Dairy and sweets can cause swelling: how to avoid

Such edema is called carbohydrate-insulin edema. The more sweets and foods that stimulate large insulin releases in the diet, the higher the risk of swelling. The more insulin resistance you have, the more you will look swollen and pasty.

And vice versa, the fewer high GI foods in your diet, the better your insulin sensitivity, and the less fluid you retain.

The mechanism is as follows: carbohydrate edema is associated with an increase in blood insulin. It has a direct effect on the kidneys, which leads to an increase in the reabsorption (absorption) of sodium salts in the renal tubules. Also, a high rise in insulin causes the release of the hormone aldosterone into the bloodstream. The latter directly retains sodium and water in the body.

Most people also experience carbohydrate edema caused by dairy products. This is also insulin-induced fluid retention. The same aldosterone retains sodium, so there will be excess water in the body.

Lactase deficiency and casein intolerance can also cause pastiness and edema.

Dairy products (all and from any animal) in estrogen dominance also increase swelling and cellulite.

Maintain a balance of carbohydrates throughout the day, replacing most of the simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates. Avoid stimulating insulin with fast carbohydrates in the afternoon.