Although most women are familiar with water retention caused by hormonal fluctuation in the monthly menstrual cycle, weight gain from water can affect both women and men at anytime. Since this can be uncomfortable to carry the extra weight, it is sometimes desirable to shed the excess fluid retention with the use of diuretics. It should be noted that these should never be taken in extremes, and that the best diuretics are ones that promote a healthy balance and function of the kidneys and body in general.
Herbal Diuretics
For an herbal diuretic to be effective, it should also be a positive influence on the body as a whole. It is one thing to dehydrate the body, and completely another to clear excess fluid retention by helping the kidneys and liver, and to promote a healthy function and balance in the body. A healthy diuretic should also be potassium sparing; in that it does not rob the body of its required potassium. The following herbs have a long history as effective diuretics.
- Juniper berry (Do not use if pregnant, diabetic or experiencing kidney disease)
- Stinging Nettle
- Dandelion
- Uvi ursi (bear berry)
Diuretic Foods
In a sensible culture, food is seen as medicine. Many foods are medicinally active and have an impact on the systems of the body. The following are ones that have a diuretic action:
- Watermelon and watermelon seeds
- Cantaloupe
- Tea
- Apple cider vinegar
- Celery seed
- Asparagus
- Water cress
- Cranberry
Potassium Rich Foods
Potassium rich foods excrete water from the system. In this way all foods high in potassium act as diuretics. It should be noted that too much potassium in the system can have negative consequences leading to hyperkalemia, which causes severe muscle pain and cardiac arrhythmias. Included as part of a common sense diet though, potassium rich foods are a great way to shed some fluid retention. Some of the highest in potassium are:
- Bananas
- Baked Potatoes
- Yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Apricots
- Tomatoes
- Cantaloupe
- Strawberries
- Papaya
Watch the Sodium and Sugar in Foods
Both sodium and sugar make the body retain extra water. Sodium works in opposition to potassium, and although both are needed in the body, sodium holds extra fluid in the tissues. When trying to shed water weight, keep sodium and sugar levels to a minimum.
Diuretic Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals have a strong impact on water balance in the body. Increased amounts in the form of supplements or a proper diet will help keep the water weight away. The two major diuretic vitamins are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
Clearing Candida
Although most women are familiar with candida as the cause of vaginal yeast infections, it is also found in the lining of the gut in both men and women. Normally kept in check by proper diet and a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive tract, it can get out of control and cause havoc in the body. A build up of Candida albicans in the gut will lead to unquenchable thirst and increased retention of water. Check out the article on Clearing the Candida to learn about diet and supplements to clear the yeast beast.
For other ways to lose weight in a healthy manner, check out the article Shedding those Winter Pounds.
If water retention does persist, then seek a professional health care provider as it can point to physical problems. For most people though, with some simple additions to the diet most water retention can be eliminated, while making the body function healthier.
References
Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century, Dr Earl Mindrell, 1999, Grand Central Publishing
The Herb Book, John Lust, 2001, Beneficial Books
Robert Oakes - For over twenty years I have studied as a holistic health practitioner with a background in herbalism, homeopathy, eastern medicine, ...
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