Foods That Are A Natural Diuretic

Finding Foods That are a Natural Diuretic

A diuretic is something that makes your body get rid of excess water by making more urine.  It stimulates your kidneys to work better and filter out more water, which means you make more urine.There are several reasons you might want to find foods that are a natural diuretic.  Prescription diuretics are powerful, and can cause you to lose too much water, or can cause imbalances in your body.  Retaining water, however, makes you gain weight, feel bloated and swollen and may cause high blood pressure. There are several foods that are a natural diuretic, and they are safer than prescription products.

Herbs

When we think of medicinal foods, or foods that have a medicinal action, we usually think of herbs.  And there are several herbs that help remove excess water.  Dandelion, green tea, yarrow and stinging nettle all act as diuretics.

Caffeine

We don’t think of caffeine as a health food, but it is a natural diuretic.  Both coffee and tea help remove excess water from your body.

Water

One of the most effective natural diuretics is good old fashioned water.  Drinking extra water stimulates your kidneys, and they begin functioning more efficiently, removing excess water.  In fact, sometimes water retention is a sign that you are not drinking enough water.

Protein

High amounts of protein make your body get rid of excess water.  That’s why people have a dramatic weight loss when they first begin a high-protein diet.  The protein makes them get rid of excess water, and they lose several pounds right away.

The DASH Diet

The DASH diet is a new treatment for hypertension and pre-hypertension.  It consists of foods that are natural diuretics when eaten together.  The DASH diet is low in fat and meat, high in fruits and vegetables, with moderate amounts of low-fat dairy foods and whole grains.  This diet has been proven to be an effective natural diuretic and treatment for high blood pressure.