What is Diuretic?
Anything that promotes the formation of urine in the kidney is called diuretic. Literally, diuretic means to urinate thoroughly. The word is derived from the Greek words ‘dia’, which means thoroughly and ‘ourein’ that means to urinate. Diuretics are sometimes known as ‘water pills’ because it increases the drive of fluid removal from the body through urination.

Diuretics have several uses and each use has a reason. People who are suffering from edema may be prescribed to take diuretics. Edema is a type of disease, which is characterized by an extreme buildup of fluids in the body’s tissues. Diuretics are also indicated to persons with heart ailments and high blood pressure or hypertension.

The concept of diuretics is to increase the production of urine. Excretion of the urine out of the body helps release excess fluids in the body. Moreover, it also aids in releasing excess salt in the body and therefore reduces blood volume.
To some people who need to lose weight within a short span of time, diuretics are also prescribed. However, diuretics are not established to promote fat loss, they still aid the person to remove excess body fluid, which can add up to their weight. Although a person might certainly shed off some pounds, the result of this technique of utilizing diuretics for weight loss is just temporary.

According to health experts, this method of losing weight is not recommended for it is not a healthy way. Losing weight must be performed gradually so that the body may adjust without the harmful side effects of abrupt weight loss. Abrupt weight loss may lead to dehydration and potassium deficiencies, which are both considered as dangerous. Therefore, abusing the use of diuretics is not recommended.
If a person needs to reduce body fluid in minimal amount, it is better to use natural diuretics. Foods that have natural diuretic properties are better alternative for the drug-based ones. Cranberries and cranberry juice, coffee, tea, apple cider vinegar and any other beverages that contain caffeine are considered natural diuretics.

The good thing about apple cider vinegar is that aside from containing natural diuretic properties, it is also a good source of potassium. The vinegar will help flush out some excess body liquid while at the same time replenishing the potassium in the body. Apple cider vinegar can be taken to avoid potassium deficiency. Any fruits and vegetable that contains a lot of water can be used as diuretics. Some examples of these fruits are watermelon, and cucumber. Drinking coconut juice also helps in the formation of urine.

Although natural diuretics are safer and more recommended by physicians, it is still advised to take them in moderation. Consulting your doctor is still the best way before you begin a new regimen. Taking natural remedies must also be consulted to a doctor beforehand. It is always better to be safe than sorry since many people tend to take anything without any doctor’s advice. In the end, they suffer from a more dangerous illness instead of curing their ailment.