  |
|
|
|
Natural DiureticsFight High Blood Pressure, Water Retention Naturally
Natural diuretics may be an effective alternative to drugs, providing the same benefits but without side effects.
Some of the most critical health concerns—including hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart conditions related to it, are treated with diuretics. These substances help the body eliminate excess body fluids and salt through urination. Diuretics are also taken to help reduce water retention and bloating, prevent and treat glaucoma, and assist with weight loss. Diuretic FoodsRather than take any of the numerous prescription and over-the-counter antihypertensive drugs on the market to address these health problems, many people turn to natural diuretics. Did you know you can eat your way to less fluid retention? Skip the medicine aisle and peruse the produce section: asparagus, artichokes, celery, cranberries, cucumbers, melons, parsley, watercress, and watermelon are all known for their diuretic properties. Including some of these foods in your diet everyday—while also reducing salt and carbohydrate intake and drinking plenty of water—can result in fluid reduction (see recipe, “Diuretic Delight Salad” below). Diuretic HerbsFor additional benefit, use herbs that have diuretic properties. According to internationally known alternative physician, author, and lecturer Dr. Andrew Weil, “hawthorn, corn silk, and parsley are used as diuretics in natural medicine. Of these, hawthorn (crataegus oxycanthus) is the most powerful.” Other herbs also can be used for their mild diuretic abilities. They are available singly or in combination formulas at natural food stores and pharmacies, both actual and online.
Smart Natural Diuretic UseBecause water retention can have various causes, you should talk to your doctor before you start to use any natural diuretics, especially if you have any other health issues. In most cases, foods and herbs that have diuretic properties provide a mild effect and so may be useful for mild cases of hypertension, water retention, and so on. If your condition requires you to take conventional diuretics, it is possible that use of natural diuretics along with drugs may reduce your need for such medications and thus reduce the side effect risk as well. However, you should discuss your desire to use natural diuretics with your physician before you begin taking them. While diuretics eliminate excess fluid, they can also remove essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, and chloride from your body. You may need to take a high-potency vitamin/mineral supplement to compensate for the loss of these essential nutrients while you are using any type of diuretic. Diuretic Delight Salad1 large bunch of watercress, stems removed 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced thin 1 red onion, sliced thin ½ cup diced celery 1 cup cooked asparagus, cooled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces ¼ cup olive oil 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 2 Tbs chopped fresh basil Combine the vegetables in a large bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients in a shaker jar and pour over the vegetables. Mix well and chill. ReferencesSimpson D. Buchu: South African amazing herbal remedy. Scott Med J 1998 Dec; 43(6): 189-91. Velazquez DV et al. Zea mays L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion in conscious rats. Phytomedicine 2005 May; 12(5): 363-69.
The copyright of the article Natural Diuretics in Natural Medicine is owned by Deborah Mitchell. Permission to republish Natural Diuretics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
