- Examples of natural diuretics and how to take
- When to take diuretics
- When not to take diuretics
- Side effects that may arise
Some diuretics with natural active ingredients can be found in capsules such as Centella asiatica or mackerel that serves to combat fluid retention helping to deflate and therefore are also popularly known for losing weight.
However, diuretics, in spite of favoring the elimination of urine, fighting swelling, do not burn fat, but as water also weighs, it is normal for there to be a reduction in weight on the scale and clothes can become looser because the body volume decreases.
Examples of natural diuretics and how to take
Some examples of natural diuretic remedies that can be found in pharmacies and drugstores are:
- Asian spark: It is a plant that acts as an anti-inflammatory and stimulates blood circulation. It is advisable to take 1 or 2 capsules up to 3 times a day, with main meals. T_Sek: Contains pineapple, hibiscus, mate tea, white tea, green tea, collagen and lemongrass. To take, just dilute 1 sachet in 400 ml of water and take at any time of the day. Xpel: Contains extract of green tea and guarana seed. You can take 4 capsules a day. Drenative: It has green coffee extract and pineapple and also has thermogenic action that burns fat. Take 1 capsule a day. Carqueja: It can be found alone or in combination with other plants with draining action, it purifies the body and reduces toxins in the blood. Just take 2 capsules a day. Horsetail: It is an excellent natural diuretic and anti-inflammatory that helps in the weight loss process. Take no more than 3 times a day. Hibiscus: Helps to eliminate toxic substances and liquids accumulated in the body. Take 500 mg 1 to 2 times a day. Dandelion: Increases urine production and is great against urinary tract infection as well. Take 1 to 3 capsules a day. Sacred cascara: In addition to the diuretic action, it is stimulating and laxative. Take 1 or 2 capsules a day. Green tea: It has antioxidant substances, flavonoids and catechins, and besides the diuretic action it also helps in burning fat. Take 1 capsule with main meals.
Diuretics when used in excess can promote dehydration and that is why every time you take a diuretic, you should increase your water intake because this way the body eliminates a greater amount of fluids and toxins.
When to take diuretics
Diuretic remedies, even if natural, should only be used under the guidance of the doctor or nutritionist, and can be used to:
- Eliminate excess fluids from the body, during PMS, after a day of overeating such as a day after going to a barbecue, for example; Regulate blood pressure because it reduces excess water, facilitating the passage of blood through arteries; Fight cellulite because one of the factors of its permanence is water retention; For prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection because the more urine you make, the more bacteria in the urethra will be eliminated; Fight the swelling of the legs and the feeling of tired or heavy legs, due to varicose veins; Fight lymphedema, which is the swelling that comes after having surgery.
Normally, diuretics act directly on the kidneys, preventing water from being reabsorbed by the body and thus it is eliminated through the urine. An excellent way to boost a diuretic is right after taking it, at least 40 minutes of physical activity because muscle contraction stimulates blood circulation, bringing more water to the kidneys.
When not to take diuretics
Diuretic remedies, although natural, are not recommended for people who have hypertension and who already take medicines to control blood pressure, and for people who have some cardiac alteration because in these cases it can be harmful to health. Diuretics are also contraindicated in pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Side effects that may arise
When taking diuretics, even if they are natural, symptoms such as lack of potassium in the blood, low sodium concentration, headache, thirst, dizziness, cramps, diarrhea and increased cholesterol may appear.