Your body works to regulate a proper osmotic balance: the concentration of solutes -- sugars, salts and other compounds --dissolved in your blood. A proper osmotic balance is essential to proper cellular function, as too high or too low a solute concentration can lead to health problems. In the presence of high levels of salts, which result from consuming a high sodium diet, your body retains water to maintain a normal osmotic balance. By consuming essential vitamins, combined with moderating your sodium intake, you can help fight water retention.
Vitamin B1
One vitamin that may help prevent excessive water retention is vitamin B1, or thiamine. It is one of eight B-family vitamins, all of which play a role in maintaining proper metabolism and allowing for the efficient breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in your diet. VitaminsDiary.com indicates that adequate consumption of vitamin B1 can prevent fluid retention in the body, and can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders associated with excessive water retention. Most foods contain small amounts of thiamine with larger amounts of the vitamin found in organ meats, in pork and in foods made with whole grains.
VItamin B6
Another vitamin that may aid in preventing water retention is vitamin B6, or pyridoxine. Specifically, vitamin B6 supplementation can relieve the symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome, or PMS, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Women suffering from PMS may experience headaches and moodiness, as well as abnormal fluid retention and bloating. Supplementing your diet with vitamin B6 may help relieve these symptoms, preventing water retention that can occur at specific phases of the menstrual cycle. You can also consume vitamin B6 from food sources, such as bananas, fortified cereals and salmon.
Vitamin C
Consuming large amounts of vitamin C, such as through supplementation, can lead to fluid loss from the body. If you suffer from water retention, supplementing your diet with ascorbic acid may help your body release excess fluid, relieving bloating. In addition to its diuretic properties, vitamin C can help reduce blood sugar levels in individuals suffering from diabetes, helping to reduce one potential cause of bloating and water retention. You can consume vitamin C in citrus fruits, strawberries and watermelon, or safely supplement your diet with vitamin C tablets to help relieve water retention.
