Case Study: Overcoming Water Retention in Just 40 DAYS After Years of Struggling

Water retention isn’t just a nuisance. When one of my clients first came to me, she was struggling with bloating, headaches, frequent urination, and stubborn water retention that left her feeling frustrated and uncomfortable. Her initial MSQ (Metabolic Symptom Questionnaire) score was 159, a clear signal that her body was under stress.

After just 40 days of targeted support, her MSQ score dropped to 63 and her symptoms improved dramatically (and we're not even done working together yet!). Here’s how we identified the root causes and addressed them.

Root Causes Identified

1. Hormonal Shifts (Perimenopause)

As she transitioned into perimenopause, her estrogen levels were higher relative to progesterone, a common pattern that can trigger fluid retention, mood swings, and bloating.

• Strategy: We focused on balancing estrogen and boosting progesterone naturally using targeted herbs like maca, along with lifestyle adjustments to support better estrogen detoxification in her body.
  
  

2. Mineral Imbalances

Mineral deficiencies or imbalances can affect water regulation, headaches, and frequent urination. Lab results showed that her key minerals were out of balance, contributing to these symptoms.

• Strategy: We implemented targeted mineral support based on her labs. Within weeks, she noticed reduced headaches, less frequent urination, and a more balanced fluid status. These are KEY signs that there are mineral imbalances happening that need to be addressed ASAP.
  
  

3. Gut Health & Infections

Her digestive system showed signs of H. pylori infection, low stomach acid, leaky gut, and low gut immune support. These issues affected nutrient absorption, worsened bloating, and made hormonal regulation more difficult.

• Strategy: By addressing gut infections, supporting the gut lining, and improving digestion, her body was better able to absorb nutrients and maintain hydration balance.

4. Adrenal Burnout

Her insanely demanding job, high-achieving personality, and intense workout routine were pushing her adrenal system to its limits. Combined with little time for rest, relaxation, or proper refueling, this chronic stress contributed to fluid retention, fatigue, and hormone imbalances.

• Strategy: We implemented stress-supportive interventions, including lifestyle pacing, prioritizing rest, nutritional support for the adrenals, and small daily practices to help her body recover and rebalance.
  
  

The Approach

Every recommendation was personalized and lab-driven:

• Hormone-supportive herbs and lifestyle adjustments
  
  
• Mineral supplementation tailored to lab results
  
  
• Gut-healing protocols to improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune support
  
  

The goal wasn’t just symptom management—it was root cause resolution.

The Results

• MSQ score: Dropped from 159 → 63 in just 40 days
  
  
• Symptoms: Dramatic reduction in water retention, headaches, and urinary frequency
  
  
• Digestive health: Less bloating, better absorption of nutrients
  
  
• Overall well-being: Increased energy, improved mood, and feeling lighter
  
  

Key Takeaways

• Water retention is a symptom, not a standalone issue.
  
  
• Hormones, minerals, and gut health are deeply connected; addressing them together creates faster, lasting results.
  
  
• Personalized, lab-based approaches help uncover the root causes rather than just masking symptoms.
  
  

If you’ve been struggling with bloating, fluid retention, or unexplained swelling, remember: it’s rarely “just water.” Addressing the underlying imbalances can make a real difference—quickly and sustainably.