Eddy's Blog
Why Do You Look/Feel More Bloated Than Usual?
Ever wondered why some days you seemingly look more bloated than usual?
‘I’m feeling bloated’ is an expression I hear all too often. Besides hormonal reasons there are fundamentally three scientifically proven factors that can contribute to that puffy, bloated look that no-one enjoys experiencing. Whether it is on-going or for a special occasion, these tips will provide you with the exact tools you need to prevent that bloated feeling /look.
- Eliminate Sodium or Minimise Your Sodium Intake
For some of us it is important to include sodium/salt into our food plans. You will know if you are one of those people. This would generally be due to low blood pressure levels. Higher levels of sodium intake are well known for increasing blood pressure levels. Adding sodium to your food or ingesting foods that are high in sodium/salt will make your body retain fluid. This fluid generally sits under your skin and is known as subcutaneous fluid. More salt means more fluid retention increasing your body weight and leaving you with that bloated appearance. Excessive sodium intake can also lead to a variety of health issues. As a general rule, keeping your sodium intake as low as possible should be your goal. Try to keep your sodium intake to below 1000mg per day. Products with a food label showing more than 350mg of sodium per 100g should be eaten in moderation.
- Increase Water Intake
Once again the subject of drinking water becomes a topic of discussion. Water is something that many of us are just not consuming enough of. Here in Australia we are blessed with easy access to good clean drinking water and have little excuse for not hydrating our bodies with this important fluid. Drinking more water will actually help (amongst many other positives) to flush your system. If you are retaining fluid, one of the very best ways to eliminate excess fluid is by drinking fresh water on a daily basis. If you are not a frequent water consumer, I am certain you will notice the positive effects of drinking more water in a very short period of time.
- Lower Your Intake of Sugar and Carbohydrates
More so sugar than just carbohydrates, will contribute to fluid retention. 1g of carbohydrates carries around 2 parts water. Though this is generally not an issue, the shear nature of ingesting sugars and certain carbohydrates will spike a very powerful hormone that is responsible for secreting fluid and then storing this fluid. That hormone as you may well be aware is insulin. Eating sugar on its own is certain to significantly spike your insulin levels therefore guaranteeing your body will hold excess weight. Carbohydrates that are low GI (also known as complex carbohydrates) are less likely to have a significant impact on your insulin levels and therefore are a far better alternative. Keep in mind that nearly all carbohydrates will spike your insulin to some degree.
These three proven ways of reducing your fluid retention and feeling of being bloated go hand in hand with general recommended health practice. Lower your carbs (particularly sugars), drink more water and take in less salt. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
