Due to hormone-induced breast enlargement and increased water retention, bloating during ovulation typically results in mild weight gain. Sometimes this fluid retention (caused by estrogen spikes and sodium supplementation) may be evident during ovulation, not just during ovulation.
Significant food cravings may also make an appearance. This makes processed foods high in sodium, like cheese snacks, French fries, and potato chips, particularly difficult to avoid. But eating too much sodium only promotes bloating from ovulation and water weight gain.
Therefore, what causes water weight gain during ovulation, and what remedies are available? Learn more in the article below.
Related: How to Make Period Come Faster: 3 Useful Approaches – Womens Health Tips
Table of Contents
Why Will You Gain Water Weight During Ovulation?
Ovulation is a time when your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes. One of those changes is an increase in estrogen levels. A surge in estrogen typically occurs between days 11 and 14 of your cycle, which can cause mood swings, havoc with your digestive system, and headaches and other discomforts for some women.
It’s typical to have more water weight for a few days due to changes in your digestive system. Furthermore, it might result in slower digestion and more gas. All of this contributes to the uneasy feeling of being bloated that you get during ovulation.
Water weight gain is another side effect of ovulation. Around ovulation, water weight may cause you to see a higher weight on the scale, but have no fear—shortly after ovulation, as your body flushes out the extra water, your water weight will return to normal.
How to Not Gain Water Weight During Ovulation?
Recipe Changes
Around the time of ovulation, you might want to make a few minor dietary adjustments. Consuming less salt can help reduce water weight. To help your body remove extra sodium, you should also drink a lot of water.
Probiotics
By assisting the healthy bacteria in your gut in their normal functions, probiotic supplements can reduce the symptoms of bloating; however, not all probiotics are equally effective in doing so. Studies show that Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis are the two probiotic strains that work best for bloating. To get the best results, make sure to look for a probiotic supplement that has at least one billion CFUs of these live strains.
Select Carbohydrates
Which means? Sweet potatoes, lentils and oatcakes, over-croissants, and chocolate. Soz. “These will maintain your energy levels and keep your blood sugar under control,” says Lang. So there is no justification for skipping spin class.
Staying Hydrated
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean finishing the bottle of Merlot; alcohol only worsens the effects of water retention. It may seem counterintuitive but staying hydrated will actually prevent period water weight gain – it’s like with fat on a crash diet; your body will hold onto fluid if it thinks there’s a shortage. ‘Drink lots of water and herbal teas like lemon, ginger, or rooibos, advises Lang.
Micronutrient Intake
Potassium
Potassium deficiency is among the other causes of water weight. Up to 98% of Americans do not consume the recommended daily amount of potassium. Your body may end up retaining too much water and salt as a result, resulting in bloating. Bananas and potatoes are examples of foods high in potassium that may help reduce the symptoms.
Magnesium
High magnesium intake has also been shown in studies to reduce bloating and water retention. To get the magnesium you need, you should make sure to incorporate plenty of fish, almonds, and avocados into your diet around ovulation.
Additionally, if necessary, you can take a magnesium supplement. High magnesium doses may aid in reducing bloating and water retention, according to some studies. However, you should exercise caution to avoid taking too much magnesium, which can upset your digestive system and cause diarrhea.
Workouts
One major contributor to bloating during ovulation is sluggish digestion. Thankfully, doing some light exercise can help reduce the symptoms (check out our top pre-pregnancy workouts here). When you are bloated and uneasy, working out may be the last thing on your mind, but studies show that it can help your body process food more quickly, which can lessen those uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms.
Other Ways
Natural Diuretics
Additionally, think about consuming more naturally diuretic foods. Diuretics are excellent for reducing water retention around ovulation because they reduce the amount of water in your body. Natural diuretics include ginger, cucumbers, and pineapple; the next time you ovulate, try adding them to a delicious smoothie!
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil capsules, which soothe digestive symptoms, provide relief for some women. They can ease gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation — hence why they are commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For a peppermint oil supplement that reduces the chance of acid reflux, like Heather’s Tummy Care, look for enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules.
Stress Management
Another common culprit when it comes to bloating is stress. The water retention you experience around ovulation might get worse if you have a stressful job or are going through a trying time in your life. High-stress levels, according to some fitness experts, can lower your stomach acid levels, making digestion more difficult. Thankfully, exercise is a powerful stress reliever. The following time you are ovulating, consider enrolling in a yoga class or taking a brief hike.
Other Signs of Ovulation
As mentioned, some people observe other symptoms of ovulation, including:
- Changes in vaginal discharge — Clear, stretchy, wet, and abundant discharge develops. It might be visible on your underwear or pantyliner, or you might feel it when you wipe your hands after using the restroom.
- Changes in basal body temperature — Your body temperature often rises slightly after ovulation. In order to track your fertility while trying to conceive, take your temperature every morning at the same time before getting out of bed.
- Changes in cervical position — Your cervix could be more open, wet, and softer than usual right now. It may also be higher. It can be challenging to distinguish your cervix’s position during ovulation, but with some practice, you can do it. After that, develop a routine of checking your cervix frequently to aid in managing your reproductive health.
- Mittelschmerz pain — Ovulation can occasionally cause one-sided lower abdominal pain that is dull or sharp and accompanied by light vaginal bleeding or discharge. A few minutes to one or two days are possible for it to last.
Summary
Ovulation can cause some unpleasant and unwanted symptoms for some people each month. Due to hormonal changes, as well as sodium and water weight, ovulatory bloating typically happens during or a few days before ovulation. It is mild compared to premenstrual bloating, though, and ought to go away in a few days.
Bloating and weight gain can also be expected, as well as changes in vaginal discharge, basal body temperature and cervical spine position. Reduce salt intake, stay away from foods high in FODMAPs, get some exercise, and employ relaxation techniques to prevent water weight gain during ovulation. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if water weight gain continues during ovulation.
