Women often suffer water retention throughout their lives.  The reasons for water retention are many and usually include diet and hormones.

Most of us are familiar with the fluid retention that can happen right before the menstrual period. This is a result of the hormonal changes that happen in the week or so before the menstrual period begins. The increase in estrogen and progesterone during this time is the likely cause.

Water retention can also happen during menopause and peri-menopause, due to the fluctuating balance of female hormones during this time.

How does this show up?

Well the usual bloating around the middle, but it can also cause what we in Traditional Chinese Medicine call 5 Palm Heat. In addition to feeling sudden hot feelings in your chest and neck, you may also experience hot hands and feet. This is often a result of water retention.

What can we do?

Eating a low salt diet can help reduce water retention. Most of us are aware that salt attracts water, but did you know that sugar can do the same thing? It isn’t the sugar that actually attracts the water, but the extra insulin your body produces as a result of sugar or high carbohydrate intake. This is what causes the effect. So it is a good idea to reduce your intake of sweets and high glycemic carbs.

Is there anything else that can be done?

Here is one simple thing that you can do that I have found works really well to reduce water retention, and especially to reduce 5 Palm Heat.

Drink corn silk tea. Not only is this a natural diuretic, it has cooling properties, is anti-inflammatory and helps to flush the kidneys and urinary bladder. It is sometimes used for urinary tract infections (although  I usually recommend other remedies for the UTI).

You can make it yourself this summer. Buy some corn and keep the silks. Put the silks in a glass, enamel or stainless steel pot. Cover with filtered water and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Of course if you don’t want to buy the corn you can always buy corn silk tea a your local health food store. The fresh corn silk has a wonderful flavor, but they both will do the job!

Drink the tea warm or cool and it will do wonders for you!! You may even sleep better!

If you would like to know more about how herbs can help balance hormones throughout your life,  I am available for herbal consultations via Skype and in my Los Angeles office.
Call to set up an appointment. 310-367-1564.

PS. If you are pregnant or nursing consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal regimen.