Is Lemon a Natural Diuretic?

Having more than just one use, the lemon tree is among the oldest cultivated fruit plants which has its roots in Asia. Now, it grows in almost all subtropical climates of the world. Beneficial for health with 'loads' of vitamin C, lemon is used in cooking, cleaning and different therapeutic usages. Lemon helps the body to get rid of excess water, through increased flow of urine. Not only excess water is removed from the body, but it also flushes out excess amount of sodium and electrolytes, via urine, which implies that lemon is in fact a natural diuretic.

Benefits of Lemon as a Natural Diuretic

Lemon when consumed with warm or hot water, provides benefits of being a natural diuretic and a laxative as well. Take a bottle half filled with warm drinkable water and pour the cranberry into the bottle. After taking out the seeds from the lemon, squeeze it and mix the juice into the bottle. Thereafter, add more water to the bottle and shake it. Unlike a normal 'flavored water', this natural diuretic lemon juice is flavored, dietetic, disinfectant and rich in vitamin C, that is an antioxidant and protects cells from radical damage.

Being a natural diuretic, this fruit is recommended for people suffering from urinary tract infections (UTI) and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Lemon induces urination at an increased rate, and hence it is useful in treating such diseases. Regular consumption of lemon juice, helps in cleansing the urinary tract and mending balance in the urine. Increased diuresis due to intake of lemon also helps in flushing out toxic agents and harmful bacteria from the body. That is why, people suffering from high uric acid disorders; such as arthritis or rheumatism, are encouraged to inculcate the use of lemon in their diet. For people suffering from diabetes, excess amount of salt in the body is a major concern for their health. Consumption of lemon can help reduce this and keep their diabetes under control.

Some Considerations

Lemon, as a natural diuretic, should only be used when the need arises and should not be taken as regular fruit juices. Consumption of lemon should be in smaller quantities in foods and beverages. The most common side effect that may arise from the use of lemons is deterioration of the teeth enamel, and prolonged use can lengthen the harm up to the gums. People having pre-existing gum problems should refrain from consuming lemons as it might create acute dental problems.

Lemon juice is also popular among models in the fashion industry. It is often used for weight loss due to its detoxifying properties. However, before using lemon juice as a part of a weight loss diet, one must always seek a doctor's advice. It has been found that lemon, when consumed regularly without a balanced diet can lead to severe dehydration and potassium deficiency.

Some natural diuretic foods other than lemon are:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Artichoke
• Beet
• Cucumber
• Cranberry juice
• Carrot
• Cabbage
• Dandelion
• Fennel
• Green tea
• Nettle
• Tomato
• Watercress
• Watermelon

Know that prolonged use of any kind of diuretics should be avoided as it results in side effects such as weight loss, fatigue, depression, low sex-drive and irritability. So use them, but with caution and care.