Diuretics are natural and medicinal. They can be derived from food and medicinal plants to aid in weight loss and eliminate water retention, or drugs can be used to regulate urination and the accumulation of fluids.
There are many types of diuretics such as potassium-sparing ones, those for weight loss (in some places called emagrecer), thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics like furosemide and torsemide, which inhibit the reabsorption of chloride and sodium, or those that can be taken in infusions or pill form.
Currently, there are many ways to take them, use them differently, and of course, depending on what we take, they will provide us with various beneficial effects for health.
Contents
What are diuretics
Diuretics are natural plants, medications, and foods that help us eliminate sodium and water from the body, meaning they reduce the amount of salt and fluids we accumulate for various reasons and cannot expel through natural means.
Their function, properties, and health benefits are numerous. They help the kidneys work better and produce more urine to expel the sodium we have accumulated through food and ingested products.
The function of a diuretic is to stimulate the kidney to release more sodium in the urine, but for this to occur, sodium or salt must be present in the blood. This will trap water from the circulatory system, and as it passes through the kidneys, it will be included in the urine, which will be expelled naturally.
Types of diuretics
We can distinguish three main groups or types of diuretics:
- Natural.
- Medications.
- Foods.
Natural diuretics
Natural diuretics are plants and extracts from nature that can be taken through infusions or by ingesting one or two capsules a day.
Generally used to eliminate water retention and, in some cases, by people with obesity or those wanting to lose weight by reducing body volume.
It should be noted that, although natural diuretics are effective for hypertension since some are potent and strong, their effects are reduced when compared to medications. Moreover, to control and treat certain disorders in the human body, it is always recommended to undergo treatment guided by a specialist. However, all those we will indicate below are over-the-counter diuretics, meaning you can buy them without any problem or objection.
The most powerful and effective ones
- Nettle.
- Horsetail.
- Chamomile.
- Artichoke.
- Hawthorn.
- Ginger.
- Dandelion.
- Parsley.
- Juniper.
- Green tea.
Since their benefits and effects cause a reduction of fluids in the body, if used uncontrolled or without knowing their properties, they can lead to side effects and worsen other medical issues, as well as interact with medications.
The advantage of these is that you can use them without a prescription or doctor’s control, although, as mentioned earlier, they may worsen other conditions if administered uncontrolled or for a prolonged period. The use of homemade natural diuretics should always be for a few days as long as there is no illness or medication treatment.
Nettle
Considered one of the most powerful natural diuretics, Urtica diodica or green nettle is a homemade remedy to reduce swelling and fight water retention, often used as a remedy for weight loss, although its properties are not exactly for that.
Nettle plants help improve everything related to bodily fluids, with very important properties to detoxify the body and improve and purify the blood. The properties of nettle promote the secretion of gastric juices, improving digestion and increasing the elimination of the liquid that has accumulated in the body. And indeed, nettle helps detoxify, increase diuresis, and aid the kidneys in purifying the blood.
Horse tail
Considered a medicinal plant with exceptional properties, horse tail works as a potassium-sparing diuretic because, within its composition, we can find a high amount of this essential mineral for the body.
Although it increases urine production and promotes its excretion, by incorporating potassium, it prevents the typical deficiency that most diuretics cause as a side effect. It is a natural potassium-sparing agent, nothing like medications.
However, in natural treatments, it is almost always included for being potent and very effective for this purpose.
Chamomile
It is a plant from Asia widely used as an infusion for its properties against water retention. Chamomile or Camellia sinensis L. is the plant from which tea comes, another product often consumed to force urination.
In addition to protecting kidney function, by incorporating antioxidants into its composition, it helps protect against free radicals, acts against cholesterol, and serves as a natural remedy to prevent kidney stones.
Artichoke
Known by its scientific name “Cymara scolymus,” artichoke is an effective and very powerful diuretic. It is taken in pill form or as an infusion, making a decoction of its leaves or crushing them to be ingested during short periods of time.
In addition to protecting kidney function, of the kidney, artichoke has benefits for the liver and the gastrointestinal system, being a homemade detoxifying and cleansing medicinal preparation. It will help us a lot in detoxifying the body, making us urinate more, and improving digestion thanks to the increased secretion of bile. But also, taking artichoke or instead artichokes can help lower blood sugar levels. So it serves and acts as a super-effective natural and homemade remedy.
Hawthorn
Known as Crataegus monogyna, hawthorn for hypertension or high blood pressure works by decreasing the pressure in the blood vessels and accelerating the expulsion of sodium from the bloodstream.
It is perhaps the most widely used natural remedy since its properties are much more focused on diuresis.
Like most medicinal plants and natural diuretics, hawthorn also has other medicinal activities, being at the same time a tonic for the central nervous system (CNS). However, due to its vasodilatory properties, it can protect against the most common vascular accidents caused by excessively high blood pressure.
Ginger
Ginger is a rhizome or root from the plant Zingibe officinale that can help us in many everyday situations. It is widely used to treat respiratory tract infections and also to improve kidney function. Ginger and its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties make it one of the best therapeutic foods. Very inexpensive, it can be bought in any market or supermarket, as well as in herbal stores if you prefer natural products.
Ginger is considered a mild diuretic and, by increasing diuresis, it will cause us to urinate more, eliminating the excess salt from our body after a few hours.
Diuretic Medications
As the name indicates, this type of product is considered medication, having the same function in the body.
The classification of diuretic medications is as follows:
- Thiazide diuretics.
- Loop diuretics.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics.
Since there are several types of diuretics considered as drugs, we will look at them in more detail below.
Thiazide Diuretics
They act on thiazide receptors. Thiazide diuretics are derivatives of benzothiadiazine and prevent the reabsorption of sodium and chloride.
Thiazide diuretics are widely used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure, and the most common ones are:
- Chlorothiazide.
- Chlorthalidone.
- Chlorthalidone.
- Indapamide.
- Metolazone.
Their use is often recommended as a secondary measure when other types of diuretics have not worked well.
Since they lower blood pressure by forcing diuresis and reducing plasma blood volume, as well as producing vasodilation, they should always be used with caution and only in appropriate cases, such as:
- Hypertension.
- Hypocalcemia.
- Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
- Dent disease.
- Bromide poisoning.
Loop Diuretics
These belong to the group of medications that increase the secretion of ions in the urine.
Loop diuretics affect the “Loop of Henle” and, like thiazide diuretics, can be used for hypertension or in cases where edema occurs due to renal failure or congestive heart failure.
These diuretics, loop diuretics, act on the reabsorption of calcium and magnesium, causing less concentration of ions and minerals in the urine, which in many cases may be necessary for the body.
They also have effects to reduce blood volume, making water circulate less to the blood, but like the others, they increase diuresis or what we know as urine.
Other medicinal effects and properties of loop diuretics include vasodilation, improved kidney function, and lowered blood pressure. All these effects result in lowered blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular and brain accidents.
Loop diuretics are used to:
- Treat hypertension.
- Heart failure.
- Renal failure.
- Liver cirrhosis.
- Nephrotic syndrome.
- Help against the symptoms and risks of brain, lung edema, etc.
- Improve the action of other drugs and the quality of patients with hypercalcemia.
Names of Loop Diuretics
- Ethacrynic acid.
- Bumetanide.
- Furosemide.
- Torsemide.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
These are a special type of mild or weak diuretic because their function is to increase diuresis but without eliminating potassium from the body, meaning they conserve it more compared to the other types.
Potassium-sparing diuretics are medications that increase the excretion of potassium (salt) and reduce the excretion of potassium.
What are potassium-sparing diuretics?
Examples of diuretics that do not eliminate potassium are:
- Amiloride.
- Triamterene.
- Aldosterone antagonists:
- Eplerenone.
- Spironolactone.
The effects of potassium-sparing diuretics are at the kidney level, increasing the elimination of water and electrolytes while conserving the mineral. This is the opposite of the effects of loop diuretics and thiazides, which do cause potassium loss. Therefore, each of these types of diuretics should be used in specific cases, as their benefits will vary depending on the individual’s situation.
The common uses are for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.
Osmotic Diuretics
Osmotic diuretics prevent the reabsorption of water and sodium in the body, and are commonly used in medicine intravenously.
Osmotic diuretics increase the osmolality of the blood, diuresis, or renal filtration.
Their mechanism of action occurs in the nephron, the kidney structure where blood is purified. By using osmotics, the kidneys can regulate the amount of water in the blood plasma and excrete excess electrolytes such as sodium and other substances.
The effects of osmotic diuretics include increasing plasma volume and the amount of blood flowing to the kidney, facilitating the body’s purification. They are often used to reduce blood pressure, intracranial pressure, and intraocular pressure. Their main medicinal property is to reduce plasma volume in the nervous system, typically administered in emergency situations because, when injected intravenously, their action is much faster than other diuretics such as thiazides, loop diuretics, and even much more effective and powerful than natural diuretics or those ingested as food.
The most common osmotic diuretics are:
- Mannitol.
- Isosorbide.
Diuretic Foods
One of the best ways to control dropsy, the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body, and bloating from menstruation, is to regulate the diet and include diuretic foods to eliminate liquids and monitor salt intake.
They are easy to buy, can be prepared in many ways, and increasing their consumption usually does not cause side effects like those produced by medications or capsule diuretics.
To Eliminate Liquids and Lose Volume
However, foods with diuretic effects to eliminate liquids are more limited, acting as purifiers and against abdominal bloating. While they can have an influence on blood pressure and be good for hypertension, their mechanism of action is very limited.
In general, it is recommended to consume diuretic foods to de-bloat and lose volume such as the following:
- Artichoke.
- Onion.
- Pear.
- Pineapple.
- Papaya.
- Watermelon.
- Tomato.
- Peppers.
- Blueberries.
- Carrots.
- Eggplant.
- Celery.
- Grapes.
- Asparagus.
- Lettuce.
- Oats.
- Parsley.
- Beetroot.
Differences Between Natural Diuretics and Medications
The differences between medication diuretics or pharmaceutical preparations are that they are regulated by official bodies, and must pass tests and trials before they can be sold in pharmacies.
The advantages of these drugs over natural and unregulated or unsupervised ones are that they offer higher quality, with the exact dosage being established for each individual.
The pharmacology of diuretics is quite developed, with countless drugs available that have well-established compositions and therapeutic properties.
However, although plant extracts do not undergo the same quality control and are not studied as intensively, they also offer many properties and, at times, can be just as valid as those synthesized in laboratories. The key is to know how to use them at the right time. In this case, we could talk about over-the-counter pharmacy diuretics, which, after all, contain the plant extract, i.e., leaves, flowers, and roots crushed into powder, which is then encapsulated and coated with vegetable gelatin for easy consumption in capsules, or you can simply crush them to use as an infusion.
Diuretics for Weight Loss
They are usually not recommended for this purpose since, if used without knowledge or in situations where there is an illness, they could worsen health.
Diuretics for weight loss have effects to reduce volume and as a product for de-bloating. However, they have little to no effect on accumulated fat, and are not effective against obesity or for promoting weight loss.
If your goal is to lose weight and achieve a better physical appearance, we recommend following a proper diet and checking out our section on how to lose weight and lose weight quickly. In this section, you will find plenty of information on the best ways to lose weight safely, as well as the most effective treatments for weight loss.
Remember, when you take a natural diuretic, you will be eliminating sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other essential minerals for good health, so improper use could bring more inconveniences and consequences than following a balanced diet or using an anti-fat treatment. In the long run, results are much more effective and lasting when you follow the advice in the article we have mentioned.
Side Effects
As we have explained and mentioned throughout this article, diuretics can have side effects. Improper use of them can cause dehydration and loss of metabolites, which are essential elements for proper health and bodily function.
When diuretics are taken for weight loss, de-bloating, or to eliminate water retention, they can have the following side effects:
- Dehydration.
- Dizziness.
- Vertigo.
- Disorientation.
- Tingling sensation.
- Arrhythmia and heart malfunction due to potassium loss, palpitations.
- Kidney problems due to lack of water.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle cramps due to low levels and potassium deficiency.
- Skin disorders, irritation, dryness, peeling.
- Joint problems such as knee pain, weakness in the limbs, bone tissue loss, cartilage reduction, etc.
- Gout.
- Depression.
- Asthenia.
- Irritability and mood swings.
- Impotence.
- Urinary incontinence.
Although when used correctly, diuretics have countless benefits, improper use can lead to a series of side effects and adverse reactions of various kinds.
Always take them under the supervision of a doctor or nutrition specialist if you wish to lose weight. Misuse can worsen your health, whether they are “natural” or of any other kind.
Contraindications
While they can produce unwanted effects, the use of diuretics has contraindications in the following cases:
- Hypotension or low blood pressure.
- Low-sodium diet.
- Treatment with diuretic medications.
- Use of other diuretic plants.
- Anticoagulants.
- Antihypertensive drugs.
- Potassium deficiency.
- Dehydration.
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Babies.
- Kidney, liver diseases, and those affecting the heart.
- Having gout, diuretics should never be taken in this case.
- Renal failure (use of thiazides only with medical recommendation).
There are many contraindications for diuretics, and they should always be used under control. If in doubt, it is advisable not to start taking them and always consult a specialist.
Now, after outlining their effects, the purposes of diuretics, and the different types of products that increase diuresis (the elimination of liquids through urine), there are also cases where it may be advisable to take them.
So, next, we will explain when it is advisable to take diuretics and their administration or dosage.
When to Use Diuretics
With the recommendations and warnings in mind, diuretics can be used in the following cases:
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Fluid accumulation.
- Kidney problems.
- Preventing kidney stones.
- Weight loss (always with caution, as they will only reduce volume, not accumulated fat).
- Increase bone density in cases of osteoporosis (only thiazides).
- To prevent or treat liver and heart failure.
- Reduce swelling of certain tissues when there is edema.
- To prevent kidney stones.
The medicinal properties and effects of diuretics make them a functional element for reducing pressure on blood vessels, improving cardiovascular and renal health. In some cases, after using them, and if no improvement is detected in the individual, the doctor may recommend another treatment for hypertension, such as calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, or angiotensin II receptor antagonists.