Diuretics help to rid the body of extra salt and water by decreasing the amount of fluid flowing through the blood vessels and reducing pressure in the vascular system, according to MayoClinic.com. Diuretics are typically used to treat diseases that involve increased sodium, such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, congestive heart failure and chronic liver disease. Diuretic foods help the body naturally release this excess fluid by triggering a chemical reaction in the body that encourages urine production. Fluid retention may be alleviated by maintaining a good diet and getting plenty of exercise.
Asparagus
A food source that is a natural diuretic is asparagus, according to the website The World's Healthiest Foods. This vegetable is a good source of potassium and it is low in sodium. It consists of a combination of minerals, active amino acids and fiber, which naturally detoxifies the body, cleans the gastrointestinal tract and encourages urine excretion. Asparagus may be used to reduce arthritis-based swelling and PMS-related water retention.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are natural diuretics, according the website Every Diet. Coffee, tea, sodas and other caffeinated beverages are not technically considered a food, but they are considered natural diuretics because they contain caffeine. David Schlundt, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Vanderbilt University, states that caffeine is a mild stimulant that helps the body rid itself of excess fluid by increasing blood flow in the kidneys, preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing sodium and water and encouraging urination by weakening bladder muscles.
Watermelon
A food source that is considered a natural diuretic is watermelon, according to MayoClinic.com. Watermelon has high water content, which increases urine production, flushes out toxins and reduces fluid accumulation in the body.
Chocolate
Chocolate is considered a natural diuretic food source because it contains theobromine, according to Minnesota's Organic Consumers Association. Theobromine is a mild diuretic that belongs to the same family as caffeine. This diuretic stimulates the central nervous system, dilates blood vessels and increases urination. It is sometimes used to treat heart attacks that stem from fluid retention. Theobromine naturally occurs in cocoa beans, which is present in all chocolate products. According to the Phyotchemicals website, the largest amount of theobromine is found in dark chocolate.
References
- Every Diet: Diuretic Diet
- Organic Consumers Association: Examining the Properties of Chocolate and Cacao for Health
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Asparagus
- Vanderbilt University: Psychology Department: Caffeine and Sports Performance
- Progressive Health: Natural Diuretics
- Mayo Clinic: Water Retention: Are There Any Natural Diuretics?
