Natural Diuretics
I just want to explain briefly how diuretics work so everybody is on the same page. I know that many know they “get rid of water” but it’s important to know how they do this as well! Diuretics work by making your kidneys excrete more sodium in the urine. The body then tries to balance out this increased amount of sodium concentration, by adding more water to the urine from the blood stream during the process of urine formation. By expelling the excess water in the urine there is now a decreased amount of fluid flowing through the blood vessels and pressure on the walls of the arteries is reduced.
There are prescription, non-prescription (over the counter water pills) and then there are also natural diuretics through foods, liquids or herbs. Most people are aware that asparagus is a natural diuretic and most know this through competition diets or prepping for a shoot. I get asked a lot though what are other natural diuretics or alternatives to asparagus. I have prepared a list of several that I know of and the reasons behind why they work.
I also want to say that diuretics, even natural ones, should not be used without consulting a medical professional. Due to the reduction in fluids this may influence the body’s balance of minerals and electrolytes as well as its basic hydration. Always be very, very careful when deciding to do anything that changes the natural homeostasis of your body!
The following are some natural foods and herbs that exhibit diuretic qualities and promote the process:
- Asparagus: It contains a chemical alkaloid called asparigine that promotes effective removal of wastes from the body by improving the functioning of the kidney.
- Tomatoes: It’s a very rich source of Vitamin C that helps release excessive body fluids and improves metabolism.
- Melon: Melons like watermelon ans muskmelon contains high levels of water, potassium and sodium that help eliminate toxins and stimulates urine production.
- Carrots: Carrots are a rich source of carotene that increases metabolism and removal of waste and fat deposits. As a diuretic, carrots are good for people who suffer from gout, aiding in the disposal of uric acid which would otherwise crystallise, causing the pain of gout.
- Lettuce: It helps flush out toxins and increases metabolism rate.
- 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.
- 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.
- Parsley: It stimulates urination by flushing out toxins from the kidneys. Although adding fresh parsley to recipes may have some benefits, the most effective way to get the natural diuretic effects of parsley is to enjoy it as a tea.
- Celery: Both the seed and the plant contain high levels of potassium and sodium that together stimulate urine production.
- Green tea: It is being used in China, as a natural diuretic, since centuries.
- Fennel: It exhibits diuretic and carminative properties.
- Other natural diuretic foods and herbs include beets, cabbage, artichokes, watercress, Gingko Biloba, Buchu Extract, coffee and tea.
Most people asking are ones trying to see changes in their body and/or wanting to shed extra pounds. I do HIIT (high intensity interval training), I also do standard cardio on the treadmill, elliptical, bike and change up the speed, resistance, etc. depending on what I am training for. I find that what works best for me for a shoot is not what I would do for a show. Due to length of time that I may have to prep for each situation and what kind of look I need to have going in to a shoot as opposed to a show, determines my cardio. Also where my starting point is, what I look like at that exact time that I find out I have something coming up also determines my cardio.