Excess fluids in the body can cause a variety of medical problems. Glaucoma, high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling of hands, feet and face (edema), bloating, and abdominal distension are among the things that can be attributed directly to water retention. Diuretics relieve the cause of the symptoms and eliminate the over-load of fluids. Not only do the affected tissues lose their puffiness after a diuretic, but the blood volume decreases, relieving pressure on the arteries, heart, brain and even the eyes.
The foods most commonly consumed have a natural salt content, but most people tend to add a little extra to enhance the flavor. This is especially true on eggs, meats and vegetables. French fries, for example wouldn’t taste right without added salt. And popcorn? Imagine it without salt! After a day of normal eating habits, the human body has an overload of salt, which makes the tissues retain water, and causes the aforementioned effects. Diuretics are the only way to reduce or remove the fluids that cause so many health concerns. Diuretics can be found in some foods, herbs and pharmaceutical concoctions.
Celery, artichoke, parsley, asparagus, melon, coffee, watercress, apple cider vinegar, and cranberries are among the best natural diuretics you can get from foods. Using salt on them can decrease their effectiveness, of course.
Pharmaceutical or synthetic remedies for water retention are the prescription drugs, Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide (Lasix), and Spironolactone (Aldactone). These drugs should only be used under a doctor’s supervision and they all have side effects of one sort or another.
Herbal diuretics contain no synthetic drugs and have no side effects. Buchu and dandelion are the most popular herbal diuretics. They are highly effective and should be taken in carefully measured doses to prevent any problems. Although they have no side effects by themselves, taking too much can be harmful, since they are very powerful. It’s best to find the right balance for the individual and continue taking it after the water reduction is complete.
With most diuretics, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids to rinse out the system and promote good health.
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