Have you ever woken up in the morning with puffy eyes, after a hearty meal or a salty sushi night? This phenomenon is more common than you might think, and salt could well be the main culprit. But what exactly is the link between salt consumption and puffy eyes?
The effect of salt on the body
Salt, or more precisely the sodium it contains, plays an essential role in balancing the body's fluids. When too much sodium is consumed, the body retains more water to maintain this balance. This phenomenon, known as water retention, can lead to swelling in various parts of the body, including around the eyes, where the skin is particularly thin and sensitive.
Why are the eyes so affected?
The area around the eyes is made up of delicate tissue and tiny blood vessels. When the body retains water, these tissues can easily swell. That's why, after a salty meal or a meal rich in processed foods (such as chips, deli meats or canned soups), it's not uncommon to wake up with puffy eyelids or bags under the eyes.
Signs that your diet is to blame
Here are a few clues that salt may be responsible for your puffy eyes:
- Swelling is most pronounced in the morning and diminishes as the day progresses.
- You also have slightly swollen hands or ankles.
- You feel thirsty more often than usual.
- Your recent meals have been rich in salty or processed foods.
How to reduce the effects of salt on your eyes
Fortunately, you can minimize the impact of salt on your eyes with a few simple gestures:
- Reduce your salt intake: Focus on fresh, unprocessed foods, and limit sodium-rich sauces, condiments and packaged products.
- Drink plenty of water: It may seem counter-intuitive, but drinking more water helps eliminate excess sodium.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated: This prevents fluids from accumulating around the eyes during the night.
- Use cold compresses in the morning: These can help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the eyes.
Puffy eyes aren't necessarily caused by fatigue or lack of sleep. Sometimes, it's simply what we put on our plate the night before! By paying attention to our salt intake, we can not only improve the appearance of our eyes, but also contribute to better overall health.
