Natural Diuretics: Let s Explore the Best Options!
Diuretics, also known as water pills, are a type of medication that helps to rid the body of salt (sodium) and water. These medicines essentially work by letting the kidneys release more (than usual) sodium into the urine. The sodium then helps to remove water from the blood. It subsequently decreases the amount of fluid flowing through arteries and veins. This simply means these pills can help lower blood pressure.
When Are Diuretics Prescribed?
Diuretics are generally prescribed by doctors when a person's body is retaining excess fluid. Fluid regulation is more commonly required in older adults. The following conditions may cause the body to retain fluid or result in fluid retention:
- Congestive Heart Failure
- High blood pressure
- Cirrhosis
- Tissue swelling (swelling in legs and feet)
- Kidney dysfunction
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome
What Are Prescription Diuretics?
Prescription diuretics are medications that predominantly help a patient to remove excess fluid from their body by making them urinate more frequently. The medications are also used to treat conditions including chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, and heart failure, among others. While they are commonly used medications, they can cause a number of side effects, such as:
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Lightheadedness
- Rashes on the skin
- Headaches
What Are Natural Diuretics?
Some herbs and dietary supplements may help promote diuresis, or the increased production of urine. They can be helpful to someone who has been trying to do away with excess fluid in their body.
However, you should never forget to consult your doctor before trying any such herbs or supplements. You should take this caution seriously, especially if you are already taking any medications prescribed by your doctor.
We are now going to mention some commonly used supplements and herbs that may act as natural diuretics. Some early scientific studies have suggested that many of these alternatives actually work and help a person's body excrete excess fluid. That said, it is very important to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about dosages as well as potential drug interactions before giving these supplements a try.
Dandelion
The dandelion is often seen as a weed, but did you know that this plant can actually have some benefits for your health? One of the compounds in dandelions has been found to enhance kidney activity and increase the frequency of urination. So, if you have been looking for a natural way to improve your kidney function, try drinking dandelion tea.
If you pay attention, you may find a dandelion plant growing in your neighborhood. It is best known for being perceived as a weed that grows in your yard and around your flowers.
If you are also one of the majority of people, you see it as nothing but a nuisance plant. Some people may even uproot the plant and throw it away, not knowing its qualities.
Hawthorns
Hawthorn is a plant that has many benefits for the human body. It can be of great help in many different areas of health and for different organs, such as the heart, liver, and lungs. In fact, the American Cancer Society, a voluntary health organization, has been studying its benefits for cancer patients as well.
This plant belongs to the rose family. Furthermore, one of hawthorns’ benefits is its ability to act as a diuretic. This means that it can help reduce fluid buildup in the body and can also alleviate the symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Studies have shown that the nutrients found in a hawthorn plant can help increase urinary excretion as well as flow, making it a possibly effective treatment for kidney problems. Hawthorn berries can also be used for making healthy tea.
Junipers
Junipers have been used as a natural diuretic for ages. The cherry on the cake is that juniper does not seem to lower potassium levels in patients like most such drugs or their substitutes do. So, if you are looking for a natural way to regulate your body's fluids, try adding juniper to flavor meat and game dishes.
Moreover, a juniper berry is a small, fleshy, seed-like, cone-shaped fruit of a number of species in the genus Juniperus. It is the only conifer that produces berries, and it grows naturally in the Northern Hemisphere.
The berries are often aromatic and used to flavor foods and alcoholic beverages, such as gin. It is truly a natural gift. You can easily find juniper berries or juniper tea at most health food stores.
Green or black tea
If you're looking for a delicious way to help flush excess fluid from your system, try sipping on green or black tea. Certain studies have suggested that both of them have natural diuretic properties.
Apart from that, people who look forward to losing weight and achieving a leaner physique can also try sipping on green or black tea. Studies have shown that both these kinds of tea have natural diuretic properties. Green or black tea can help you lose excess water weight, help to prevent bloating and help you feel full.
Parsley
This flowering plant is most commonly used as a garnish, but it may also be helpful for people who are taking diuretic drugs and struggling to tolerate them. According to a 2002 study conducted by American medical researchers, parsley may help with urinary volume.
Apart from that, there is even more recent research that has confirmed the plant's diuretic properties. So, if you are someone who is struggling to tolerate certain diuretic drugs, parsley may be worth trying as a natural remedy for you.
Conclusion
Natural diuretics are an excellent way to rid the body of excess salt and water while avoiding the negative side effects associated with prescription diuretics. Furthermore, we hope this article has provided you with a clear overview of natural diuretics and why you should consider using them.
If you still have any questions or concerns about natural diuretics, please feel free to contact us anytime. Thank you for reading!