Our urine comprises of water, urea, sodium and other waste products. Urine helps in passing out of salts and urea in the body. Nephrons are...
Our urine comprises of water, urea, sodium and other waste products. Urine helps in passing out of salts and urea in the body. Nephrons are the functioning units of kidney. The kidneys make urine in the nephrons and this urine is collected in the urinary bladder. When the bladder is full, you feel the urge to urinate and it could be often. The diuretic agents are substances that help in flushing out of urine from the body
What are diuretics?
As the name suggests diuretics are the substances that help to increase urine output of the body. They help get rid of salt and water from the body.
Diuretics are most popular used to treat high blood pressure. This is because blood pressure increases with increase in sodium in the body. So by using diuretics, we reduce the amount of sodium in the body, also we decrease the fluid load in the body.
When do we use diuretics?
Diuretics are used to treat heart related disorders such as:
- High blood pressure
- Congestive heart failure
- Edema (increase in urine retention in the body)
- Kidney stones
- Infections of the kidney
These diuretics decrease the water load and sodium inside the body. Hence, the heart functions properly.
Types of diuretics:
There are various types of chemical drugs used as diuretics. They increase the urine output by acting on the nephron on different stages of urine formation. They increase the output of salt. To take out the salt the body has to have water. Hence, these salts exit the body with the water. This is how the urine output increase in the body.
Here are some drugs used as diuretics:
Thiazide diuretic:
Used in blood pressure. Act by increasing sodium output. Less side effects.
Loop diuretics:
They are used to treat heart failure because of increase in fluid retention in the body. The more the fluid in the body, the more is the pressure on the heart.
Potassium sparing diuretics:
These are used to reduce the loss of potassium form the body. Potassium is very important mineral in the body and it is transported with sodium. Hence, when diuretics are used the sodium is excreted. However, along with sodium potassium is also excreted.
This leads to acidosis in the body. So, to reduce loss of potassium, potassium sparing diuretics are used.
They are majorly used in arrhythmias. Arrhythmias is disturbance in the rhythm of the heart beat.
Natural diuretics:
Although diuretic drugs are easily available in the market, they have side effects. IN not so serous conditions you can use these natural diuretics that give similar diuretic effect with no side-effects.
Here are some natural diuretics easily available at anyone's house. They are:
Water as a diuretic: *image
Increase your water intake, so that it will helps in increasing the urine output from the body and has diuretic effect. However, it is true, it is not effective for edema and blood pressure. You should try to drink 12 glasses of water than the usual 8 glasses. Moreover , if the crystal passes out ,you should continue with 12 glasses.
Dehydration is an important cause of reduction in urine output as the body tries to conserve water. Ordinarily, the color of urine is bright yellow to colorless. If you notice dark yellow color urine it is a sign of dehydration.
Coffee as a diuretic: *img
Is coffee a diuretic? Coffee contains caffeine which acts as diuretics for increasing urine output. If you take coffee in high doses it leads to diuretic effect in the body. The diuretic dose of coffee is 250-300mg. This dose is very minimal and even some cups of coffee can lead to diuresis.
However, if you drink coffee daily then you might develop tolerance towards it and will have little or no diuretic action.
Dandelion extract as a diuretic:*img
Dandelion is a herbal remedy that promotes diuresis. It is also called as lions tooth and has diuretic effect in the body. It has high diuretic effect because it has a lot of potassium content in it. This content helps in passing out sodium and water to maintain electrolyte balance.
When you eat potassium rich foods, it brings about fluid loss. This reduces the conditions of edema and high blood pressure as the fluid load decreases.
However, the quality of dandelion extract varies and so does its potassium content. So, it has shown mixed results in animal studies.
Apple cider vinegar as a diuretic:*img
It has high amount acetic acid . This acetic acid dissolves k. It can also decrease pain during peeing. There are also other health benefits. It provides diuretic effect and is also helpful in kidney stones.
You can use it in the following way:
Add 2 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to 6 to 8 ounces of water. Drink this mixture throughout the day for relief.
However, you should avoid having larger amounts of ACV . this is because it can lead to osteoporosis and low levels of potassium.
Celery juice as a diuretic:*img
Celery juice clears away toxins from the body. Thus celery juice is a great diuretic for the body.
Blend stalks of celery with water. Drink this any time in the day. You should avoid this if you have the following conditions:
If you have any bleeding disorder
Low B.P
A surgery scheduled .
It can interact with some drugs:
Levothyroxine
Lithium or lithane
Isotretinoin or other medications that increase sun sensitivity.
Sedatives or CNS depressants.
Pomegranate as a diuretic:*img
Pomegranate has a lot of antioxidants. They keep kidneys healthy and have shown to increase urine output . They flush stones out of the body and also has a property of flushing out toxins from the body .
You should avoid pomegranate juice if you are taking the following medications:
medications metabolized by liver.
Blood pressure medications
rosuvastatin .
Parsley as a diuretic:*img
Parsley is known as folk medicine for diuretics. In olden times it was brewed and taken to reduce water retention. It increases the urine output and has a mild diuretic effect in the body. There haven't been any human trails to test its effects yet. However, it is found to be showing effect in many individuals but not in all people.
Horsetail as a diuretic:*img
Horse tail is a herb used for diuretic treatment. It contains antibacterial and antioxidant to aid overall kidney health. However , you should avoid using this for more than 6 weeks. They can cause seizures , decrease Vitamin B levels and potassium levels.
Yoga for kidney health:
Yoga stretches and massages the internal organs of the body and this helps in maintaining kidney health.
Here are some yoga poses to relieve pain and helps in passing of urine .
Ushtra asana:*img
It helps in maintaining the health of kidney hence practiced in many ailments of kidney. It provides fresh surge of oxygen rich blood to the kidneys.
Steps:
Kneel on the knees and keep your hands sideways. Then bend backwards and hold the toes of the legs with your hands. Be in position for 10 seconds and breathe normally.
Uttanpadasana:*img
This pose strengthens the muscles of the back , legs , abdomen and pelvic area. It improves the functions of kidneys and increases urine output.
Steps :
Lie on the back and keeps the legs together. Exhale and breathe calmly in this position . then as you lift the legs straight up breathe. Keep your legs in 90 degrees to the ground and exhale slowly as you keep your legs down on the ground.
Pavanmuktasan :*img
This pose can help you improve digestion and it helps in relieving gases. It is also important in maintaining the health of kidneys and promoting diuresis.
Steps:
Lie down on your back and inhale as you bring your knees close to your chest. Hold the pose and exhale as you relax. Repeat this pose thrice.
Bhujanagasan:*img
Steps:
Lie on your stomach on the floor. Keep your palms on one another beneath your forward. Then inhale and lift your head and abdomen up in such a way that you bend your back. Stay in this position for sometime and repeat twice or thrice.
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