Q: Do you recommend water pills for bloating?

I rarely recommend water pills unless a patient is in heart failure and we need to decrease the fluid load on her heart and kidneys.

Bloating is usually related to gastrointestinal issues, and water pills don't address those issues. When the kidneys are functioning properly, they're getting rid of excess fluid; water pills put you at risk for depleting needed fluid or becoming dehydrated. Better options are to reduce salt intake and (counter-intuitively) to drink water.

My take on water pills for weight loss is the same: It's not a safe long-term solution.

What do I recommend? So sorry, but there's no magic! Eat well, exercise often, and see your health care practitioner to diagnose and find healthy and long-term ways to address symptoms!