Diuretics are a huge deal in the world of weight loss and fitness. Most common in the form of a pill, usually called the water pill, diuretics are known to flush sodium from your body while in the process taking water along with it. According to the Mayo Clinic this can lead to more stable blood pressure and a reduction in hypertension. For many years I used over the counter diuretics added to my exercise routine to help me get rid water weight, but in the end I was usually unsatisfied with the results. This led me to learn more about natural diuretics that not only helped with removing water but had some other health benefits as well. Here are eight I commonly use and some ways that you can enjoy them in your daily routine.
Lemon
I prefer using this freshly squeezed in water but its versatility allows it to be added to almost any dish. Try adding a little bit to your salad, on tuna, or even mixed in with your favorite ice cream and you’ll barely know it’s there.
Asparagus
This is great as a fancy side dish or for a quick healthy snack. To quickly make steamed asparagus wash in warm water, roll a single layer in damp paper towels, and pop in the microwave for about 3 minutes. If it still seems undercooked cook for 30 seconds at a time until done.
Berries
These are great by themselves and along with being a diuretic strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries pack an impressive amount of vitamin c and antioxidants into each serving. You can freeze these to take with you on a hike for lunch or throw them into your favorite drink or smoothie for some added health benefits.
Celery
This is a great option if your trying to watch your calories or cut down on sugars. Celery burns more calories in the process of digestion than it contains and has an impressive amount of healthy fiber as well. While it’s good to eat plain or with a dip, try adding celery to a salad for extra crunch or to almost any baked dish for a unique texture and flavor.
Herbs & Spices
According to the University of Maryland Medical Research Center, there are many herbs that will work as a diuretic for your body. Some of these include rosemary, garlic, celery seed, dandelion, and green tea. Try drinking natural green or dandelion leaf tea or adding some of these spices to your next meal for some added benefits.
Oats
Most people know that adding oats to your daily routine is a great way to lower cholesterol, but it can also have a natural diuretic effect on your body. Adding this to your breakfast is a great way to stay in shape and you can add fruits like strawberry or pineapple for an even higher health boost.
Water
While at first it sounds counterproductive to drink water while trying to lose water weight, it’s actually a smart move. Along with help ridding the body of toxins, drinking enough water per day keeps your body from storing excess fluid by entering a water hibernation mode while being dehydrated. The formula I’ve used with success is drinking half my body weight in ounces of water per day.
Carrots
This vegetable is known primarily for benefits to eyesight and for turning your skin orange if you eat too many, but carrots also provide the benefit of being a natural low calorie diuretic. Carrots come in a variety of types and sizes so there’s plenty to choose from, and their great to just pick up and eat as a crunchy snack. Try adding carrots into your next salad or throwing them into your slow cooker recipe for an extra serving of veggies. No matter how they are prepared the health benefits will stay intact.
No matter which you try, these are all great options for adding some added health benefits to your day and helping you to lose weight in the process. I’ve found that, for me, these work just as well or even better than many over the counter medications and unlike with some pills you know exactly what your taking into your body. However, remember that diuretics, while a great weight loss boost and blood pressure stabilizer, can be dangerous if consumed in high amounts leading to excess dehydration. Make sure to properly hydrate yourself throughout the day. Add these to help yourself along the way to the new healthier you. Enjoy!
Sources:
The Mayo Clinic-Diuretics
Natural Diuretics for Fighting Fluid Retention
Herbs and Supplements:Diuretics- University of Maryland Medical Center
