Top 10 Effective Natural Diuretics for Reducing Unwanted Water Retention

• Post by: Irjar Jira
• April 16, 2023
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Natural Diuretics: Introductory

Water retention, also known as edoema, is a disorder in which the body’s excess fluids accumulate, causing swelling in numerous body areas such as the legs, feet, and ankles (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Water retention is important for general health because it can create discomfort and lead to a variety of health problems. Natural diuretics can help reduce water retention by encouraging the excretion of excess fluids. The reasons of water retention, natural diuretics, their benefits, safety precautions, and lifestyle changes to support their efficacy will be discussed in this article.

Water Retention Causes

Water retention can be caused by a variety of variables such as hormone changes, nutrition, lifestyle factors, and medical disorders. Women, for example, may retain water due to hormonal variations during menstruation or pregnancy (Taneja & Sharma, 2021). Fluid buildup in the body can also be caused by high-sodium diets, sedentary lifestyles, and certain medications (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019). Water retention can also be caused by medical illnesses such as heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

Natural Diuretics for Water Retention

Herbs and foods

A variety of foods and herbs can work as natural diuretics, assisting the body in eliminating excess fluids. Some examples are:

Kreydiyyeh and Usta (2002a)
(Clare, Conroy, & Spelman, 2009) Dandelion
(Mojiminiyi et al., 2007) Hibiscus
(Carneiro et al., 2014) Horsetail
(El-Tantawy & El-Sayed, 2016) Celery
(Rajasekar, Ravi, & Govindaraju, 2016) Cucumber
(Naz et al., 2014) Watermelon
(Asgary et al., 2013) Lemon

Alcoholic beverages

Natural diuretics can also be found in certain beverages, such as:

(Chacko et al., 2010) Green tea
Tea with peppermint (McKay & Blumberg, 2006)
Shirazi et al. (2018) fennel tea
(Nikkhah-Bodaghi et al., 2019) Ginger tea
(Kregiel, Pawlikowska, & Antolak, 2018) Nettle tea

Additions

Potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 supplements can help with fluid control and act as natural diuretics (Cappuccio et al., 1991; Eby & Eby, 2006).

The Advantages of Using Natural Diuretics

Natural diuretics have various advantages, including:

A. Lowering blood pressure by decreasing blood vessel fluid volume (Geleijnse et al., 2004).
B. Reducing inflammation, because some diuretics, such as dandelion, have anti-inflammatory properties (Clare et al., 2009).
C. Enhancing kidney function by increasing urine output, which aids in the removal of toxins (Carneiro et al., 2014).
D. Reducing swelling and bloating in the body by removing extra fluids (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).

Precautions and Safety

While natural diuretics can be helpful, they must be used with caution:

A. Stick to established dosages and guidelines; exceeding them can result in electrolyte imbalances and other issues (NCCIH, 2019).

B. Before utilising natural diuretics, consult with a healthcare practitioner, especially if you have pre-existing medical issues or are using drugs (NCCIH, 2019).

C. Be mindful of potential side effects and interactions, as some natural diuretics may interact with medications or worsen certain medical problems (NCCIH, 2019).

Lifestyle Modifications to Aid Natural Diuretics

Aside from taking natural diuretics, the following lifestyle adjustments can assist reduce water retention:

A. Limiting sodium intake: Excessive sodium consumption might contribute to water retention, thus reduce your intake (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).

B. Regular exercise: Physical activity, through improving circulation and promoting fluid balance, can help reduce water retention (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

C. Drinking plenty of water: Hydration is essential for maintaining optimal fluid balance and preventing water retention (Popkin, D’Anci, & Rosenberg, 2010).

D. Stress management: Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, which contribute to water retention; consequently, stress-reduction measures must be practised (Taneja & Sharma, 2021).

Conclusion

Natural diuretics, which promote the removal of excess fluids, can be an efficient strategy to relieve water retention. However, they must be used with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Individuals can gain long-term relief from water retention and preserve optimal health by taking natural diuretics and making lifestyle modifications.

Summary:

Water retention (or edoema) is analogous to an uninvited party guest who refuses to leave. It produces swelling and discomfort, as well as bloating. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’ve revealed the top ten potent natural diuretics that will not only kick water retention out, but will also make it think twice about showing up to your body’s next party.

These diuretics are ready to kick out excess fluids with a vengeance, from nibbling on parsley and cucumbers to sipping green tea and peppermint tea. Before attempting these cures, see your doctor and make some lifestyle modifications to ensure a long-term, bloat-free living. Say farewell to water retention and welcome to feeling fantastic!

References

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F. P. Cappuccio, N. D. Markandu, C. Carney, G. A. Sagnella, and G. A. MacGregor (1991). A randomised double-blind experiment of moderate salt restriction in older individuals was conducted. The Lancet, 338(8771), pp. 810-814.

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