Diuretics
Diuretics reduce edema (fluid retention) and lower blood
pressure by reducing sodium and water retention. The three types of diuretics
(thiazides, potassium-sparing diuretics, and high-loop diuretics) all work differently,
but the goal is to lower blood pressure and/or heart fluid (CHF). These
medications include Oretic, Euduron, Reneses, Hygroton, Bumex, Lasix, Anhydron,
Diuril, Edecrin, Demadex, Dyrenium, Aldactone, Midamor, Zaroxolyn, and Lozol.
Diuretics may be needed, at least short term for reducing
high blood pressure, but long term they are only covering up the symptom-not
correcting the cause(s) of the problem.
Never discontinue your diuretic without working with a
health care professional. And diuretics are a necessity for individuals with
congestive heart disease who are experiencing fluid retention. DON’T STOP
TAKING YOUR MEDICINE WITHOUT CONSULTING A KNOWLEDGIBLE HEALH EXPERT.
Lasix depletes vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is a crucial
nutrient for heart muscle. A B1 deficiency can cause any of the
following, fatigue, mental confusion, depression, anxiety, upset stomach, and
tingling in the hands and feet. It is estimated that 50% of elderly adults in
the US are deficient in vitamin B1.
Now add Lasix and you create another senile dementia case or someone who now needs an antidepressant medication.
This scenario of chasing a side effect with another medication is all too
common. Researchers found that when patients taking Lasix added 100 mg of
vitamin B1 a day, their heart function improved. Imagine that.16
Diuretics may cause the following side effects; Excessive
uric acid in the blood (gout), magnesium deficiency, potassium deficiency,
electrolyte imbalance, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, lowered HDL,
excessive sugar in the blood (diabetes), fever, rash, irregular menstrual
cycles (Aldosterone), impotence (same), and excessive urination and thirst.17 The use of thiazide diuretics and
potassium-sparing diuretics has demonstrated a modest increased risk of breast
carcinoma, and the use of certain diuretics may increase the risk of breast
carcinoma among older women.18
Diuretics have
been shown to cause an eleven-fold increase in diabetes.19 Let me repeat this. Diuretics, yes those little water
pills, make you 11 times more likely to develop life-threatening diabetes!
Obviously, my patients who tell me, “Doc, I’m just taking a little old’ water
pill,” don’t know they may be setting themselves up for some serious health
problems.
Aldactone is associated with several severe side effects,
especially for individuals with kidney disease. It can cause kidney failure,
muscle paralysis, and mental confusion in older adults.20
Dyrenium is a diuretic medication that has been linked to
kidney stones, kidney failure, and bone marrow suppression.21
Excess salt and sugar can make you retain water. The DASH
diet, see my Heart Disease book, or do a Google search, is a great way to
prevent swelling from excess salt intake.
Many foods can act as a diuretic and will aid in the
production of urine. This will help you remove fluids from your body. Remember
to always use moderation and caution when using a diuretic.
Apple cider vinegar -- is a natural diuretic and helps
maintain potassium levels.
Artichoke -- natural diuretic
Asparagus -- contains asparagines, a chemical alkaloid which
helps flush the kidneys.
Beets -- attacks floating body fat and fatty deposits.
Brussels sprouts -- cleanse the cell and stimulate thought
kidneys and pancreas.
Cabbage -- breaks up fatty deposits.
Carrots -- speeds up metabolic rate and helps remove fat and
waste from the body.
Cranberry juice -- aids in the removal of excess fluid from
the body.
Cucumber -- stimulate the kidney and aid in the removal of
uric acid.
Dandelion And Dandelion Leaf -- natural diuretic, and leaf
key aides in the detoxification of the urinary tract.
Green tea -- natural diuretic and has been used for
centuries in China.
Fennel -- has a calmative and diuretic property.
Horseradish -- speeds up the metabolism and helps eliminate
fluid.
Lettuce -- aids in metabolism and flushing of toxins from
the system.
Nettle -- has natural diuretic properties.
Oats -- contains silica in natural diuretic.
Tomatoes -- are rich in vitamin C that aids metabolism in
the release of water from the kidneys.
Watermelon -- natural diuretic helps increased urination.
My favorite natural diuretic is standardized hawthorne root
and dandelion root. Normally I find that patients who lose any extra weight
eliminate problems with water retention and swelling. In my practice I use my
Jump Start Weight Loss Program, liberal intake of lemon water (at least 64
ounces a day), and if needed the herbals mentioned above.
You can learn more about my weight loss program here –
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