Contents
A good diuretic can not only save from edema, but also reduce pressure, and relieve excess weight, without causing harm to the body. And you don’t need to go far for it. The most effective and widely demanded diuretic products are often waiting in the wings in our kitchen. It’s just that not everyone knows about them yet.
Diuretics and their effects on the body
Diuretics are diuretics that help remove excess fluid from the body, and with it the end products of metabolism. In the body of a healthy person, the kidneys usually perform their function by maintaining optimal levels of sodium and calcium salts. In the event of the development of any diseases or deterioration of blood flow to them, their work may deteriorate, which affects the state of the whole organism. The first signs of such “malfunctions” are swelling and painful sensations in the area of their occurrence. You can get rid of them and prevent their reappearance with the help of diuretics.
By the way, doctors recommend using them not only for kidney disease, but also in other cases associated with fluid retention in the body, namely:
- with hypertension;
- with congestive heart failure;
- with polycystic ovary syndrome;
- diabetes;
- with cirrhosis of the liver;
- with bloating;
- in the presence of excess weight and cellulite – there is an opinion that subcutaneous fat contains up to 50% water.
Needless to say, diuretics can be synthetic and natural. While the former are medical drugs and often cause a lot of side effects, the latter have a mild effect on the body and help it quickly get rid of the existing problem.
Moreover, natural diuretics are low in calories, high in water, vitamins and trace elements. That is why they are recommended to be eaten regularly in order to prevent fluid retention in the body. In particular, this applies to women suffering from flatulence, or bloating and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The latter can be triggered by a large amount of salt, sugar or protein in the diet.
Top 20 diuretic products
Cucumber is a vegetable that contains up to 95% water, and sulfur is a substance that perfectly stimulates the kidneys.
Watermelon is an effective remedy for removing salt and excess fluid from the body.
Lemon – like all citrus fruits, it is a source of potassium, which helps to maintain optimal water balance, thanks to which the natural process of fluid elimination is established. In addition, doctors advise using lemons to prevent diseases of the genitourinary system.
Pineapple is another source of potassium. Its miraculous properties have been known since time immemorial. That is why, in traditional African medicine, dried crushed pineapple pulp is still used to treat edema.
Peaches are fruits that are both diuretic and laxative, according to the National Institutes of Health. In one of her books, Bridget Mars, a nutritionist with 30 years of experience behind her, writes that “peaches contain substances that help lower the level of uric acid, which provokes the formation of kidney stones.”
Parsley is a source of potassium and antioxidants and is an excellent diuretic.
Artichokes – stimulate appetite, increase bile production, improve liver function and promote the removal of fluid from the body.
Garlic is a versatile product that can effectively cleanse the body of toxins, reduce blood pressure and remove excess fluid. Nutritionists advise adding it to any meal on a regular basis. The fact is that it perfectly improves their taste and allows, over time, to abandon the use of salt – one of the reasons for the appearance of edema. You can replace it with onions.
Asparagus – it contains a unique substance – asparagine, which has a diuretic effect and improves metabolism, and also removes toxins from the body. Therefore, in folk medicine, it is used to get rid of edema, arthritis, rheumatism.
Celery is a low-calorie source of fluids and potassium and is also an excellent diuretic.
Strawberry – it contains over 90% of the liquid, as well as potassium, arginine, calcium and arbutin, thanks to which it is an effective diuretic.
Dandelion – you can brew tea from it, which is rightfully considered one of the most effective diuretics. Judge for yourself: in 2009, scientists published the results of a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, in which 17 volunteers took part. All of them were offered dandelion leaf extract, after which they experienced increased urination. The effect of taking the drug was observed on average after 5 hours.
Tomatoes are natural diuretics with a lot of liquid and potassium in their composition.
Oatmeal – improves digestion and has a diuretic effect due to its high quartz content.
Ginger – detoxifies the body and is a natural diuretic. In order to feel its miraculous effect on yourself, it is enough to add a small piece of its root to tea or a glass of water and drink them before meals.
Beets are a source of antioxidants, including betacyanins, which have a positive effect on blood chemistry and are found in only a few foods. Contains potassium and sodium, the presence of which explains its diuretic properties.
Green tea – It contains caffeine, which is an effective diuretic. However, it should not be overused, as in large quantities, the harm from the presence of caffeine in the diet can be greater than the benefit.
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent diuretic, the effect of which is explained by the presence in its composition of substances that help maintain optimal levels of potassium in the blood. Nutritionists advise adding it to your diet as a salad dressing, for example, if a person consumes a large amount of diuretics.
Blackcurrant is a source of vitamin C, tannins and potassium, which helps to remove excess fluid from the body.
Fennel is one of the most popular spices in Latin American cuisine and is also an excellent diuretic. Its seeds contain about 90% liquid, as well as iron, potassium and sodium.
How else can you help your body get rid of excess fluid?
- Quit smoking – it provokes swelling, since a person who smokes constantly lacks oxygen, and his entire body is poisoned by toxins.
- Exercise – Exercise improves metabolic processes.
- Do not abuse salt, but replace it with spices if possible. There is too much sodium in it, due to an excess of which the sodium-potassium balance is disturbed and the work of the cardiovascular system worsens.
- Eliminate alcohol from the diet – it poisons the body with toxins.
- Adhere to the principles of good nutrition.
Liquid not only ensures the vital activity of all our organs and systems, but also often leads to serious consequences in the event of an overabundance. Therefore, heed the advice of doctors, regularly consume diuretic products and be healthy!