7 Natural Diuretics For Your Diet

Most diuretics stimulate your kidneys to excrete mainly sodium. 

When these agents react to sodium, they force your body to expel water. When your body retains the fluids, it is likely that this is due to other illnesses and can be seen as a symptom.

For example, fluid buildup can be caused by:

• a thyroid disease
• high bloodpressure
• kidney problems or kidney stones
• edema
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• even by diabetes.
  

Natural diuretics for your diet

Below you will find 7 natural diuretics that you can add to your diet to prevent your body from retaining the fluids.

1. Dandelion

This is a wild plant that is common in our gardens and which many people think of as a weed.

Research has shown that one of the properties dandelion possesses is to increase kidney activity, which increases the frequency of urination. 

The green leaves as well as the stem and roots have diuretic properties. It can also help balance blood sugar levels. It also promotes the detoxification process of the colon and liver. 

2. Hawthorn

This is a relative of the rosacea family and is also, believe it or not, a potent diuretic. It possesses the powers to reduce moisture build-up. This means it could also help  you improve heart failure symptoms. 

In addition, this plant also contains nutrients that promote the frequency of urination.

The berries that grow on this plant  are rich in vitamins C, B and minerals. If you also use these as a diuretic, they can help with:

• The treatment of kidney problems
• Pump the blood more vigorously
• Reducing fever

3. Horsetail

In a study conducted in 2014, horsetail extract was found to provide the same results as other prescription diuretics, but with fewer side effects. Horsetail can therefore be a good alternative to regular medication, especially if you suffer from unpleasant side effects.

The effect can be so powerful that it is  not recommended for pregnant women. 

If you suffer from uric acid, this can help you well. It can also help people who suffer from gout.

4. Jenever

The juniper plant has been used as a diuretic since the Middle Ages.

A number of studies conducted to find out the benefits have already shown that it has a great effect on improving urine volume in animals.

Like many natural diuretics, it doesn’t lower potassium levels like many other drugs do.

It is recommended to eat juniper berries when you suffer from cysts. This plant also contributes to the reduction of toxins.

5. Green and Black Tea

When you enjoy a nice cup of hot tea, you ensure that excess fluid is expelled from your body. This is because both black and green tea have been proven to be a natural diuretic.

Thanks to their high caffeine content, they can stimulate your body to produce more urine. This reduces the amount of water in your body, especially in your circulatory system. This  then lowers your blood pressure. 

6. Parsley

Although parsley is mainly used as a dressing, it may be more useful for those who have problems with diuretics. Studies have shown it to be one  of the most recommended natural diuretics to improve urine output. 

You can make it into a drink to take advantage of its benefits:

Ingredients

• 1 handful of parsley
• 1 glass of water (200 ml)

Preparation

• Boil the fresh parsley for about 10 minutes. Let it cool and then store the liquid in the freezer.
• Drink a cup of this drink every day for a week to get the best results.

7. Hibiscus

The hibiscus plant, also known as “the Jamaican flower,” is generally large and colorful. The flower can vary in all kinds of different colors.

Several studies have shown that this plant can improve kidney filtration, reduce swelling and prevent fluid retention.

Tips to increase the effectiveness of these natural diuretics

In addition to using these natural diuretics, you can also improve your health by reducing sodium intake and exercising more. This also helps to excrete excess moisture.