Some herbs and dietary supplements may help you excrete water (diuretic) and help with sodium and water retention. Examples include dandelion, ginger, parsley, hawthorn and juniper. But proceed with caution before taking any products that have a diuretic effect.

Fluid retention can be caused by a number of medical conditions and some medications. So it's important to talk to your doctor about possible causes of fluid retention before you try to treat it yourself. Also, some herbs and supplements can worsen medical problems you have or interact with medications you take.

In theory, natural diuretics may help relieve fluid retention by making you urinate more. But there's little — if any — scientific evidence to prove that these herbs or supplements have diuretic effects, so you may not find them effective.

Whether you're hoping to lose water weight as part of a weight-loss goal or you're concerned about water retention related to menstruation, focus on eating a healthier diet, cutting back the salt in your diet, and getting plenty of exercise and activity — instead of taking diuretics.

Always let your doctor know about any dietary or herbal supplements you're considering taking.

With

Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

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