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There is no doubt that weight can change during the menstrual cycle. Most of this is attributable
to the change in hormones that have salt (sodium) retaining properties. Salt retention causes water
retention, even to the point of swelling, for example of the ankles, just before the next menstrual
period. This must be distinguished from the accumulation of fat. New 'body composition
instruments' are now available to measure the difference between different body tissues, and the
distinction should help those women who have a particular problem with salt and water retention
ascertain that it is not fat that is their problem. Being cautious about one's overall sodium
consumption would be worthwhile. This means avoiding salt at the table and in cooking,
preferring low-salt bread and cereals (a major source of sodium), avoiding salty cheeses, cured
meats (with sodium chloride and sodium nitrite), packaged soups, salty stocks and cubes for
stock, MSG (monosodium glutamate) and soya sauce.
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