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Consuming natural diuretics, such as the following 12 food or drink options, can award you health benefits with low to mild potential side effects.
You may be able to avoid taking medicinal diuretics if you consume natural diuretic foods. Any dietary and lifestyle modifications should be reviewed with a professional and implemented in accordance with your specific dietary and medical needs.
Are there any risks with natural diuretics?
Natural diuretics are generally considered safe because they have mild side effects. It is crucial to remember that anything you eat or drink may cause negative effects.
Taking natural diuretics in moderation means having a low risk of side effects although it is possible to have allergies to these substances or even have a drug-supplement interaction in case you take multiple medications.
12 best natural diuretics to consume
The 12 best natural diuretics to eat or drink include:
- Watermelon:
- Watermelon contains about 92 percent water, making it a great natural hydrator.
- The amino acid L-citrulline in watermelon boosts nitric oxide synthesis, which relaxes the blood vessels. As the blood vessels relax and dilate, blood circulation improves.
- The increased blood flow decreases water retention and aids in the removal of fluid from tissues.
- It is high in nutrients, such as vitamins A and C and potassium.
- Horsetail extract:
- Horsetail is a natural diuretic that has the same effect as pharmaceutical medications. It has been popular in recent years, and it is available in capsule or tea form.
- Although this natural diuretic plant is considered safe, it is not recommended for long-term usage.
- Furthermore, people with medical disorders such as diabetes or renal disease should avoid using this.
- Asparagus:
- Asparagus has traditionally been used for its diuretic effects for ages.
- Diuretic benefits of the vegetable are derived from the amino acid asparagine, and it has been used to treat edema, rheumatism, and premenstrual water retention.
- The distinctive odor of urine after eating asparagus is caused by asparagusic acid, which when digested is broken down into a sulfur-containing molecule.
- Dandelion:
- Dandelion leaves are used for their diuretic properties.
- Dandelion leaves can help with digestion and hunger.
- The flower itself contains powerful antioxidant components, making it a promising alternative for immune system enhancement.
- Cucumber:
- Cucumbers have high water content and carreic acid, which assist in the elimination or retention of water in our bodies.
- They provide nutrients that help the kidneys remove uric acid.
- Cucumbers are a terrific way to shed water weight and are low in calories, making them a good alternative for people who want to lose weight.
- Celery:
- Coumarin in celery aids in the prevention of high blood pressure and cleaning of the system by eliminating excess water from the body in the form of urine.
- It aids in digestion and alleviates bloating.
- Celery's high water and electrolyte content reduce dehydration, and chemicals in celery serve as a diuretic, reducing occurrences of bloating.
- Caffeine:
- Lemons:
- Lemons are abundant in vitamin C, potassium, folate, citric acid, and flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help prevent inflammation.
- Citric acid is a natural diuretic that aids in the reduction of edema (fluid retention) and the prevention of kidney stones.
- Hibiscus flower:
- The calyx of the hibiscus flower is commonly used to produce hibiscus or sour tea, a therapeutic tea.
- Studies reported that drinking hibiscus tea has several health advantages, including lowering high blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
- Many individuals recognize hibiscus calyx as an efficient diuretic.
- A study reported that hibiscus blossoms assist boost the kidney's filtration capacity.
- Beets:
- Beets are rich in potassium, which aids with fluid removal.
- Betanin, which gives beets their color, has been linked to reducing levels of C-reactive protein, and it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cantaloupe:
- Cantaloupes or melons are high in potassium and water and are an excellent method to lose water weight.
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are excellent choices because they may help purge the body of toxins and increase urine. It may fill you up owing to its high-water volume and appetite-suppressing qualities.
- Juniper:
- Juniper has been used as a natural diuretic since the Middle Ages.
- Numerous animal investigations have revealed that juniper has a considerable influence on urine production.
- Juniper, like many other natural diuretics, does not appear to reduce potassium levels. Therefore, to lower the dangers of water retention in the body, you may flavor your foods with juniper.
3 benefits of natural diuretics
Three health benefits of natural diuretics include:
- Lower blood pressure:
- High blood pressure is an increase in the pressure of blood moving through the arteries, exerting strain on the heart. This causes the heart to pump more blood, which can lead to heart failure.
- Diuretics promote urine formation, which helps eliminate sodium along with water thus, lowering blood pressure.
- Diuretics, both natural and medications, are to be used only when salt levels are high in the body.
- If your salt levels are low and yet you have high blood pressure, this signals a separate issue. In such a scenario, diuretics are not used.
- Prevent kidney stones:
- Kidney stones are mineral deposits that harden into stones.
- Inadequate urine is one of the leading causes of kidney stone formation.
- It is advised to drink or eat foods that induce diuresis, which can promote urine and wash out the kidneys.
- Reduce bloating:
- Symptoms of fluid retention in the tissues include edema, puffiness, and bloating.
- Diuretics, which induce urine, are quite effective at alleviating these symptoms.
- Fluid retention in the ankles can make it difficult to walk.
- Fluid retention in other regions of the body, such as the lungs, heart, and so on, can have more catastrophic consequences.
- Diuretics reduce fluid retention and alleviate symptoms caused by fluid retention.
