You've probably experienced that moment when you look in the mirror and are greeted by a face that doesn't look rested at all. Instead of freshness, you're greeted by a puffy face that can put you in a bad mood before you've even had your first cup of coffee. And what's worse - you often don't even know why it happened overnight.
Experts warn: the reason for puffy face It's not always about lack of sleep or stress, but it's often hidden on your plate. Certain foods can cause your body to retain fluid and react with swelling, which you'll first notice on your face. So we checked what nutritionists have to say about this annoying problem - and above all, how you can wake up tomorrow without puffiness with simple dietary changes. puffy eyes.
Why the puffy face? The answer may not be as complicated as it seems. A puffy face isn't necessarily caused by an illness, but often by what you eat - especially in the evening.
Puffy face: what's really happening?
In the morning, right after waking up, when a look in the mirror reveals a slightly puffy cheekbone or swollen area around the eyes, it is often due to fluid retention.
The body reacts to certain foods by retaining water, especially if the dinner was rich in salt, alcohol or histamines.
The most common dietary culprits for morning puffiness
Salty food (processed snacks, fast food, canned foods) contain extremely high levels of sodium. Salt causes the body to retain water, which also affects facial muscles and skin.
Alcohol It dehydrates, but ironically causes fluid retention for the next few hours. The result is a tight, puffy appearance, especially around the eyes.
Dairy Products, such as cheese or cream, can trigger an inflammatory response in people with mild intolerance – this often goes unnoticed until it becomes visible in the mirror in the morning.
Fermented foods and red wine They contain histamines, which can trigger inflammation or even mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals.
Who is more prone to morning puffiness?
Although it can happen to anyone, some people are more susceptible. People with high blood pressure, hormonal changes (e.g. during PMS, perimenopause or menopause) and those with poor hydration or chronic stress are more at risk.
Sleeping with your head completely up flat position or lack of sleep can further contribute to a bloated appearance.
How to prevent a puffy face in the morning?
Drink enough water. – paradoxically, hydration reduces water retention because the body does not feel the need to “store” it.
Enjoy foods high in potassium, such as banana, avocado or spinach – potassium helps eliminate excess sodium and regulates fluid balance.
Avoid late dinners – the body needs time to digest, and food eaten right before bed often stays in the digestive tract longer and disrupts natural processes.
Sleep with your head slightly elevated. – this allows the lymphatic system to more easily drain fluids away from the facial area.
When you look in the mirror in the morning and see a puffy face, there is no reason to panicThe cause is often more dietary than medical in origin. Identifying the foods that trigger such reactions is key – as is healthy evening routine.
