Diuretics - Natural and OTC Diuretics

Diuretics - Natural and OTC Diuretics

Diuretics increase the production of urine. In other words, they help the body get rid of salt and water, which means they increase the excretion of water from the body. Also known as water pills, they are used to treat a variety of health conditions like high blood pressure and edema.

Substances that augment "diuresis," or the removal of fluids from the body through urination, are considered diuretics. More commonly known as "water pills," diuretics may be prescription or over the counter drugs. They may also be homeopathic remedies or foods that help to prevent or treat fluid retention. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any form of diuretics.

Diuretics are used for many reasons. They may be indicated for people who suffer from edema, an intense accumulation of fluids in the body's tissues, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or other heart related diseases. Increasing the production of urine not only releases fluid, but also helps rid the body of excess salts and may reduce blood volume.

What are the Benefits of Diuretics?
There are various types of diuretics that are used for the treatment of various medical conditions. Diuretics are commonly used in the treatment of medical conditions like hypertension, heart failure, kidney diseases, liver diseases, like liver cirrhosis, etc. They are also used as one of the treatment options for several eating disorders, like bulimia. Several types of diuretics are used for increasing alkalinity of urine and as a treatment for aspirin overdose. Diuretics that are used for hypertension and heart disease treatment include Thiazide, which is a type of a diuretic drug. These are long acting diuretics that work for 24 hours at a stretch. These diuretics are combined with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or Ace inhibitors. Such diuretics are ideal for patients who are suffering with stage I hypertension. Patients who are suffering with resistant hypertension are given potassium sparing diuretics. The dosage of diuretics depends on medical history and current health condition of a patient. Normally, half a tablet per day is considered a harmless dosage. However, precautions should be taken while giving diuretics to the patients with kidney diseases.

Natural Diuretic
For those who only require minimal fluid reduction, and have no real health concerns, foods with natural diuretic properties may be a better alternative than drug-based diuretics. Some foods that contain natural diuretics are cranberries and cranberry juice, coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine, and apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar also contains potassium, so it may help avoid potassium deficiency. Still, it should be used sparingly. Adding fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelon and others that contain a lot of water will also help increase urination.

List of Natural Diuretic Foods
1. Asparagus: It contains a chemical alkaloid called asparagine that promotes effective removal of wastes from the body by improving the functioning of the kidney.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar: It maintains optimum levels of potassium in the body in addition to exhibiting natural diuretic properties.

3. Tomatoes: It's a very rich source of vitamin C that helps release excessive body fluids and improves metabolism.

4. Garlic: It contains mustard oils that have cleansing properties. They break down and flush out fats.

5. Cranberry Juice: It helps maintain the pH level of the urine, dilutes the urine and aids in increasing the frequency of urination. It's also helpful in improving and maintaining proper kidney function.

6. Brussels Sprouts: It helps in the cleansing of the body tissues and cells by stimulating the kidneys and pancreas.

7. Oats: It contains Silica which is a natural diuretic substance.

8. Dandelion Leaf: It is high in potassium and mineral contents that aid the process of diuresis. It also helps in potassium retention.

9. Green Tea: It is being used in China, as a natural diuretic, since centuries.

10. Fennel: It exhibits diuretic and carminative (relieving gas) properties.

11. Juniper Berries: It contains volatile oils and terpinen-4-ol which enhances the kidney's glomerular filtration which helps flush out excessive fluids from the body.

12. Parsley: It stimulates urination by flushing out toxins from the kidneys.

13. Celery: Both the seed and the plant contain high levels of potassium and sodium that together stimulate urine production.

14. Lettuce: It helps flush out toxins and increases metabolism rate.

15. Melon: It contains high levels of water, potassium and sodium that help eliminate toxins and stimulates urine production.

16. Gingko Biloba: Gingko seeds are used to treat many urinary problems. Apart from this they are also used to treat other disorders like coughs, digestion problems, scabies and skin sores.

17. Carrots: An infusion of carrot seeds with boiling water is used as a diuretic. They also have other health benefits like good eye health, skin health and improved immunity.

18. Coffee: Coffee is considered to be a good laxative and diuretic. Both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee seem to be effective.

19. Watercress: Watercress is popular for weight loss benefits, because of its diuretic action it helps to get rid of excess fluids from the body.

20. Beetroot: Having a glass of beetroot juice daily works as a good diuretic. It helps to get rid of salt and water out of the body.

A natural diuretic diet can also be followed as a diet for weight loss or a detoxification diet. They also help reduce PMS symptoms like bloating and headaches. For these purposes, carbohydrates, foods high in sugar and salt content, junk foods, soft drinks, etc. need to be completely eliminated from one's diet and the above mentioned foods and herbs should be incorporated. Drinking plenty of water is also very essential.

Although these foods can help detoxify and provide relief from edema, they should be consumed only for a few days, as some natural diuretics can also flush out the essential minerals and nutrients. It is advisable to consume them under the advise of a medical expert.

Uses of Diuretics
Over the counter diuretics are taken to prevent or to treat water retention or edema (an intense accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues). Water pills increase the production of urine by releasing accumulated fluid in the body. This helps get rid of body toxins as well. Thus, they also play the role of detoxifying agents. They help rid the body of excess salts and also reduce blood volume, particularly through the action of the kidneys. Increased blood volume leads to increased blood pressure. Water pills can help lower high blood pressure. Instead of using OTC diuretics for high blood pressure, diuretics available by prescription should be used. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid, and injections. Similarly, OTC diuretics for edema should be avoided. As edema can be a sign of a more serious problem in some cases, consulting your physician and taking prescribed drugs is absolutely essential.

Water pills are recommended as a weight loss aid, when you need to lose substantial weight in a short period of time. But the fact is that diuretics do not promote fat loss. I repeat, diuretics, simply remove retained fluid. The loss of a few pounds noticed on a scale is a temporary loss. It is not a healthy way to lose weight. Overuse of diuretics can result in dehydration and sometimes severe hypokalemia or potassium deficiencies, which can be dangerous. As apple cider vinegar contains potassium, it is considered as good and relatively safe diuretic for weight loss.

Over the counter diuretics are perhaps the most commonly abused medications. They should not be administered to small children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. A variety of herbal diuretics are commonly found in over the counter weight loss products. They are not toxic but may interact with some medications. Therefore, it is always safe to consult your health care provider before opting for diuretics. OTC diuretics like pamabrom (Aquaban) can help reduce water retention caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS); but prior consultation with your doctor is necessary.

Myotcstore Related Products:

Mason natural herbal diuretic with calcium tablets - 90 ea

Applied nutrition natural fat burner, liquid soft -gel - 30 ea

QuickTrim Aqua Slim Ultimate Water Pill Tablets - 20 ea

Diurex Water Pills, Advanced Formula - 22 ea

Natures Bounty Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg Capsules - 60 ea