What is diuretic? A diuretic is a substance that increases urine production. Diuretics are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Diuretics are also used to help people lose weight. There are two types of diuretics: those that increase sodium excretion (cause water loss) and those that decrease sodium excretion (cause sodium gain). Diuretics work by either decreasing the amount of fluid reabsorbed by the kidneys or increasing the amount of fluid filtered out of the body.
Diuretics are sometimes called “water pills” because they cause the body to lose water. However, not all diuretics cause water loss. In fact, some diuretics actually cause the opposite effect – they cause the body to retain water. These are known as “water retention drugs.” When taken correctly, diuretics can reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
There are many different kinds of diuretics. Some examples include acetazolamide, amiloride, bumetanide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, spironolactone, triamterene, and torasemide.
Here are some deuretics, including natural ones, that have been popular for years with thousands of people.
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Common Diuretics
There are several commonly known diuretics. One example is caffeine. Caffeine is a natural diuretic that works by stimulating the release of hormones that cause the kidneys to produce more urine. Another example is salt. Salt is a naturally occurring diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete excess amounts of water. Other examples include coffee, tea, chocolate, and black pepper.
Benefits Of Using Diuretics
The use of diuretics can be very useful for people who suffer from certain medical conditions. People who have congestive heart failure may benefit from using diuretics to reduce fluid buildup. Those who have chronic kidney disease may find that diuretics help them control their levels of creatinine, a waste product produced by the body’s kidneys. If you have high blood pressure, then taking diuretics can help lower your blood pressure.
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How To Use Diuretics
When using diuretics, it is best to start slowly and gradually work your way up to the maximum dose. You should never exceed the recommended daily intake of diuretics. In addition, if you take diuretics along with other medications, always check with your doctor before starting a new medication.
Natural Diuretics
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great natural diuretic. In fact, watermelons have been shown to increase urine production. According to research, drinking watermelon juice increases urine output by about 40 percent. The high citric acid content in watermelon helps stimulate urination.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains a compound called naringin, which may help reduce fluid retention. Naringin works by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are often recommended as a natural diuretic. The cucumber’s high water content makes it a good choice. Also, cucumbers contain citrates, which help remove toxins from the body.
Celery
Celery contains a substance called apigenin, which stimulates the kidneys to produce more urine.
Papaya
Papayas contain a chemical called papain, which helps break down protein and fat. This aids in the elimination of fluids from the body.
Pineapple
Pineapples contain bromelain, which breaks down protein and fats. Bromelain helps eliminate excess sodium and fluids.
Asparagus
Asparagus contains chemicals that cause the body to excrete more urine.
Diuretics And Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid using diuretics unless they have been prescribed by their doctor. While some diuretics are safe during pregnancy, others can harm the baby. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid using diuretics.
Diuretics Are Not Always Safe
While diuretics are often considered harmless, they can sometimes pose risks. Certain diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to dehydration. Others can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and muscle cramps. Some diuretics can even cause liver damage.
How to increase an urine production?
1. Drink lots of water
Drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins, cleanse the kidneys, and stimulate urination. Try drinking at least eight glasses per day. If you’re not producing enough urine, drink even more!
2. Eat fruits & vegetables
Fruits and veggies are high in fiber and low in sodium, which helps keep things moving along. Fiber also promotes regularity and keeps things flowing smoothly.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise stimulates blood flow and increases circulation, which means more oxygen gets delivered to the bladder. You’ll feel fuller faster if you exercise before eating.
4. Avoid caffeine
Caffeine constricts blood vessels, causing them to become smaller and less able to deliver oxygen to the bladder. Caffeine also causes the body to retain fluids, making it harder to go to the bathroom.
5. Don’t eat after 8pm
Eating late at night can cause bloating and indigestion, both of which make it hard to pass stool.
6. Take probiotics
Probiotic supplements can help restore gut flora balance and promote urinary tract health.
