Getting relief

To reduce premenstrual water retention:

• Limit salt in your diet. Eating salty foods might make you retain more water.
• Take magnesium. Magnesium supplements may help reduce water retention. Talk with your healthcare professional before taking a supplement.
• Take water pills, also called diuretics. You can get these medicines by prescription to help reduce fluid buildup. Know that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, Naprelan ), and diuretics at the same time can cause kidney damage.

Getting regular aerobic exercise and good sleep also may ease PMS symptoms. So might relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and massage.