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Aldosterone & Water Retention Part II

by Eric Serrano, M.D.

Control of Aldosterone
Please bear with me as I explain the physiology of aldosterone.  I know it is complicated and maybe boring to some but after reading this you will not have to worry about water retention.

Besides the renin/angiotensin (hormones) system, potassium (not salt) is the main regulator of aldosterone.  Potassium directly enhances aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands.  Sudden potassium loading or increases in dietary potassium augment aldosterone secretion where as when potassium decreases, plasma aldosterone decreases.

This is not the only electrolyte that controls aldosterone because extra calcium also influences aldosterone, but not as directly as potassium.  If fluids decrease & sodium decreases & potassium increases, then aldosterone increases & water retention increases.  If fluids increase & sodium increases & potassium decreases, then aldosterone decreases & water retention decreases.

What does this mean for a bodybuilder?

	No potassium loading.
	Do not withhold water more than 48 hours.
	Keep drinking water to satisfy your thirst until the day of the show, then sip small amounts of water all day.

Don't salt load because it can backfire. How? When you start taking extra salt, yes you will bring aldosterone down, but the question is for how many hours, days, minutes are you going to drop aldosterone? I don't know, you don't know. If you are going to salt load, make sure you practice and do it 3 to 4 times before contest time so you know:

	How much water to drink.
	How much salt to take.
	How long to salt load.
	How long to withhold water.

Keep eating normal amounts of salt until two days prior to the show. This is only a recommendation because some people will do better with one day and others with 2 days. You will need to figure out which one is best for you.

No fructose the last 5 to 7 days.

Talk to people with experience like Mike Francois & Chris Aceto.

Thanks for checking out Mike's web page. I hope you found the article informative and interesting!

Note: Before embarking on any nutrition, supplementation, and/or training program, consult with your physician or other licensed health-care professional.