puffiness (also medically known as oedema) is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in parts of the body such as the ankles, legs, lungs and abdomen.

Fluid can build up for a variety of reasons. Many people, for example, will have experienced swollen ankles if they have been on a long flight or if they have just been standing for too long. A high-salt diet can also lead to water retention. However, swollen ankles can also be an indication of something more serious such as heart disease, liver problems or kidney failure. Thrombosis and varicose veins can also cause ankle swelling.

Fluid retention in the abdomen, ankles and fingers is one of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Liz Bates, 34, suffers from PMS and each month her body swells up: 'I can easily put on half a stone overnight - I get a very swollen stomach that goes very hard and I get swollen fingers and ankles. My skin goes tight and I feel like I am going to burst.' This swelling and bloating can take place up to two weeks before her period starts and she also feels 'very lethargic and very emotional.' To try and combat this swelling, Liz takes water tablets prescribed by her doctor.

Simple treatments
Water tablets are diuretics and they increase the amount of salt and water passed in the urine, so as Liz says 'you have to go to the loo a lot.' There are several types of diuretic, some of which lead to loss of potassium so doctors often prescribe a potassium supplement with them.

An alternative to water tablets for fluid retention with PMS is to try vitamin and mineral supplements, especially vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) and vitamin E, gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), and calcium and magnesium. These can be effective in lessening breast tenderness and bloating.