Water retention, also known as fluid retention refers to an excessive build up of fluid in the circulatory system, body tissues, or cavities in the body. Up to 70% of the human body consists of water - water exists both inside and outside our body's cells. Blood is mostly made up of water, as are our organs and muscles.

Symptoms
-- Puffiness or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, legs, or other body parts
-- Aching and stiffness of the affected area
-- Weight fluctuations with no apparent cause; weight may increase quickly over a short period of time
-- In some cases, pressing or pushing on the skin may cause the skin to become indented for a few seconds; this is referred to as pitting oedema
-- Fluid retention in the legs may be a symptom of Varicose Veins

Natural therapies
-- Deficiency of protein or vitamin B1 may also contribute to fluid retention.

-- Dandelion leaf, cleavers and uva-ursi are herbs traditionally used for their diuretic action. They may assist the elimination of excess fluid.

-- Vitamin B6 may help to relieve fluid retention and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including breast tenderness, mood changes, irritability and fatigue. It may also be beneficial for mild cases of fluid retention from other causes.

-- Take a broad-spectrum multivitamin to ensure that you are obtaining the daily requirements of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Other nutrients that your multi should contain include vitamins B6 (as mentioned above), B5 (pantothenic acid) and D3, and the mineral calcium. These nutrients all aid the body’s processes for removing excess fluid.

-- Vitex agnus-castus has traditionally been used to relieve fluid retention and breast tenderness that occurs prior to the menstrual period. It may also be beneficial for other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including tension and irritability.

-- In clinical studies, grape seed extract has been shown to aid the management of fluid retention associated with venous insufficiency, premenstrual syndrome, and the use of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). It also helps relieve fluid retention, heaviness, pain and itching of the legs.

-- Ginkgo is traditionally used to improve peripheral circulation (i.e. circulation to the legs and other extremities), and consequently may be beneficial for some people who experience fluid retention as a symptom of varicose veins.