Is your body bloating? You may be prone to water retention. The reasons ? Heat, hormonal fluctuations, excess salt, taking certain drugs (progestins, corticosteroids, etc.) … This excess water in the tissues can be localized ("coiled" fingers, swollen ankles, pockets under eyes) or, more generally, with that uncomfortable feeling of being "swollen all over". When the phenomenon manifests suddenly, you should check with your doctor that this is not a sign of an underlying disease (hypertension, heart or kidney failure, etc.). Otherwise, water retention can be reduced by moving more (ideal for water activities) and eating a varied and balanced diet.
Water retention: 4 tips for "deflating"
Boost Potassium: Essential for the proper functioning of the kidneys, this mineral reduces water retention by lowering sodium (salt) levels and increasing urine production. To put in your basket: asparagus, artichoke, cucumber, fennel, pepper, zucchini, spinach, mushroom, leek …
Facilitate digestion: the slower it is, the more the sensations of swelling are increased. The priority: reduce the amount of food. And use certain spices, seeds and aromatic herbs (dill, star anise, caraway, cardamom, fennel, cumin…).
Moderate the salt: One of the major causes of fluid retention is excess salt because it "holds" water in the tissues. That’s why we inflate! And if we get thirsty after eating a very salty dish, it's because our bodies need water to flush out excess sodium.
Track down additives : another good reason to skip industrial products (ready-to-eat meals, etc.) which are packed with additives based on inorganic phosphate (E 450, E 451, etc.), chemical molecules which serve to increase water retention in food (thus artificially increasing their weight!) and, a fortiori, in body tissues. Not to mention that all these products explode the salt quotas.
⋙ Express anti-swelling diet: a week of menus to lose 2 kilos without depriving yourself
⋙ Flat stomach: 10 tips from a gastroenterologist to fight against bloating
⋙ FODMAPs: which foods to eliminate to deflate quickly?