Diuretics are compounds that clears the fluid retention in the body. It basically increases the output of urine through which the water in the body gets washed out. Water retention in the body is not a disease itself but is an indication of other physical and internal maladies. Common symptom of water retention is unusual painless swelling in any of the body parts.
Lack of exercise, pregnancy, premenstrual phase, nutritional deficiencies, congestive heart failure, kidney diseases are some of the common causes behind water retention in the body. In such cases, doctors may prescribe diuretics. However, nature has gifted us with natural diuretics as well. In this segment we will discuss the role and nature of these natural diuretics that you can easily use without the fear of side effects. We will also discuss some general tips that will help our readers in controlling and managing this condition well.
Natural Cures For Diuretics
Cranberry juice
Cranberries are great diuretic that not only flush the water out of body but are also nutritionally enriched. They have high content of calcium, magnesium and potassium. All these play an important role in maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. It is advisable to consume cranberry juice which is home made as the one that is packed and sold commercially has added sugar, salt and preservatives. This can in fact worsen the issue of water retention.
The taste of cranberries does not go down too well with most of the people, so you can dilute it with equal part of water. Dilution will hydrate the body and flush the excess fluid at the same time working ideally for people suffering from this condition. Another helpful concoction for reducing water retention is mixing lemon juice and cranberry juice. However, both of these are acidic in nature, so excess may cause problems related to digestion and erode tooth enamel if taken over a long period of time.
Beet Root
Beetroot detoxifies the body. It contains compound called betalain which supplies the anti-oxidants to the body. Beetroots are also high on magnesium which is one of the nutritional compounds that regulates the water levels in the body. Additionally they are high on iron and contain no cholesterol which makes them an ideal choice for people suffering from water retention as these people also suffer from weight and cholesterol problem.
Asparagus
Asparagus is loaded with potassium and has low sodium. Asparagus also contains asparagine which is an amino acid which aids in fighting water retention. These two qualities make it beneficial for fighting water retention. Take 4-5 asparagus sprigs and grill them. Avoid frying or butter toasting them as it is sure short way of making this very healthy vegetable a complete disaster for the health. You may add this to your salad or just cut it real small and mix it with the rice for your meal. Asparagus also makes for a great accompaniment with various pasta and rice dishes.
Cucumber & Watermelon Juice
Both cucumber and watermelon have high water content. They both are low on sodium and watermelon has very less natural sugar as well. This makes them an excellent detoxifier. According to your own preference, you may prepare and mix both watermelon juice and cucumber juice. Refrain from adding any flavours, sugar or salt. Instead of juice, having whole fruit is more advisable as it gives you a healthy dosage of roughage as well which goes missing in the straining and grinding for making juice.
Green Tea
You must have heard numerous times that tea can help in managing weight woes. Have you wondered why and how tea does this? It is the herbal teas that help in reducing the weight and regulating water retention and not your regular cuppa. Green tea is an anti-oxidant and 2-3 cups in a day can help you in flushing the water out of your body. However, avoid adding sugar in it. Chamomile tea is another recommended drink when you suffer from this condition. Ginger is known to reduce bloating and it can be consumed in several ways, one of which is preparation of ginger infused tea.
Oats
Oats are high in fibre and very low on sodium content. This makes it absorb the fluid in the body like sponge and helps in expeditious flushing out of water. It is however important to note that intake of water has to be high when consuming oatmeal. Also, it is recommended that unprocessed oatmeal be used for this purpose otherwise it can have an exactly opposite reaction and worsen your condition of retaining excessive water.Oats are also rich in amino acid which is simply a deterrent for water retention.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This vinegar is high on potassium which balances out the sodium in the body. Sodium is the major reason of water retention in the body as it absorbs the water and keeps it stored in the body tissue leading to oedema. Mix two spoons of this vinegar in half a bowl of water and gulp it down everyday. Do note that prolonged use of this vinegar is not recommended as it is acidic and may erode the tooth enamel. If you hate the taste of this vinegar then try adding it to your salads as dressing and this way you will be losing all that water while enjoying the great taste of your salads.
Diet And Lifestyle Changes
Diet and lifestyle are important factors in reducing and controlling the water retention in the body. Firstly, start exercising and come out of your sedentary lifestyle. The physical exertion and resultant sweat lets out the excess water. It also increases the metabolism rate which in turn reduces the water retention. Just make sure that you consume half a litre of water at least half an hour before you start exercising. Reduce salt intake considerably.
In fact avoid salt in salads and juices. Eliminate alcohol as it dehydrates the body which makes it preserve water in the stomach and abdomen region. Drink at least two litres of water daily and do not skip meals to reduce the swelling around abdomen. Go high on potassium and magnesium rich diet. Calcium along with Vitamin D is also required for regulating right electrolyte balance in the body which discourages the water retention.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
