Off of diuretic any natural ways to rid of excess water?

Discussion in 'Your Living Room' started by debin, May 2, 2014.

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  1. debin

    debin New Member

    Had to go off of Triamterene because of blood pressure. I read awhile back there is a natural way to rid of excess fluids. Does anyone have any info? Can't get my rings off today.
     
  2. recentlydizzy

    recentlydizzy New Member

    (disclaimer) This is more of a tongue-in-cheek answer!

    When I was wrestling (high school) we had to make weight for a match. Fluid removal was the quickest way to drop a couple of pounds before weigh in. If one was so inclined they could take 5lbs off in couple of hours! I can't say this clear enough (It can be dangerous). The way we did it was wrapping our bodies in plastic-wrap and riding a stationary bicycle at a moderate pace. It works but only temporarily and can be dangerous.
     
  3. Vicki615

    Vicki615 New Member

    This may help, but I have never tried them for fluid retention:

    http://www.progressivehealth.com/natural-diuretics.htm?i=y&utm_expid=4620948-17.jbto_HQzQDGLaCs8qqTSSQ.1

    Natural Diuretics

    The term diuretic is often used to describe prescription medications used for the treatment of edema. However, there are also some natural herbs and foods that are useful for reducing swelling.

    These natural diuretics either contain phytochemicals with diuretic properties or simply increase the rate of urine production because of their high water content.

    The herbs and foods discussed below are effective natural diuretics.

    Dandelion

    Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an herbaceous plant that has been used for centuries to treat poor digestion, water retention, and various liver diseases. The leaves and roots of the plant are mostly used for this purpose.

    Dandelion has recently become popular for its use as a diuretic. An active component of dandelion, a sesquiterpene lactone, is believed to be responsible for its diuretic action.

    The main diuretic action of dandelion involves increasing the flow of urine by enhancing the activities of the kidney and liver. By increasing urinary function, more fluids are released from the body and excess water weight is reduced.

    As a result, swelling caused by water retention in the body can be effectively controlled with dandelion.

    Additionally, dandelion stimulates the gallbladder to produce more bile and also increase bile flow from the liver. These actions purify the blood and improve kidney and liver functions.

    One of dandelion’s major advantage as a diuretic is that it does not reduce potassium levels in the body. In fact, the herb is rich in potassium and can replenish the body’s store of the mineral. Other essential nutrients found in dandelion include iron, magnesium and various vitamins.

    Dandelion is especially effective for foot swelling associated with high blood pressure and liver problem.

    The diuretic effect of dandelion extract was examined in a study published in the journal, Alternative and Complementary Medicine. In that study, 17 volunteers were given an ethanolic extract from dandelion leaf.

    Urinary frequency and volume were observed in the volunteers 2 days before they were given the extract. These parameters were also observed during and after the period of supplementation with the dandelion extract.

    The result of the study showed that there was significant increase in the frequency of urination in all volunteers, thus confirming the diuretic property of dandelion.

    Corn Silk

    Corn silk is another natural diuretic that is also rich in potassium. It increases the rate of urine production and forces out fluids trapped inside tissues and intercellular spaces.

    By speeding up the rate of filtration in the kidney tubules and also reducing the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine ions back into the blood, corn silk is able to increase the volume of urine produced in the body.

    Consequently, more water and fluid wastes accumulated in the body are released and swelling is reduced.

    Active phytochemicals found in corn silk include cryptoxanthin and tannins which act as dehydrating agents.

    The diuretic activity of corn silk was investigated in a study published in the journal, Phytomedicine. In the study, a group of rats was given corn silk extract and this resulted in a significant increase in the volume of urine eliminated.

    The researchers concluded that corn silk extract is effective as diuretic and that it works by stimulating and enhancing the function of the kidney tubules.

    Green Tea

    Green tea is made from the slightly oxidized leaves of Camellia sinesis and it has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various conditions for centuries.

    It is now a universally acclaimed tea that is known especially for its weight loss potentials. One of the ways by which green tea promotes weight loss is through diuresis. It prevents water retention in the body and encourages the shedding of water weight.

    The active phytochemicals found in green tea include epigallocatechin gallate, flavonoids, tannins, caffeine, and polyphenols.

    The caffeine content is responsible for its diuretic action. It works by increasing the activity of plasma renin. Renin which plays a significant role in water retention and urine production.

    Through the increased rate of urination, pockets of fluid amassed in the body are forced to be excreted. This consequently reduces swelling caused by water retention in the body.

    Caffeine also increases body metabolism thereby breaking down fat deposits in the body.

    Parsley

    Parsley is another popular natural remedy for swelling and there is sufficient clinical evidence to prove the diuretic benefit of this herb.

    Parsley cleanses the kidneys by increasing urination. It does this by inhibiting the sodium and potassium ion pumps. This inhibition reduces the reabsorption of sodium and potassium salts in the kidney. As a result, there is an increase in osmotic pressure as well as fluid outflow leading to increased urine volume.

    The diuretic effect of parsely was demonstrated in a study published in the journal, Ethnopharmcology, in 2002.

    In this study, rats were given parsley seed extract to drink. The result of the study showed that rats given parsley seed extract eliminated a significantly larger volume of urine per day compared to when they were given only water.

    This study shows that parsley increases the rate of urine production and reduces water retention in the body.

    Some of the phytochemicals found in parsley include lutein and carotene. It is also rich in potassium and a variety of other minerals and vitamins.

    Stinging Nettle

    Stinging Nettle, also known as Urtica dioica, derives its name from its stinging effect when it grazes the skin. This vegetable has become very popular and for over 100 years it has been used mainly as a food source but also for its medicinal properties.

    Stinging nettle is believed to be able to reduce water retention in the body. Its use as a diuretic is attributed to the combined effect of its high potassium content and some flavonoids.

    The diuretic activity of stinging nettle also involves increasing the excretion of uric acid, urea and chlorides. Through this action, it cleanses the kidney and reduces the amount of excess fluids in the body.

    Therefore, stinging nettle can be used to treat and prevent the formation of kidney stores and also the deposition of uric acid in the joints.

    Stinging nettle is especially effective in patients with heart disorders, chronic venous insufficiency and gout edema. In the treatment of gout edema, it can be applied as a cream or as a compressed poultice on the affected joint.

    Artichoke

    Artichoke has been traditionally used over the centuries by Europeans to have a lot of medicinal properties. It improves liver and kidney functions.

    Artichoke contains phytochemicals such as flavonoids, caffeic acids and cynarin. The combination of these phytochemicals, including minerals, is responsible for its potassium-sparing diuretic effect.

    Cynarin, particularly, enhances the production of bile and promotes urination thereby ridding the body of excess fluids. Additionally, with the help of potassium, less sodium salt is reabsorbed into the blood and more is excreted in the kidney.

    Since water retention is known to be due to the retention excess sodium ion in the body, therefore the increased excretion of sodium salts leads to the removal of excess water weight.

    As a natural diuretic, artichoke should be consumed raw because cooking (heat) destroys its main component cynarin. Extracts made from artichoke leaves can also be taken as tea.

    Celery

    Celery (Apium graveolens) is a plant known for its flavored leaves and medicinal seeds. Celery seed is useful in ridding the body of excess water and lowering blood pressure in the body.

    Celery helps in removing toxins from the body by promoting the flow of urine through the kidneys and also increasing the excretion of uric acids.

    The COX-2 inhibitors present in celery seed are responsible for reducing uric acid levels in the body. This makes it an ideal treatment option for gout edema which is caused by excess uric acid crystals collecting in the joints.

    Through the various diuretic effects of celery seed, it may also be helpful in relieving bladder disorders and some kidney problems.

    Although celery contains sodium, it also contains considerable amount of potassium to counterbalance it. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin C and this is believed this also contributes to celery’s medicinal properties.

    Juniper Berry

    Juniper berry contains some volatile oils, resins and organic acids that are responsible for the berry’s medicinal benefits. The berries are carefully dried to preserve the volatile oils and they used in several beverages.

    One of its volatile oils, terpinen-4-ol, is considered to be responsible for the diuretic effect of juniper berry. It dilutes urine and disinfects the urinary tract as it is excreted in the urine.

    By increasing the rate of filtration in the kidney tubules, juniper berry stimulates the production of more urine. Additionally, it prevents uric acid from crystalizing in the kidneys by keeping it dissolved in excess fluids and excreting it with urine.

    All these actions improve the functions of the kidney and promote the constant removal of excess fluids in the body.

    Cucumber

    The diuretic effect of cucumber mainly comes from its high water content. It helps in the removal of accumulated deposits of old waste materials and toxins.

    Cucumber contains a lot of silicon and sulfur which are known to be dehydrating agents. These two minerals stimulate the kidney to excrete more uric acid.

    It also contains ascorbic and caffeic acids. The combine effects of these phytochemicals and its high water content stimulate the production of more urine. As a result, fluids causing swelling in the body are forced out and excreted as urine.

    Along with the diuretic action of cucumber, it also provides an antioxidant protection for cells and blood vessels. This prevents the damage of veins and prevents the leakage of fluids into the tissue matrix. In addition, this protection allows the vessels to properly drain fluids from swollen areas to the kidneys for excretion.

    The antioxidant property of cucumber is due to the presence of phytochemicals such as alpha and beta carotene, vitamins A and C, zeaxanthin and lutein.

    Grape

    Grapes are very good natural diuretics on account of their high water content and high amount of potassium. They also contain very low salts and this makes them an even more preferable option.

    Grape increases the rate of urine production and bile flow by stimulating the liver and glycogenic functions and, as a result, it helps in ridding the body of excess fluids.

    Furthermore, grapes prevent swelling caused by damaged blood vessels because it contains antioxidant phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonols, flavon-3-ols, quercetin, tannins, anthocyanins, and kaempferol.

    Lastly, the detoxifying effect of grapes improves the function and thus the filtration rate of the kidney. This consequently helps the kidney to excrete more fluids from the body.

    It also has a laxative effect due to the fiber in its skin. The laxative effect can also contribute to fluid loss from the body.
     
  4. CarolineJ.

    CarolineJ. New Member

    http://www.progressivehealth.com/these-foods-may-act-as-natural-diuretics.htm?i=y&utm_expid=4620948-17.jbto_HQzQDGLaCs8qqTSSQ.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D4%26ved%3D0CD8QFjAD%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.progressivehealth.com%252Fthese-foods-may-act-as-natural-diuretics.htm%26ei%3D0ZFjU_ZYhIbIBPL0gbAG%26usg%3DAFQjCNEA5Hq7wuJREdcz3ihrgN6r_gjORg%26bvm%3Dbv.65788261%2Cd.aWw

    Natural diuretics

    There are some natural foods that contain diuretics which help to reduce edema. Most of these natural diuretic foods have high water content and they usually aid in the removal of excess fluids that build up in the body to cause swelling.

    The following foods may naturally reduce edema.

    Water melon

    Watermelon has a very high water content of about 92%. It contains antioxidant flavonoids such as lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. The phytochemicals present in watermelon like lycopene and carotenoids can protect cells, tissues and proteins in the body from harmful free radicals.

    In addition, citrulline an amino acid found in watermelon can relax blood vessels, an ability that can prevent fluids leaking out of those vessels and collecting in the surrounding tissues.

    Overall, watermelon is cleansing, diuretic, alkalinizing and mineralizing. It also helps in promoting intestinal elimination and removal of toxic wastes from the body.

    Dr. Ariel Policano, a naturopathic physician, stated that watermelon helps the liver to process ammonia, which is a toxic nitrogen waste product, by changing it into urea which is safely excreted.

    Therefore, watermelon is not only a diuretic but a detoxifier.

    Tomatoes

    Naturally, tomatoes have about 90% water content. They also contain antioxidant such as lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin C and selenium.

    These antioxidants prevent the damages caused by free radicals to body tissues leading to premature aging and many chronic degenerative diseases. When these free radicals damage the walls of the blood vessels, they can cause the leakage of fluids and therefor, local swelling.

    They have low calories and low cholesterol making them unique for people watching their weights.

    Cucumber

    Cucumber contains a high water content which make it a good choice as a natural diuretic.

    It is also known to contain high amount of silicon and sulfur.

    Silicon and sulfur induce the kidneys for elimination of uric acids. This contributes to an efficient system of waste removal from body and relief from being overstuffed and bloated.

    Cucumber gets rid of amassed pouch of old wastes and toxins from the body. Its action of uric acid removal makes it good for arthritis relief too.

    Caffeic and ascorbic acid are also present in cucumber and they can contribute to its diuretic effect. Swelling around the eyes can also be treated with cucumber.

    Cucumber is a good example of potassium-sparing diuretic because it is also rich in potassium.

    Cucumbers contain anti-oxidants such as beta carotene and alpha carotene, vitamins A and C, zeaxanthin and lutein, all of which reduce the effects of ageing.

    Cranberry Juice

    Cranberry juice is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections. This is mainly because of its antibacterial and diuretic properties. One notable benefit the diuretic effect of cranberry is that it does not drain the body of potassium.

    Some of the phytochemicals present in cranberry include catechins, triterpenoids, quinic acid, hippuric acid, anthocyanins.

    In a study presented in 2002, at the Experimental Biology conference, the researchers showed that 8 oz. serving of cranberry juice was enough to prevent the bacteria, E. coli, from sticking to the bladder cells and for treating bladder infections.

    A study published in 2002 in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that cranberry PACs were able to stop the linkage of both resistant strains and antibiotic susceptible bacteria.

    Carrots

    Carrots are widely regarded as one of the most effective diuretic vegetables. This is as because of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they contain. Some of the phytochemicals in carrots are lutein, lycopene, carotenes, zeaxanthin and xanthophyll.

    These phytochemicals can promote detoxification and increase the rate of metabolism and in the process discharge vitamins and minerals. Part of the detoxification achieved by these phytochemicals in carrot is done through diuresis.

    In addition, the alkaline elements richly present in carrots can invigorate the blood and promote the right pH balance in the body.

    Eggplant

    There is sufficient evidence that suggests the diuretic importance of egg plant. Its high water content is an obvious example.

    Eggplant improves the circulation of blood and reduces toxic heat. Its diuretic properties makes it useful in the treatment of hypertension and edema.

    The major phytochemicals found in eggplants are flavonoids. They are also loaded with other antioxidants, fiber, minerals and vitamins.

    Drinking eggplant water reduces bloating caused by high water and fluid being held up in the body. They are also recommended as weight loss foods for people who want to get rid of the band of fat found around the waist.

    Artichoke

    Artichoke is an excellent diuretic food. This vegetable is especially known to improve kidney functions.

    Some of the phytochemicals found in artichoke are caffeic acid, cynarin and flavonoids. They are also a rich source of several nutrients, vitamins and minerals that help to drive normal bodily functions.

    The overall antioxidant capacity of artichoke flower heads is one of the highest for vegetables.

    The cynarin contained in artichoke improves the flow of bile which reduces the amount of excess fluids and consequently reduces swelling.

    Artichokes should be eaten in raw form because heat destroys the cynarin contained in the artichoke.

    Herbs made of leaf extract from artichokes have been used to improve bile release and for various liver problems.

    Celery

    Celery seed speeds up uric acid excretion and increases the rate of urine production. These are the means by which celery detoxifies the body.

    When excess uric acid crystals collect in the joint, as in the case of gout, celery seeds can be particularly helpful. Therefore, celery is specially recommended for treating gout edema.

    However, celery contains more sodium than most other vegetables. Fortunately, the sodium is counterbalanced by the high potassium it contains. Studies have revealed that the quantity of sodium in celery is not considerable even for the salt-susceptible individuals.

    The major phytochemicals present in celery are coumarins. Studies reveal that coumarin compounds decrease blood pressure and improve the vascular system.

    Celery is recommended for treating bladder disorders, cystitis and other kidney problems because of its diuretic actions.

    Grapes

    Grape has a high water content and it is also rich in potassium. Both of these properties make it an effective and unique diuretic food.

    Phytochemicals found in grape include phenolic acids, flavonols, flavon-3-ols, myricetin, peonidin, flavonoids, resveratrol, and anthocyanins.

    Due to their rich source of potassium and low level of salt, grape can remove toxins from the body through increased urine flow, and for this reason, it is traditionally used for treating kidney disorders.

    Due to the fiber in the skin and seeds, grape has a cleansing effect. Grapes also help in the stimulation of liver functions and also bile secretion.

    Asparagus

    Asparagus packs low calories and contains a lot of vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C. Glutathione, a phytochemical found in asparagus acts as an oxidant and has anti-carcinogenic properties.

    Asparagine, an amino acid found in asparagus, is an efficient diuretic and has been known to treat swelling, arthritis, rheumatism, and PMS-related water retention.

    The fiber in asparagus helps in cleaning out our gastrointestinal tract
     
  5. Intrepid

    Intrepid New Member

    Yep. Drink much more water than you do now. It's the best way to get rid of retention.
     
  6. debin

    debin New Member

    Thanks!!! As you know Ménière's is just one big scientific experiment!!!
     
  7. Gracie

    Gracie New Member

    Drink water, water and more water. :) good luck
     
  8. John of Ohio

    John of Ohio New Member

    The ginkgo extract, vinpocetine, and especially the lemon bioflavonoids of my regimen facilitate accumulated fluid extraction from the inner ear.

    Scrutinize the information here:
    http://www.zoominternet.net/~kcshop/JOH.pdf

    --John of Ohio
     
  9. ring

    ring New Member

    JOH (or others)

    I know it has been answered before.
    Supplements that say:
    Bioflavonoids without the "lemon" in the name
    or Citrus Bioflavonoids (1000 MG)
    Are those different in terms of JOH regime than Lemon Bioflavonoids?

    Thanks. I just went to the GNC nearby. Did not buy.
     
  10. John of Ohio

    John of Ohio New Member

    "Citrus" bioflavonoids fail to contain enough (or any) of the bioflavonoid eriocitrin, the bioflavonoid that facilitates excess fluid removal from the hydropic inner ear.

    There are dozens of bioflavonoids (or, "flavonoids"). All are very healthful; but only eriocitrin works effectively against the hydrops of Meniere's, and then only when consumed in sufficient and enduring dosages.

    Lemon rind, from which true lemon bioflavonoid products are made, have large concentrations of eriocitrin. There is no other useful source that I'm aware of. Must be "lemon bioflavonoids," not "citrus bioflavonoids." Big difference for those of us with Meniere's.

    --John of Ohio
     
  11. bubbagump

    bubbagump New Member

    water + sweat (exercise / sauna)
     

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