According to MayoClinic.com, beware of self-proclaimed natural diuretics sold over the counter. Many are herbal supplements that are not regulated by the government. They can interact with medications you are taking and cause other problems, and they might carry insufficient labeling. However, some foods and beverages can work as natural diuretics. Dr. Suzanne Trupin, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine says that Americans retain water largely because of poor dietary habits, including high sodium consumption.
Water
MayoClinic.com recommends drinking eight glasses of water a day at a minimum to encourage urination. According to the website Progressive Health, when the body becomes dehydrated, it will try to hold on to what little water it does have. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day flushes out any water you might be retaining.
Fruits
The website MotherNature.com suggests that pink grapefruit juice acts as a diuretic. You can also add lemon to your water, since lemon causes more frequent urination, according to the website Progressive Health. The website says any food or juice that is high in vitamin C will help with water retention. MayoClinic.com recommends eating watermelon to help water retention since is has a high water content and can increase urination.
Vegetables
Vegetables with a high water content, such as celery, onions and cucumbers, can increase urination and reduce water weight, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dandelion greens also have natural diuretic properties, as well as ginger root.
Caffeine
Coffee is a well-known diuretic, but it can deplete the body of iron and calcium, according to the website MotherNature.com. Too much coffee can actually cause dehydration, prompting your body to retain water. In small amounts, however, it can be helpful as a diuretic, according to the website Progressive Health.
Calcium
The website MotherNature.com cites a 1992 study performed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Grand Forks Human Nutrition Center. The study revealed that women who took 1,336 milligrams of calcium a day exhibited fewer problems with water retention. The website warns that it is unclear why calcium should work this way or what properties it possesses to make it act as a diuretic. But foods high in calcium and calcium supplements might be helpful.
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