7 Natural Diuretics That You Should Include in Your Diet
Diuretics help your body get rid of excess fluid, especially water and sodium. Most of them stimulate your kidneys to excrete more sodium in your urine.
When diuretics act on sodium, they force your body to expel water. If your body retains fluids, it’s likely due to other diseases and is a symptom of them.
For instance, fluid retention can be due to thyroid malfunction, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, kidney dysfunction or kidney stones, edema, polycystic ovarian syndrome or even diabetes.
Below, you’ll find 7 natural diuretics that you should incorporate into your diet to stop your body from retaining liquids.
1. Dandelion
This is a wild plant commonly found in our gardens that many people consider to be a weed.
Research has found that one of the compounds in dandelion increases kidney activity and increases the frequency of urination.
Both its green leaves, stem, and roots have diuretic properties. In addition to helping balance blood sugar levels, it promotes the detoxification of the colon and liver.
Read also: 5 Teas for a Cough
2. Hawthorn
This is a relative of the Rosacea family and is also, believe it or not, a potent diuretic.
It has the power to reduce fluid retention, which means it can help you improve symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Furthermore, the nutrients in this plant have also been shown to increase the frequency and flow of urination.
Moreover, the berries that grow on this plant are rich in vitamins C, B and minerals. In addition to serving as a diuretic, they can help:
- Treat kidney problems
- Pump the blood harder from the heart
- Reduce fevers
3. Horsetail
In a study conducted in 2014, it was found that horsetail extract had the same results as those obtained with other prescribed diuretics but with fewer side effects.
Horsetail can be a good alternative to regular medication, especially if you’re suffering from unpleasant side effects.
Its effect can be so powerful that it’s recommended that pregnant women don’t consume it.
If you have uric acid retention it could help you a lot. Those who suffer from gout also should consume horsetail.
4. Juniper
The juniper plant has been used as a natural diuretic since medieval times.
Although few modern studies have been carried out to discover its benefits, it has been shown to have a significant effect on the increase in urine volume in animals.
Like many natural diuretics, it doesn’t seem to lower potassium levels as some medications usually do.
It’s recommended to consume juniper berries if you have cystitis. This plant also helps contribute to the elimination of toxins.
5. Green and black tea
Whenever you enjoy a nice cup of hot tea, you’re unknowingly causing excess fluid to flow out of your body. This is because both black and green tea have been shown to be potent natural diuretics.
Thanks to their high content of caffeine, they help your body produce more urine, decreasing the amount of water in your body, especially in your bloodstream. This reduces your blood pressure.
6. Parsley
Although parsley is more commonly used as a dressing, it may be even more useful for those who have problems taking diuretic drugs.
Studies have shown that it’s one of the most recommended natural diuretics to help increase urine volume.
You can prepare an infusion to take advantage of its benefits:
Ingredients
- 1 handful of parsley
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
Method
- Boil a handful of fresh parsley for 10 minutes. Let it cool and store the liquid in the fridge.
- Consume one cup of this infusion once a day for a week for the best results.
Read also: Mint Tea, Great for Weight Loss
7. Hibiscus
The hibiscus plant, known as “the Jamaica Flower,” is from the mallow family, and is usually large and colorful. The flower can be a variety of different colors.
Several studies have indicated that this plant increases renal filtration, reduces swelling and fights fluid retention thanks to its diuretic effects.
Tips to increase the effectiveness of these natural diuretics
In addition to these natural diuretics, you can improve your health by decreasing your sodium intake and exercising more. This allows you to reduce fluid retention.
Eating more fruits and vegetables, in general, can also increase the diuretic effect in your body.
Among the most beneficial are:
- Watermelons
- Grapes
- Berries
- Celery
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Garlic
- Peppers
It’s important that you consult your doctor before you consider changing any of the medication you’re prescribed. This is because any drastic change in your treatment can be harmful to your health.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Delgado, C., & Portolés, J. (2008). Fármacos diuréticos. Farmacología Básica y Clínica. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.00546-13.
- Jimenes, J. M. (2017). Mecanismo de acción de los diuréticos. Facultad de Farmacia.
- Arroyave, N. V., & Gómez, M. A. (2007). Orina. Medicina & Laboratorio. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-84-458-2585-3/00004-X.
