Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hello Terry, “I have some problems with water retention, especially around my menstrual cycle. It is uncomfortable, and sometimes I can’t even button my “skinny” jeans until later in the month. Is there anything natural that could help me? — Patte S., Kalamazoo, MI

A. Dear Patte, You are not alone, Patte. Bloating is often an unpleasant part of the menstrual cycle that can cause clothing, jewelry and even shoes to be uncomfortably tight. Some women think they should limit their water intake prior to their menstrual period to avoid fluid retention. Nothing could be further from the truth! If the body is not well hydrated, it actually holds on to water. Think of it this way: if you have tons of money in the bank, you don’t mind spending a few dollars at the mall, but if your bank account is dangerously low, you are going to hold on to that money. Drinking 8 glasses of healthy, pure water each day has multiple benefits, including improving how your body processes fluid for a better balance. There are dietary supplements that are highly effective at reducing water retention, and one that stands out is a special, bio-identical B vitamin called Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, or P5P. P5P is called the “active” form of vitamin B-6 because it does not have to be converted by the body into a usable form—it is all ready to go to work immediately. P5P can make a big difference in healthy water balance, allowing the body to let go of excessive fluid build-up without causing any issues with dehydration. Some women have reported losing up to 5 pounds of water weight in one week of use, although this varies from person to person. P5P also has the added benefit of improving mood in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). P5P combined with the mineral magnesium glycinate has even more dramatic effects. I hope this helps you with your “skinny jeans” problem! Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally