Diuretic Food & Drink

Blood pressure abnormalities, gout, hormonal changes and high sodium foods as well as kidney, heart, liver or thyroid disease can increase the risk of edema, or fluid accumulation in the body. Edema most commonly affects the hands, ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and face. Diuretics are substances that reduce excess water in the body by increasing urination. Diuretics are typically prescription medications, but certain foods and beverages have a natural diuretic effect on the body that can reduce water retention and swelling. Consult your health care provider before using large amounts of natural diuretics.

Fruit

Certain fruits have diuretic properties that help release water from your body. According to the Purdue University horticulture department, pineapple and lemon juice are natural diuretics. Dried, powdered pineapple is a traditional African remedy for treating edema. Fruits with a high water content, such as grapes, cranberries and watermelon, are natural diuretics as well.

Vegetables

Vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, those that serve as natural diuretics include asparagus, beets, leafy greens, leeks, green beans, cabbage, Brussells sprouts, pumpkin, onion and garlic. In addition, vegetables with a high water content can help you urinate more frequently, reducing water retention. These include celery, cucumbers, onion, tomatoes and lettuce.

Herbs

A variety of herbs act as natural diuretics. Typically, consuming herbs is a safe alternative to strengthen and tone the body. However, you should work with your physician to determine the herbal therapy that works best for you. Parsley is a powerful diuretic, notes BloodPressureInfo.org. Rich in potassium, it helps replace electrolytes while stimulating the kidneys to eliminate excess water. Juniper berry is primarily used to treat urinary tract infections; however, it is thought to speed up the kidneys filtration rate, making it an effective natural diuretic. Other natural diuretic herbs include goldenrod, dandelion leaf, celery seed, bilberry, nettle, fennel and grape seed.

Tea

Green and black tea are natural diuretics that have been used for centuries in China. While most teas have diuretic properties, adding herbs can increase the diuretic potency of tea. To benefit from herbs such as parsley, it is best to serve them as a tea. This will increase their beneficial diuretic properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that to make an effective herbal tea to be used as a diuretic, you should choose the herb of your choice and mix 1 tsp. of it into boiling water. Steep covered for five to 10 minutes for leaves and flowers and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink two to four cups per day.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant and natural diuretic. According to the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center, caffeine is typically found in your diet from a variety of sources. The foods and beverages include coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and both prescription and nonprescription medications. While consuming caffeine-containing foods and drinks in moderation will not cause dehydration, these beverages do have a diuretic affect on the body and can help reduce water retention. However, caffeine affects individuals differently.