Sophie Haslett For Daily Mail Australia
Updated 03/29/2023 05:55, 03/29/2023 05:55
- Rachael Attard from Sydney says weight gain is often just fluid retention.
- You can beat it by reducing stress and eating foods high in potassium
A leading personal trainer has listed ways to reduce fluid retention.
Rachael Attard of Sydney said that if you feel ‘bloated’ after exercising or eating unhealthy foods, it’s not what you imagine because it’s just ‘water retention’.
“Fluid retention can make your entire body look swollen, including your face, belly, arms, legs, and feet,” writes Rachel. Instagram.
“Exercise can make you bloat more easily and make you think you’ve gained weight. It’s just water retention.”
According to Rachael, fluid retention is caused by an imbalance of sodium and potassium.
This imbalance is caused by a hormone called ‘aldosterone’.
“Aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands under stress and tells the kidneys to retain salt, causing the body to store as much water as possible,” Rachel explained.
“If you have some degree of adrenal fatigue, anything that stresses your body (such as exercising or eating unhealthy foods) can quickly cause fluid retention.
If you want to lower your levels, the first thing you need to do is look at your lifestyle and sources of stress to address adrenal fatigue and insulin resistance.
“Give your body the best chance to recover. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, eat regularly (especially first thing in the morning), don’t overexercise or get tired, and relax.” Take your time,” said Rachel.
Also, choose foods high in potassium such as spinach, avocados, potatoes, beans, beets, and broccoli to help balance sodium and potassium.
“Add good salt to your diet. Salt isn’t necessarily bad for you,” said Rachel.
The personal trainer also recommended supplementing with sodium, vitamin C, and potassium if you’re deficient.
Finally, Rachel said you can consider electrolytes.
Something like coconut water has everything from sodium to potassium to calcium to magnesium.
Other supplements that can help are vitamin B6 and dandelion.
Sydney’s personal trainer is responsible for transforming the bodies of thousands around the world with her programs.
One of Rachael’s top tips is to aim for 10,000 steps each day.
“I encourage my clients to walk at least three times a week and aim for 10,000 steps each time,” says Rachael.
“It seems like a lot, but you don’t have to do it all at once. You can split that number of steps throughout the day.
PT recommends reducing activities such as cycling, sprinting, and running up hills, as these can lead to larger thigh muscles in the long run.
She also tries to walk 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily to stay in shape.