{"id":727,"date":"2017-06-15T04:13:43","date_gmt":"2017-06-15T04:13:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=727"},"modified":"2021-05-12T19:03:53","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T19:03:53","slug":"21-foods-naturally-diuretic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/21-foods-naturally-diuretic\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Foods That Are Naturally Diuretic"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"A diuretic is a substance that encourages you to need the toilet and to urinate. These are similar to laxatives, which of course make you more likely to need to go the other end. There are many drinks and foods that can encourage voiding out of both ends and there are a number of reasons that this might be useful.<\/p>\n

For starters, a natural diuretic can be a useful way to reduce water retention and hypertension. The latter means that in some cases, diuretics might help you to lower your blood pressure. Diuretics are also used to release fluids by those interested in bodybuilding competitions for instance and those that want to appear more toned and lean in a short time. Some people also believe that diuretics can be a useful weight loss technique, or as a way to expel unwanted toxins and substances from the body. GPs will occasionally recommend diuretics as a useful way to treat high blood pressure, osteoporosis, kidney stones, glaucoma and more.<\/p>\n

You should be very careful when using either of these strategies however. This is because diuretics can cause dehydration, as they cause you to lose fluid at a faster rate. Remember, 75% of the human body is made from water and as such, it is very bad for us to become badly dehydrated. As well as causing the brain to shrink \u2013 resulting in painful headaches \u2013 dehydration can also cause indigestion, muscle weakness, poor immune function, low energy, constipation, dry and flaking skin and a range of other issues.<\/p>\n

And bear in mind that while urination can help to reduce the amount of sugar in your system, it should not be considered as a means of \u2018detox\u2019. The body is actually capable of detoxing itself and doesn\u2019t require you to force the issue. There is no evidence to suggest that using diuretics can improve your health in any meaningful way.<\/p>\n

With that in mind then, this list of naturally diuretic foods is as much to help you avoid them as it is to help you seek them out. You have the knowledge and it is now up to you to decide what to do with it.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Water<\/h3>\n

The most obvious natural diuretic<\/a> is water. The more water you drink, the more you will need to urinate \u2013 it is that simple.<\/p>\n

Only drinking lots of water will hydrate you faster than it will make you urinate, meaning that it provides the best of both worlds. Drinking more water during an illness or if you are diabetic will indeed help you to flush your system out more quickly \u2013 which is why one of the main symptoms of diabetes is constant unquenchable thirst.<\/p>\n

At the same time, water will actually improve your digestion, it will reduce headaches and it will help to prevent constipation.<\/p>\n

Do be careful though, as it is possible to actually drink too much water and thereby cause an electrolyte imbalance, effectively \u2018drowning\u2019 your own system.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Caffeine<\/h3>\n

Caffeine<\/a> makes you need the toilet more and can act both as a natural diuretic and as a natural laxative. This is why caffeine is not a useful drink when you\u2019re very thirsty but you should keep in mind that you can still hydrate yourself with drinks that are diuretic as in most cases you will still benefit from the fluid you take in.<\/p>\n

Caffeine is a diuretic because it encourages the metabolism to speed up, thereby accelerating all processes in the body and encouraging you to need the toilet sooner than you otherwise would do.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Lemon<\/h3>\n

Lemons<\/a> are a great source of vitamin C and they may also be useful for treating urinary tract infections. Lemons are also naturally diuretic and this helps you to use the toilet more frequently.<\/p>\n

Moreover, lemon is a source of the electrolyte mineral potassium, which helps to pass sodium through urine. Citrus fruits all fall under this category and you can also get the same benefit from juice drinks.
\nEnjoy lemon by squeezing a little into a nice glass of ice cold water. Or take a bite before a tequila shot. Okay, don\u2019t do that one\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Ice<\/h3>\n

Water is the best diuretic out there as we\u2019ve already seen, being much safer and healthier than other approaches. But if you want to get even more bang for your buck, then add in some ice. This way you\u2019ll speed up the metabolism<\/a> more because the body will work harder in order to warm itself back up. Cold ice water can also be used this way to encourage weight loss. Throw in a slice of lemon and you have three diuretic properties working together!<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Asparagus<\/h3>\n

Asparagus<\/a> is well known for changing the smell and taste of your urine, along with \u2018other\u2019 bodily fluids.<\/p>\n

As it happens, it can also help you to pass fluid more often. Asparagus is naturally diuretic thanks to the amino acid asparagine. This also helps to eliminate excess salt from the body, which is a good thing. This is a good choice for those that suffer from edema, swelling or high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Isotonic Drinks<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve seen how hydration and potassium help you to more frequently urinate and so it only follows that isotonic drinks<\/a> would do the same. Isotonic drinks are drinks that contain a natural balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) in order to mimic what is found in the human body. This helps to hydrate us following exercise and to fix the balance of these key minerals. We\u2019ve seen how potassium helps to pass sodium through the urine and drinking these sports drinks might be even better at helping you to run to the loo.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Coconut Water<\/h3>\n

While isotonic drinks can do the trick, they\u2019re certainly not natural. Coconut water<\/a> should be of interest then as it provides all of the same electrolytes and water. This is why coconut water is so incredibly refreshing and is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day, or after engaging in exercise. That said, you may find that coconut water is also useful for helping you to expel urine a little more frequently!<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Soda Drinks<\/h3>\n

While soda <\/a>drinks don\u2019t have a ton going for them, they actually are quite effective when it comes to acting as diuretics. Which for the most part is a reason not to drink them\u2026<\/p>\n

The reason that soda drinks act this way is that they contain large amounts of sugar. As we\u2019ve already seen, the body will try and remove excess sugar from the blood as it can cause damage to nerves and more. Thus it will encourage you to urinate more and thereby to drink more as well.<\/p>\n

On top of this, drinks like Coca-Cola actually a certain amount of caffeine, which is one of the reasons they\u2019re so moreish. You won\u2019t get as much as you would do from coffee but the diuretic effects will still be present.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Chocolate<\/h3>\n

Speaking of foods and drinks that are surprising sources of caffeine, chocolate<\/a> is another way that it can sneak into the system. Once again, this can make you more likely to need to the toilet more frequently. Caffeine is also a natural mild laxative though the fatty nature of chocolate means that it can actually prevent bowel movements. In fact, one study found that chocolate was one of the most-reported triggers for constipation.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Cucumber<\/h3>\n

Cucumbers<\/a> are a great food for anyone that is looking to lose weight. That\u2019s because they provide barely any calories and are incredibly convenient to eat. You can snack on these then to remove those hunger pangs and not worry about them ruining your calorie deficit.<\/p>\n

The reason that cucumbers are so low in calories is that they contain lots of water \u2013 in fact they are largely water. This helps to make them diuretic, as does the fact that they also contain ascorbic acid.<\/p>\n

Cucumber is also popular among arthritis patients.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Tomatoes<\/h3>\n

Tomatoes<\/a> are a great source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, lycopene, selenium and beta-carotene. This makes them generally fantastic health foods. But did you know that they can also act as diuretics and encourage more frequent urination?<\/p>\n

Tomatoes are fantastic health foods in general and are something that everyone should consider adding to their diet.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Watermelon<\/h3>\n

One of the most popular and effective diuretics and a great cure for constipation<\/a> too is water melon. This is partly thanks to the fact that water melon is 92 percent water! It\u2019s also filled with nutrients and that makes them very beneficial for your overall health. If you\u2019re going to be encouraging more frequent urination, then you might as well get some nutrients in you at the same time!<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Nettle Leaves<\/h3>\n

Nettles actually have a lot of beneficial properties and can be enjoyed as a tea or actually even as a beer! Nettle leaves<\/a> are high in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals and many of these help to encourage frequent urination. Some studies suggest that they can be a useful treatment for insomnia caused by urgency in men \u2013 perhaps because they encourage better urination during the day.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Horsetail<\/h3>\n

Horsetail<\/a> is a herbal remedy that is packed with goodness, including flavonoids and more. These help to encourage cellular integrity, which is very good news for overall health. This herb also appears to help inhibit the growth of cancer cells according to some studies and in the long term, it helps to improve urination by strengthening the urinary tract. It can be taken as a supplement or enjoyed as a tea once again. Why not add both and make yourself some\u2026 wee tea.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Dandelion Leaves<\/h3>\n

Dandelion<\/a> leaves are a source of many different vitamins and minerals, including the potassium that we\u2019ve been raving about so far. These help to encourage healthy levels of fluids in the body and to stimulate urinary flow. These are very bitter to eat though and might not be to everyone\u2019s liking, so if you\u2019re going to enjoy them in a salad try adding a dressing of some sort. Try adding some lemon and oil and you\u2019ll get the added diuretic benefit from the lemon!<\/p>\n

\"\"16. \u00a0Carbamide<\/h3>\n

Carbamide<\/a> is also sometimes called urea, which is something of a clue as to its important role as a diuretic! Carbamide is manufactured in the body, by the liver specifically, whn it is detoxifying ammonia that comes from protein metabolism.<\/p>\n

This substance makes its way into the blood, through the kidneys and then out the body as excrement. Carbamide or sodium chloride act as triggers to tell the kidneys to output water and thus you can actually use this as a \u2018hack\u2019 to tell the body to urinate. Try taking a supplement to increase your levels but not before speaking with a physician to ensure that this is the right course of action for you.<\/p>\n

\"\"17. \u00a0Mint Tea<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve seen a few alternative teas on this list already and now it\u2019s time for one more! Mint<\/a> is commonly found in salads and desserts but you can make a nice tea with it by steeping the leaves in water and then drinking around them or removing them. This helps to naturally treat fluid retention and can also help to boost your digestion. Pour hot water over the leaves and then steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink at room temperature.<\/p>\n

\"\"18. \u00a0Birch Water<\/h3>\n

Birch water<\/a> is a sap that comes from birch trees. You extract this by using an actual tap, which we can only hope is called a sap tap.<\/p>\n

There are numerous options that you can enjoy, such as Sibberi. These are considered to be useful for cleansing and detoxifying the liver and kidneys. Remember, this is a subject that is on scientifically shaky ground as it is uncertain whether the body ever really needs any \u2018help\u2019 when it comes to its detoxification process.<\/p>\n

However, with that said, it\u2019s also true that this substance can act as a useful digestive aid and potentially a diuretic. It has a lot of anecdotal evidence surrounding its usefulness, so give it a go!<\/p>\n

\"\"19. \u00a0Alcohol<\/h3>\n

Have you ever had a night out and then woken up the next day to find that your abs actually look better than they did the night before?<\/p>\n

No, you\u2019re not going crazy. What you\u2019re seeing is the diuretic effects with alcohol<\/a>. As we all know, once you\u2019ve \u2018broken the seal\u2019 while out drinking, you\u2019ll be getting up to go to the toilet all night as alcohol is one of the most diuretic substances that we drink regularly.<\/p>\n

So should you consider alcohol as a way to combat edema or lose water weight? Certainly not! Alcohol is of course a toxin, which is the whole reason that the body goes into overdrive trying to flush it out. Not only this, but alcohol is also very likely to cause dehydration, muscle cramps, vomiting, liver damage and more.<\/p>\n

But as a diuretic to avoid, this is certainly one to keep in mind. And it\u2019s also one reason that it is such a good idea to ensure you are drinking plenty of water at the same time as alcohol.<\/p>\n

\"\"20. \u00a0Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\n

Apple cider vinegar<\/a> comes with a large range of different benefits and you can count diuretic among these. That\u2019s because apple cider vinegar is high in potassium and this also makes it useful for fighting cramps and improving your blood pressure.<\/p>\n

You can get the benefits from taking a spoonful of apple cider vinegar directly but many people find that the best way to consume it is to add it as a salad dressing, owing to its very sharp flavor.<\/p>\n

Apple cider vinegar also comes packed with other benefits. In particular, apple cider vinegar is a great source of good bacteria that can help to improve your \u2018gut flora\u2019. This in turn means that you get better digestion and even improved mood.<\/p>\n

\"\"21. \u00a0Beets<\/h3>\n

Beets<\/a> are among the most popular diuretics and some people claim that eating beets makes them immediately need the bathroom. Beets are a great source of many useful nutrients and they\u2019re also good for improving blood pressure thanks to their effect as \u2018vasodilators\u2019. A vasodilator is anything that expands the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow around the body and to the brain.
\nSo there you have it: plenty of foods you can eat frequently to start increasing your frequency, or avoid if you want to stop running to the toilet regularly\u2026<\/p>\n\r\n

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