According this month’s Berkeley Wellness Letter, the answer is no. Vitamins are very picky about how they want to be absorbed. Some will only be absorbed when taken with food or another vitamin. And some absolutely will not be absorbed if eaten with with certain foods. The problem with vitamin water is that they tend to be full of sugar and the vitamins are not likely to be absorbed. Which could be good because in some cases you could run the risk of overdoing it. There is such as thing as vitamin toxicity.

Your best bet to get all the nutrients you need is to eat a balanced diet that includes vitamin rich food such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Many doctors do recommend a multivitamin for women to help not as a substitute for good eating.

Water weight not only adds additional pounds, it also creates bloat. But before you take that diuretic, there are ways to lose water weight easily, quickly and safely.

1. Drink more water. I can hear you now. “Huh? Drink more water?” Yes. The reason the body works to retain water is that it isn’t getting enough of it. Drink more and it will trust that water is plentiful and let the excess go. You can citrus (lemon) to your water for more water reducing effects. You can also drink watery liquids such as coffee and green tea which have diuretic effects. But drink them in moderation.

2. Watch the sodium. Today, its hard not to eat too much sodium. Its in everything. Focus on fresh foods and vegetables instead of processed items. Don’t add salt when cooking. Use other spices or salt-free seasonings for taste. If you need salt. add it to your personal serving. I’m not sure why salt is added to sweet baked good, but I never add it when I bake. The cookies still taste fine to me.

3. Eat watery fruits and vegetables. Celery, apples, and tomatoes are a good choice…but any will do.