Diuretics are used to remove excess water from the body for those who wish to control their blood pressure or lower fluid retention and edema. Edema is a medical symptoms characterized by swelling in the limbs, commonly the feet and ankles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It can indicate a serious health condition, so medical attention is advised. Many foods, especially those high in potassium, act as natural diuretics.
Asparagus and other vegetables
Asparagus is a natural diuretic along with man other vegetables. Beets, grapes, pineapple, pumpkin, green beans, leeks, onions, garlic, and parsley are all known to have diuretic action.
Dandelion
The herb dandelion is known to have diuretic properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The plant leaves can be used in salad or dried to make a tea. The university experts suggest 4 to 10 g of dried leaves in a cup of water. They state that this plant should not be ingested by people taking blood thinning medication or those with gallbladder disease.
Grapes and Grape Seed
Grapes have a diuretic action, as do the seeds. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests ingesting 360 milligrams of grape seed extract twice a day to reduce swelling.
Potassium rich foods
Potassium helps maintain the body's balance of water, according to Colorado State University and can therefore be part of the cycle of cause and cure of edema. Because foods rich in potassium act as diuretics, athletes and those with hypertension are frequently advised to add potassium-rich foods to their diets to help stimulate a natural diuretic action, They suggest orange juice, bananas and potatoes as foods to add potassium to the blood after a strenuous athletic workout.
