Natural Diuretic Foods

Water retention in the body is as harmful as dehydration, if not more. Retention of water in the body usually occurs in people suffering from heart ailments, kidney and liver related ailments, PMS symptoms, high blood pressure, sciatica etc. It may also occur due to the lack of B-vitamins, amino-acids and proteins in the diet or due to the excessive consumption of foods high in sugar and salt content. The condition caused due to water retention in the body tissues is known as Edema.

Diuretics are substances that help flush out the excessive water from the body through urination. Diuretics are available in the form of synthetic diuretics and natural diuretics. Synthetic diuretics are medications or drugs that are available over-the-counter with the prescription of a medical expert. Many precautions have to be taken while consuming synthetic diuretics as they are accompanied by a lot of side-effects. A Natural diuretic, on the other hand, is a safer option as it can be obtained from natural foods and herbs and is free from any kind of side effects. The following are some natural foods and herbs that exhibit diuretic qualities and promote the process of diuresis.

• Asparagus: It contains a chemical alkaloid called asparigine that promotes effective removal of wastes from the body by improving the functioning of the kidney.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: It maintains optimum levels of potassium in the body in addition to exhibiting natural diuretic properties.
• Tomatoes: It's a very rich source of Vitamin C that helps release excessive body fluids and improves metabolism.
• Garlic: It contains mustard oils that have cleansing properties. They break down and flush out fats.
• Cranberry Juice: It helps maintain the pH level of the urine, dilutes the urine and aids in increasing the frequency of urination. Its also helpful in improving and maintaining kidney functioning.
• Brussels Sprouts: It helps in the cleansing of the body tissues and cells by stimulating the kidneys and pancreas.
• Oats: It contains Silica which is a natural diuretic substance.
• Dandelion leaf: It is high in potassium and mineral contents that aid the process of diuresis. It also helps in potassium retention.
• Green tea: It is being used in China, as a natural diuretic, since centuries.
• Fennel: It exhibits diuretic and carminative properties.
• Juniper Berries: It contains volatile oils and terpinen-4-ol which enhances the kidney's glomerular filtration which helps flush out excessive fluids from the body.
• Parsley: It stimulates urination by flushing out toxins from the kidneys.
• Celery: Both the seed and the plant contain high levels of potassium and sodium that together stimulate urine production.
• Lettuce: It helps flush out toxins and increases metabolism rate.
• Melon: It contains high levels of water, potassium and sodium that help eliminate toxins and stimulates urine production.
• Other natural diuretic foods and herbs include beets, cabbage, carrots, artichokes, watercress, Gingko Biloba, Buchu Extract, coffee, tea, etc.

Natural Diuretic Diet
A natural diuretic diet can also be followed as a diet for weight loss or a detoxification diet. They also help reduce PMS symptoms like bloating and headaches. For these purposes, carbohydrates, foods high in sugar and salt content, junk foods, soft drinks, etc. need to be completely eliminated from one's diet and the above mentioned foods and herbs should be incorporated. Drinking plenty of water is also very essential along with the consumption of natural diuretics.

Although natural diuretic foods can help detoxify and provide relief from edema, they should be consumed only for a few days, as some natural diuretics can also flush out the essential minerals and nutrients. It is advisable to consume them under the advise of a medical expert.