Diuretics increase the amount of water and sodium that the body expels through urine. Diuretics can aid some individuals who have hypertension, which is high blood pressure. While there are numerous prescription diuretics, some foods also act as natural diuretics. By increasing the volume of fluid coursing through blood vessels, the amount of force placed against the arterial walls of the body is reduced. Diuretics also help people who have edema or fluid retention. Diuretics can even help short-term weight loss. A person who suspects he may have hypertension or edema should seek medical attention as both are potentially serious conditions.
Fruits
Typically, fruits with high water content act as natural diuretics. According to the MayoClinic.com, the water content in watermelon can reduce water retention by causing more frequent urination. Lemon juice is a natural diuretic. Bottle gourd, or Lagenaria siceraria, is an uncommon fruit, but an excellent diuretic. According to Boston University, the fruit is closely related to the calabash fruit but grows on a vine instead of a tree. The rind of the bottle gourd is a natural diuretic.
Vegetables
Light green vegetables, such as celery and cucumbers, are natural diuretics, according to Dr. James Balch. In his book, "Prescription for Dietary Wellness," Dr. Balch writes that eating two to four celery stalks each day will act as a "mild diuretic." In the August 2009 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," Bevin Clare details a study on the diuretic effect of dandelion leaf extract. Dandelion is a common plant that can be added to salads. The study found that dandelion leaf extract increased the amount of urination for study participants.
Drinks
Plain water is an excellent diuretic. In the "Encyclopedia of Family Health," Dr. David Jacoby writes that the caffeine found in drinks like coffee and tea is also a natural diuretic. Green tea has the added benefit of providing antioxidants. Even beer acts as a natural diuretic, thanks in part to its high water content. All of these natural diuretics work by increasing the rate at which the body filters blood.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Water Retention
- Boston University: Lagenaria Siceraria
- "Prescription for Dietary Wellness"; James F. Balch, M.D.; May 2003
- "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract of Taraxacum Officinale Folium; Bevin A. Clare, M.S., R.H.; August 2009
- "Encyclopedia of Family Health"; David B. Jacoby, M.D.; November 2004
