What causes water retention? Can diet help?

Yes, you will find that avoiding caffeine and salty foods will reduce the tendency to fluid retention.

It’s amazing how much salt is in foods that you might not suspect, so read all the food labels!

Also, ensure that you drink plenty of water. The body holds on to every scrap it can get if it thinks there’s a drought on, so having at least 1.5 litres (3 pints) of still, plain water daily (not within 20 minutes of food) will really help your body to release fluid.

Try drinking Golden Rod and Knotgrass tea instead of ordinary tea, as this is wonderful for balancing fluid retention. Two cups per day plus the 3 pints of water will do the trick.

Ali Cullen
Nutritional therapist