What Are Effective Natural Diuretics?

Diuretics are substances that increase the amount of urine produced and help the body shed excess water. The excess water is termed water retention. It can make you feel "puffy," causing swelling in the legs, ankles, hands, and feet. A variety of factors can lead to water retention, including some serious potential health problems, such as kidney disease and heart failure. However, many people experience mild water retention because of hormonal changes, menstrual cycles, or prolonged periods of inactivity (like on a long flight). If you have water retention due to a medical condition or experience sudden and severe water retention, you should seek immediate medical attention. Nevertheless, some herbal and dietary supplements, such as Dandelion Extract Powder, Horsetail Extract Powder, Black Seed Oil Bulk, etc., have diuretic effects and may help relieve mild water retention if not caused by a potential medical condition.

Diuretics help the body to shed excess fluid, primarily water and sodium. Most encourage the kidneys to excrete more sodium into the urine. When diuretics flush out sodium, the body flushes water, too. Here are 3 natural diuretics and the evidence behind each.

★ Dandelion extract powder: Dandelion extract powder, also known as Taraxacum Officinale extract, is a popular herbal remedy often taken for its diuretic properties. Due to the high potassium content of the dandelion, it is regarded as a potential diuretic. Eating potassium-rich foods stimulates the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water. This can be a good thing since most modern diets are high in sodium and low in potassium, which can lead to fluid retention. In theory, dandelion's high potassium content means this herbal remedy can help the body flush out excess water caused by high sodium intake. A small human study found that consuming dandelion supplements increased the amount of urine produced within five hours of taking the supplement.

★ Horsetail Extract Powder: Horsetail Extract Powder is an herbal remedy made from the horsetail plant or Equisetum. It has been utilized as a diuretic for many years and is marketed in tea and capsule form. A small study of 36 men found that horsetail was as effective as the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. While horsetail is commonly considered safe, it is not recommended to use for a long time. It should also not be consumed by people with pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes.

★ Black Seed Oil Bulk: Black seed, also known as "Nigella Sativa," is a plant popularized for its medicinal properties, including diuretic effects. Animal studies have shown that Nigella Sativa extract can increase urine output and lower blood pressure in hypertensive rats.

There are other ways to help the body reduce fluid retention, as follows:

1. Get More Exercise: Physical activity can help to shed excess fluid by increasing blood flow to the tissues and making sweat.

2. Increase Magnesium Intake: Magnesium is an electrolyte that helps to manage fluid balance. Magnesium supplements have been shown to help to reduce fluid retention in women with PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

3. Consume Potassium-rich Foods: Consuming potassium-rich foods can increase urine output, lower sodium levels, and reduce fluid retention.

4. Eat less salt: A high-salt diet can increase the risk of fluid retention.

If you are suffering from mild fluid retention in the legs, ankles, hands, and other parts, we recommend that you may try the above-mentioned natural diuretics. For any more detailed information, please contact us at kathy@inhealthnature.com in time.