Last reviewed: June 2026

What are water retention tablets?

Water retention tablets are designed to help the body release excess fluid that builds up in the tissues, easing symptoms like bloating, swollen ankles and puffiness. They come in two main types – prescription diuretics and herbal formulas – which work in different ways depending on which you choose.

If you feel sluggish, bloated, and your clothes feel tighter than normal, the chances are it’s just water weight. Although irritating, water retention is extremely common, and is caused when the body stores excess water instead of eliminating it through urine and sweat. Beyond bloating, symptoms can also include stiff, achy joints and unexplained fluctuations in weight.

What causes water retention?

There are many driving factors that can cause uncomfortable fluid retention, from hormonal changes in the two weeks leading up to menstruation to a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain. Hormonal changes are also a common cause of water retention before your period, find out more about why this happens and how to get relief.

Certain medications and dietary deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as protein and B vitamins, can all play a significant role in water retention, too.

What causes water retention in the summer?

There are also some immediate dietary and lifestyle factors at play. You may notice that you feel particularly heavy and bloated during the summer months, and this is because the body is less efficient at removing excess fluid from tissues during hot weather.

Too much sodium is another possible symptom of water retention. The body needs to keep its sodium-to-water ratio balanced to carry out everyday functions, and it will naturally hold onto water if too much salty food is consumed. This is the reason why you may feel swollen after having a salty takeaway, ready meal or any other food that is high in sodium.

It’s also common to feel puffy and bloated after a flight, because changes in cabin pressure and sitting for an extended period can cause your body to hold onto water.

There are some practical steps you can take to help resolve many of the possible symptoms of water retention. For example, if you’re taking a flight, try to move around the cabin as often as you can, and do simple exercises when you’re sitting such as ankle and wrist circles and stretches, which will keep your blood circulating properly. See our full guide on getting rid of water retention in the heat and there are some more tips below:

How to get rid of water retention

Try these steps to eliminate possible symptoms of water retention:

1. Drink more water

One of the best ways to beat water weight is to drink more water. It might sound counterintuitive, but a well-hydrated body means you’ll be better able to effectively pass out excess water and waste, and be less likely to retain water weight.Aim to sip two litres of water and herbal teas throughout the day. Carrying a large reusable bottle around with you will allow you to keep tabs on how much you’re drinking.

2. Flavour foods naturally

Nobody likes bland, tasteless food but using the salt shaker isn’t the only way to add flavour. Fragrant herbs and culinary spices such as basil, parsley, dill, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin all have powerful health benefits and even just a pinch or two will help jazz up a meal.As a general rule add herbs and spices towards the end of cooking your meal in order to retain more of their health properties.

3. Eat water-rich foods

Fruit and veggies like cucumber, celery, watermelon, lemons, grapes and pineapple have a high water content, so make sure to add them to your weekly shopping list; they’re also crammed with vitamins and minerals to support overall wellbeing, so win win.

4. Avoid unsuspecting offenders

There are some less obvious offenders that could be contributing to water weight. Canned food is often high in sodium so always read food labels when you’re in the supermarket to make sure you’re not consuming more than the recommended 6g intake per day.Drinking fizzy drinks will also lead to water retention, but it’s not just cola and other sugary drinks that you need to avoid. Carbonated water can also lead to water retention so stick to still water with a wedge of lemon or mint sprigs if you want an extra flavour hit.

5. Take a water retention tablet

If dietary changes alone aren’t enough, water retention tablets – prescription or herbal – can offer additional relief. See our full comparison below to find out which type might suit you.

Prescription vs herbal water retention tablets – what’s the difference?

Prescription diuretics are typically prescribed for medical conditions involving fluid retention, such as heart failure or kidney issues. They work quickly but can cause side effects including headaches, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and long-term mineral imbalances affecting sodium and potassium levels, which can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue.

Herbal water retention tablets are generally better suited to mild, everyday water retention – the kind caused by heat, hormones, salty food or long-haul flights rather than an underlying medical condition. Based on traditional use, herbal formulas work more gently with the body’s natural processes. HRI Water Balance, for example, combines dandelion, uva-ursi and buchu leaf – three herbs traditionally used to support healthy fluid balance.

If you have an underlying health condition or are taking other medication, always speak to your GP before choosing between the two.

Are water retention tablets safe?

Herbal water retention tablets registered as a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) with the MHRA, such as HRI Water Balance, meet strict standards for quality, safety and manufacturing based on their traditional use. As with any supplement, always read the patient information leaflet, and consult your GP if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medication, or have an existing health condition.

How quickly do water retention tablets work?

This varies by individual and by product. With HRI Water Balance, some people notice relief within a few hours, while for others it may take a few days of consistent use before bloating and puffiness fully subside. Taking tablets consistently, alongside the dietary tips above, tends to give the best results.

Herbal medicine for water retention

One of the best herbs to get rid of water retention is dandelion. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine found that dandelion increased urine frequency and volume in participants who took the herb in supplement form. Other potent diuretic herbs include uva ursi leaf and buchu leaf. You can find out more about the different types of water retention tablets here.

These each act as a natural diuretic and when combined they work as a powerful formula that can help to relieve water retention symptoms. HRI Water Balance is a specifically created blend of dandelion, uva ursi and buchu leaf to help sufferers in losing water weight. Just take two tablets twice a day, after meals, to help reduce bloating and restore wellness. And just like that, you’ll be able to continue with your daily activities, symptom free.