Following the Atkins Diet can either benefit or aggravate premenstrual water retention, depending upon your food choices. The premise of the diet is to accelerate weight loss by limiting carbohydrates. The diet then follows a path to determining the ideal carbohydrate intake for you. While you may not be able to eliminate premenstrual water retention, certain diet choices may help relieve the discomfort you feel. The key lies in increasing your awareness of the effects of certain foods on your system.
Water Retention
Water retention is common premenstrual symptom. Hormonal changes during this time are believed to be the root cause, though the exact mechanism is not known. Because of menstrual flow, water retention may provide some protection against becoming dehydrated. Your diet may also increase your water retention, giving you some measure of control over your symptoms.
Atkins Diet Focus
The Atkins Diet has four phases. During the Induction phase, you reduce your carbohydrate intake dramatically. Many carbohydrates, such as fruits, contain significant amounts of water. By lowering your water intake, you can modestly reduce water retention. MayoClinic.com cautions that if you are losing large amounts of weight, you may be losing primarily water weight. Because of this effect, you may have a dry mouth or be thirsty.
Sodium Intake
During the initial stages of the Atkins Diet, protein takes center stage. This is the part of the diet you need to monitor to avoid increasing the discomfort of premenstrual water retention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American diet includes over twice the recommended intake of sodium. When you choose proteins, avoid processed meats, such as sausage and bacon, which make up the majority of the American intake of sodium. You can find sodium content on product labeling. Likewise, if you are including salads in your diet, check the sodium content on the label.
Seasonings
The Atkins Diet places an emphasis on dark, leafy vegetables in the initial stages to increase its health value. Choosing fresh sources can help control your sodium intake. Be careful seasoning your foods. Using salt substitutes may offer a healthier way to season your foods without contributing to water retention. Avoid condiments with a high sodium content, such as soy sauce, which contains 902 mg of sodium in 1 tbsp., more than half of the recommended intake. By making smart choices, you can stay comfortable despite your premenstrual symptoms.
References
- "New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great"; E. Westman, et al.; 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Water Retention: Relieve This Premenstrual Symptom; October 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Atkins Diet: What's Behind the Claims?; July 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Americans Consume Too Much Sodium (Salt)
- USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
