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Full Article: Best Natural Diuretics: 6 Supplements, Foods And Drinks

Diuretics are substances that increase urine flow and help the body eliminate excess water and salt. They’ve been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and are currently used to treat conditions such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and edema (water retention).

While prescription diuretics are available, natural diuretics are becoming increasingly popular as research suggests they are often free of side effects and toxicity. Read on to learn about some of the most popular natural diuretics and what research and health experts say about them.

What Is a Diuretic and What Does It Treat?

The kidneys are essential for regulating fluid levels in the body, and diuretics are a class of medications that help the kidneys remove excess water and electrolytes, explains Alexander Postalian, M.D., a cardiologist at The Texas Heart Institute in Houston.

The most common reason diuretics are prescribed is to reduce arterial blood pressure, but they’re also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the case of conditions such as heart, liver or kidney dysfunction, says Dr. Postalian.

In cases such as heart failure or kidney failure, for example, the body is either retaining excess water as compensation for decreased cardiac function or the kidneys are injured and can’t make adequate amounts of urine to excrete toxic metabolites from the body, explains Pezad Doctor, M.D., a board-certified cardiology fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Natural diuretics may be recommended for mild fluid retention, such as in premenstrual or perimenopausal bloating, says Dr. Doctor. But for people with medical conditions like heart failure or kidney failure, natural diuretics alone are not recommended, as prescription medications offer more precise control over fluid levels, he notes. Natural diuretics can be a great adjuvant to prescribed medication, but it’s important to first seek medical advice to determine the cause of fluid retention before trying a natural diuretic, advises Dr. Doctor.

6 Natural Diuretics: Do They Work?

Natural diuretics are typically made from a plant or other substances found in nature. They’re likely to be prescribed by naturopaths or Chinese medicine physicians, but many natural diuretics are also available at grocery stores.

The precise mechanism of action behind how natural diuretics work is unknown, says Dr. Doctor. “However, it’s thought [that they] increase blood flow to the kidneys, producing more urine and excreting excess fluid.”

While generally safe, natural treatments raise concerns due to their unpredictable effects and limited research, says Dr. Postalian. Unlike FDA-approved drugs with rigorous testing and consistent dosages, natural treatments typically lack extensive clinical trials, making them less favorable among traditional physicians, he adds.

Dandelion

The leaves of the dandelion, otherwise known as the Taraxacum officinale plant, act on the nephrons—units within the kidneys, says Dr. Doctor, explaining that channels in nephrons control salt and water levels and diuretics act on these channels to increase salt and water excretion. Dandelion is available as a tea or in supplement form, notes Jenelle Kim, D.A.C.M., a San Diego-based doctor of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, adding that though standard doses may vary, a common recommendation is one to two teaspoons of dried leaves steeped in hot water as a tea, up to three times a day.

Few studies on the diuretic effects of dandelions exist. In a 2009 pilot study (that included 17 participants and only lasted for one day), Taraxacum officinale extract increased the urination frequency in a small group of healthy participants[1] . Because of the small size and short duration of this study, and the lack of current research, more clinical trials are needed to investigate details of dandelion’s diuretics effects.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna or Crataegus laevigata) is a flowering tree or shrub in the rose family. It’s been studied in people with heart failure—a condition in which the heart isn’t pumping as much blood as it should—as the condition can lead to symptoms like fatigue, swelling in feet and difficulty breathing, says Dr. Doctor. Hawthorn’s diuretic effects are mild and haven’t been extensively studied, notes Dr. Kim.

While one small clinical trial from 2002 suggests that crataegus extract may improve exercise capacity and reduce heart failure symptoms in people with heart failure, another small study from 2008 concludes it doesn’t reduce the progression of heart failure, and may even increase one’s early risk of the condition[2][3]. Due to these mixed results, more research is needed.

Hawthorn is usually consumed as a tea or as an extract, adds Dr. Kim, who explains that doses can vary and it’s best to follow package instructions or consult with a healthcare provider.

Green and Black Tea

Green tea and black tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant. These teas contain caffeine, which is a natural diuretic, says Dr. Kim. There is little research examining the diuretic effects of tea in general and among the studies, black and green tea’s diuretic activity has seemingly only been studied in animals. Nonetheless, the diuretic effects of caffeine in general are widely known: It helps the body eliminate extra salt and water by increasing urination.

Both green and black tea can be enjoyed as a beverage, though moderation is key due to the caffeine content, says Dr. Kim. Too much caffeine can cause problems like restlessness, insomnia and fast heart rate. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cites 400 milligrams of caffeine as being an optimal dose (not generally associated with negative effects in healthy adults), however, since everyone metabolizes caffeine a bit differently, optimal doses may vary[4].

For reference, an 8-ounce cup of black tea contains about 47 milligrams of caffeine while a cup of green tea has about 28 milligrams[5].

Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a bright green plant that’s used to add flavor to foods. Its roots and leaves have traditionally been used as a diuretic. There are very few clinical trials studying parsley in general, though Dr. Kim notes that its high potassium content and compounds like apiol and myristicin contribute to its diuretic effects. There are no standard doses for parsley as it can be consumed fresh and added to foods like salads and soups, says Dr. Kim.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), a popular diuretic and blood pressure-lowering herb in Mexican traditional medicine, contains a compound that increases kidney filtration, which helps lower blood pressure. Its effects on blood pressure are an active area of clinical research. Hibiscus is typically consumed as a tea and there isn’t a standard dose, says Dr. Kim.

Coffee

Coffee is the most commonly consumed diuretic, whether intentionally or unintentionally, due to its caffeine content, according to Dr. Doctor. Caffeine in general has been studied in fluid balance. A 2015 meta-analysis of clinical trials mostly using 300 milligrams of caffeine from coffee and other caffeinated drinks concludes that caffeine has a minor diuretic effect but does not lead to excessive fluid weight loss in healthy adults[6]. As with black and green tea, it’s important to moderate coffee consumption due to the caffeine content, says Dr. Kim. An 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

Other Natural Ways to Expel Water and Salt

Foods that can help expel water and salt include fruits and vegetables with high water content such as bell peppers, celery, cucumber, lemon and watermelon, says Dr. Kim and Lizzy Katz, a registered dietitian and the diabetes program coordinator at the University of Maryland Capital Region Health. These foods help stimulate the kidneys to excrete urine by pulling more sodium from the body, explains Katz.

Physical activity is also a great way to help expel water and salt from the body through sweating, says Katz. Dr. Doctor agrees, noting that exercise improves circulation in all body parts, particularly the limbs, abdomen and chest—areas where excess fluid usually accumulates. He adds that reducing sodium and fluid intake may also help.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to see a doctor if you experience new or sudden water retention, advises Katz. Other than obvious swelling, you may also notice unexplained weight gain, adds Dr. Postalian. Swelling may also cause discomfort and difficulty moving around.

Fluid retention can be generalized or localized and affect various parts of the body, including internal organs, says Dr. Doctor, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention as different causes of swelling require different treatments.

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