Prescriptions for Healing - Bloating

There are a number of nutrients that can help relieve some cases of water retention. Here's what some experts recommend.

Nutrient Daily Amount

Calcium 1,000-1,500 milligrams

Magnesium 400 milligrams

Potassium 3,500 milligrams

Vitamin B6 200 milligrams, taken as 4 divided doses for 5 days before the start of menstruation

Plus a B-complex supplement

MEDICAL ALERT: Doctors recommend limiting your sodium intake to no more than 2,400 milligrams a day.

Some doctors advise against supplementing calcium, magnesium or potassium without medical supervision if you have diabetes or heart, kidney or liver problems or if you are taking diuretics.

People who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors or heart medications such as heparin should also check with their doctors before supplementing potassium.

Vitamin B6 can be toxic in large amounts. Do not take more than 100 milligrams a day without medical supervision. The higher dose suggested here may safely be consumed for the number of days noted to relieve premenstrual bloating.

Vitamin B6 May Aid Hormone-Related Bloating

Most women don't need a calendar to tell them when that time of the month is imminent. Their tender breasts, swollen hands and feet and tightening blue jeans from abdominal swelling--all signs of fluid retention--mark time as well as any calendar.

In addition to the changes in mineral intake outlined above, some doctors recommend increases in the B vitamins, B6 in particular. "Vitamin B6 plays a role in the body's use of several hormones associated with fluid retention, including estrogen and progesterone," says Dr. Pratt. "By helping the body to metabolize these hormones, B6 may help the liver metabolize excess amounts, which may be present during the premenstrual period."

In one study, in fact, 500 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily relieved the breast tenderness, headaches and weight gain associated with water retention in 215 women.

If you'd like to try vitamin B6 for hormone-related fluid retention, Dr. Pratt recommends taking 200 milligrams a day (50 milligrams four times a day) for the five days before your period begins. Take a B6 supplement along with a supplement containing the rest of the B-complex vitamins. "These nutrients interact, so they work better when adequate amounts of all are available," Dr. Pratt says.

Vitamin B6 can be toxic and can cause serious nerve damage in excessive amounts. For these reasons, it's best not to take more than 100 milligrams a day without checking with your doctor. You may, however, safely take up to 200 milligrams daily for five days to relieve premenstrual bloating, Dr. Pratt says. If your hands or feet start to feel numb or clumsy, stop taking B6 and tell your doctor.