As we get older, water retention and weight management become increasingly common problems, and by the time we're in our 50s and above, swelling, bloating, and kidney stones may be par for the course. That's when we may turn to diuretics, a class of drug that increases the volume of urine and helps remove excess water and sodium from the body.
But prescription diuretics can have some unpleasant side-effects, including fatigue, cramps, headaches, rash, and lightheadedness. Unless you require prescription diuretics to control high blood pressure, liver disease, or congestive heart failure, you may be better off going the holistic route and opting for one or more of these natural diuretics first.
Parsley. Known mainly as a garnish, parsley may also be useful for people who can't tolerate prescription diuretic drugs. One study shows that parsley increases urine volume, and another confirmed the strong diuretic effects of parsley.
Hibiscus. Hibiscus flowers--specifically the Roselle variety--was shown to be a significant diuretic in one study, and another found that hibiscus helps improve filtration in the kidneys. Try a spot of hibiscus tea to benefit from its diuretic properties.
Dandelion. Some regard it as a pesky weed, but dandelions also improve kidney function and increase the frequency of urination. Eat dandelion leaves in a salad or make a cup of dandelion tea.
Diuretic foods. Some common foods that are also natural diuretics include watermelon, grapes, berries, celery, onions, garlic, and bell peppers. These are also mightily healthy foods and can improve your overall health.
Easing up on the sodium and getting regular exercise are also powerful ways to reduce water buildup in your body and improve your overall health.
Looking for Weight Loss?
Some of us grew up believing that diuretics could help us lose weight. While that's technically true--losing excess water does reduce the number on the scale--diuretics don't produce real, lasting weight loss of the kind that sees you in smaller sizes and improves your health by leaps and bounds.
For this kind of weight loss, you need a more permanent solution. A combination of diet, exercise, and supplementation is really the only effective, long-term weight loss strategy, especially for those of us over 50.
A healthy, mostly plant-based diet is best for optimal health and for weight loss. Exercising for 150 minutes each week--just a half hour a day, most days of the week--can help you lose as many as two pounds a week or more. Supplementation can help improve the efficiency of weight loss through a variety of means.
Instead of choosing a diuretic for weight loss, try one of these research-based supplements from Thrive Naturals:
Garcinia Cambogia, which contains hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, which promotes body fat loss without stimulating the nervous system, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health.
Forskolin, which significantly decreases body fat percentage and fat mass, according to a study published in the journal Obesity Research.
Apple Cider Vinegar Complex, which provides a gentle, natural detox and supports natural weight loss by super-charging fat-burning enzymes.
Raspberry Ketones, which, according to a study published in the journal Life Sciences, "exert anti-obese actions" and alter the lipid metabolism.
For both weight loss and water loss, the all-natural route is gentle and effective, and it can make a big difference in your overall health.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC56985...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16055158/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16129715?kmi=M...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15862604
