Buffet lovers who wake up with puffy faces and swollen bodies from excess sodium, don’t worry. Swelling caused by water retention can be easily managed by adding potassium and fluids to help flush the salt out of your system.
Thairath Online shares affordable items from markets and convenience stores, each costing no more than 20 baht, to help reduce swelling effectively.
Banana: a common item that pushes out sodium.
The easiest secret weapon to reduce swelling is the banana, costing just over ten baht. Bananas are packed with high potassium that helps remove excess sodium through urine. Eating one for breakfast after a heavy meal will speed up reduction of facial and body swelling.
Watermelon from street vendors: a juicy fruit that flushes out salt.
Stop by a fruit cart near your alley and buy a 20 baht bag of watermelon. Watermelon is mostly water and contains amino acids that stimulate natural urination. This natural mechanism effectively cleanses sodium and reduces swelling, while also refreshing and quenching thirst after salty food.
Low-sodium tomato juice.
A revitalizing drink costing less than 20 baht from convenience stores. Tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which helps balance body fluids. Choosing a low-sodium formula will accelerate the removal of salt from cells, helping swollen areas return to normal size faster.
Black coffee: fights swelling.
For those who can't do without caffeine, canned or instant black coffee within a budget of tens of baht is an excellent aid to reduce swelling. Caffeine acts as a mild diuretic, speeding up the removal of excess water and waste. Drinking it plain, without sugar, on an empty stomach in the morning will visibly reduce swelling and increase alertness.
100% coconut water: natural mineral replenishment.
A natural boxed drink under 20 baht, packed with potassium and electrolytes. Coconut water helps restore the balance of water and minerals disrupted by salt intake. Drinking it chilled not only soothes the stomach and reduces swelling but also effectively relieves dry mouth and thirst caused by consuming MSG-laden foods.
Sodium-induced swelling can be resolved within 1-2 days by drinking plenty of water alongside these foods. Importantly, take a break from strongly flavored foods, broths, or dipping sauces for a while to allow your body to clear waste and feel light again. Even after spending a 20 baht note, you’ll still get change back.