Dehydration is a serious medical condition often caused by heat or sickness. When your body loses more water than you replenish, your electrolytes become imbalanced. In severe cases, this can lead to heart failure or death. Certain foods act as diuretics and increase the amount of urine you normally produce. When you eat these foods in excess and for extended periods of time, dehydration is a possibility. Consult your physician if you are concerned you may be dehydrated.
Caffeine
Caffeine has long been considered a diuretic. However, according to the Mayo Clinic website, small amounts of caffeinated drinks and food will not dehydrate you. In fact, caffeinated drinks such as coffee, soda or tea can hydrate you as well as water. However, caffeine in excess still has a diuretic effect.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Herbs
Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy used for a variety of conditions, including weight loss, diabetes and high cholesterol, but apple cider vinegar can cause dehydration because it is a natural diuretic. Certain herbs also have a diuretic effect. Herbs can be especially dangerous because they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelion, linden, Pau d'Arco, stinging nettle and yarrow are diuretic herbs. Hawthorn is also a herb that can cause dehydration. If you are taking herbs or drinking apple cider vinegar, ensure that you are also consuming plenty of water.
Oats and Cranberries
Oats contain silica, a natural diuretic. Oats help to relieve water retention, which can lead to dehydration. Cranberries and cranberry juices also have diuretic properties; cranberry juice is a natural remedy for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. When eating or drinking too much oats or cranberries, it is important to increase your water intake to prevent dehydration.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Certain fruits and vegetables can act as a diuretic. In normal servings, watermelon, cucumbers, celery and onion are healthy and can help you reduce water retention. However, prolonged consumption of these diuretics could potentially lead to dehydration. But fresh fruits and vegetables that are made up primarily of water can also help to treat dehydration, as long as you also consume plenty of water. To prevent dehydration, make sure you replace the fluids you are losing through sweat and urine.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Water Retention: Are There any Natural Diuretics?; Katherine Zeratsky; September 2009
- Dr. Weil; Natural Diuretics for Fighting Fluid Retention?; Dr. Weil; September 2002
- Mayo Clinic; Caffeine: Is it Dehydrating or Not?; Katherine Zeratsky; August 2009
- Cranberry Juice: Thinking of Using Cranberry?
- Target Woman: Natural Diuretic
- The Univerisity of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs and Supplements for Diuretic
