ask: what is the link between hypothyroidism and fluid retention and what can i do about it? are diuretics helpful?
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Hi, Milady,
Fluid retention (and/or bloating) is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. And while diurectics would help, you probably don't want to get started going down a road of needing them constantly.
Here's a good page on fluid retention in general, with several tips on things to try:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fluid_ret...
Here's one tip I found on about.com:
"Many thyroid patients experience water retention and bloating, even when receiving treatment for hypothyroidism. Martha wrote in to share her solution:
"Just wanted to share this with you...one of my problems with hypothyroidism is water retention, despite the 80 ounces of water I drink daily. My doctor suggested I try 16 oz. unflavored Pedialyte mixed with 48 oz. water and drink this mixture two consecutive days weekly. After the first day, I noticed a significant difference! After the second day, I weighed 1.5 lbs. less. Water retention isn't a problem for me anymore!!! Maybe this will help others. Thanks for your inspiration and support. ~ Martha B."
It can't hurt! Will you give it a try and let us know?
April 29, 2010 - 9:41amThis Comment
Diane, Thank you for this advise. I am a relativley healthy 47 year old woman. I was diagnoised with Hypothyroidism 4 years ago. As of about 6 months ago I have been feeling so overwhelmed with water retention...never had this before. It has effected the way I look (puffy face) and none of my clothes fit. I eat very healthy and exercise regularly. I am going to try your solution (I'm drinking it now), looking
December 12, 2011 - 1:01pmforward to positive results. Thank you Lynn
Hello, I have been struggling with water retention and really getting perplexed about how to get rid of it. I just read your tip and will try it. For how long should this be followed ?
March 25, 2012 - 3:21ami feel like i need once in a while i need to take a diuretic pill but i feel like all the minerals from my body are also flushing besides water, there has to be a better way to improve the thyroid function and reduce bloating and water retention, till now the only thing that has worked for me are diuretics and laxative teas..but that is not healthy, i am trying bladderwrack and also thyrosine aminoacid. hope i will get better,hugs.
April 29, 2010 - 1:51pmThis is a very important issue. To be (somewhat) bloated is positively painful as well as unhealthy.
May 7, 2010 - 9:40amI tried just a regular sugar-free sportsdrink (I think it was Power Aid) and mixed it with water and lost 2 lbs over night. I suffer from subclinical hypothyroid and get the puffy eyes, hands and jiggly belly and this sure does work for me. I've read several posts and most people say it does work.
December 27, 2010 - 10:07amThanks for the info! I have always had "puffy" days, and we used to laugh at how bad it could get (I would look and feel like I was 9 months pregnant!) Always just thought I just had to live with it, but now I have something to try!
April 19, 2011 - 8:51amMe too! Exactly what's happening to me. Last night I was so swollen my knees wouldn't bend right and it was hard to get up the stairs. It doesn't seem to help much what I eat (ie salt)--I just have days that I resemble a puffer fish. I will try the pedialyte and see if that helps.
May 2, 2011 - 5:58pm