7 Natural Ways to Relieve Bloating and Eliminate Water Retention During Menopause
Menopause brings on symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, and for a lot of women retaining water and the resultant bloating is of great concern because it can lead to weight gain.
Unfortunately, HRT has been known to cause water retention in some women. The journal of British Menopause Society published this is March of 2006: Drospirenone is a new progestogen in hormone replacement therapy with anti-mineralocorticoid activity. This anti-mineralocorticoid activity counteracts water and sodium retention, helping to reduce the likelihood of fluid retention that some women experience with hormone replacement therapy. In a post hoc analysis of women with mild hypertension, estradiol (1 mg) plus drospirenone (2 mg) was found to lower blood pressure in mildly hypertensive women. The introduction of estradiol plus drospirenone may offer the opportunity to re-evaluate the contribution of the progestogen component of hormone replacement therapy.
Many menopause symptoms are a direct result of our bodies producing less estrogen and progesterone. Too much water in the body can also be an indication of weak adrenals or kidneys, the circulatory system, or perhaps the heart. It\’s always wise consult your doctor before treating yourself.
Menopause and Ways to Reduce Water Retention
If you often bloat with water retention during menopause, try the following:
Reduce salt intake – Excessive sodium in the blood leads to retaining water in the tissues. It would be ideal to cut down on junk foods. Avoiding salty fries, pepperoni pizza and other foods containing hidden salt, some types of salad dressings, cereals and canned soups would be a good start. Inculcate the habit of reading labels before buying food off the shelves.
Get exercising – Start walking, bicycling, and similar activities. These can help reduce water build up in your body. With age, you generally tend to reduce such activities, when you actually need to do the exact opposite!
Although ascorbic acid – Vitamin C – increases water output from the kidneys, its excessive use could stress your kidneys and there is a likelihood of increase in retaining water in the future. There are certain things you can try to increase the output of water from your body.
Tincture of Dandelion – About 10 to 20 drops of this tincture is a great way to reduce your water levels. It helps in removing excess fluid from the cells, nourishing and toning your kidneys, the adrenals and the liver. It increases the ability to digest food and aids hormones to ease menopausal change.
Dong Quai – When used regularly, it relieves bloating, and has a diuretic effect – increase in the discharge of urine. This oil also has a mild sedative effect, soothing the intestines and bladder.
Helpful Foods – Eating asparagus, corn, cucumber, grapes, and watermelon may be helpful. Reduce intake of parsley, celery, black tea and coffee in order to avoid water retention. Eliminate refined sugar as much as you can.
Other Remedies – Certain oils, such as cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender and rosemary, may help reduce water retention in your body. These essential oils may be used in the form of baths, gargles, mouthwashes, vaporizers, inhalants, as well as compresses and massages. And, don\’t forget your over-the-counter (OTC) creams. You can get progesterone, estrogen and testosterone creams at your local health food store.
To learn exactly how to eliminate menopause symptoms visit www.howtoconquermenopause.com
Cathy's passion for the internet, as well as her own transition into peri-menopause, was the impetus to create her first website Everything Menopause. She writes often regarding menopause and issues that concern women at mid-life including healing the mind, body and emotions. You can also find some of her health-related articles online at www.ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Taylor
