You may be familiar with diuretic drugs, but are you also familiar with diuretic foods? These are substances that make your body expel more water. Some people benefit from these foods when they retain too much fluid.
In this article, we look at the effect of diuretic foods and which ones are effective for your body.
What are Diuretic Foods?
When you suffer from fluid retention, this means that your body is holding on to too much fluid. This can be manifested by edema in the extremities, but also by having a distended abdomen, sudden weight gain, and feeling less need to urinate.Fluid retention can be caused by chronic complaints, problems with the blood circulation, your heart, or complaints with your liver and kidneys. However, it can also develop when your veins dilate, such as during the summer. Long-term fluid retention is no fun, so it is nice if you can use diuretic foods.
This means that your body expels more water. This is done through urination. Your kidneys then receive more fluid to process. Another way your body expels more water is through sweating.
Which Diuretic Foods Are Effective?
If you prefer not to use medication to drain your fluid, you can opt for a natural alternative. There are also many diuretic supplements, but through your diet, you can also give your body a push in the right direction. You almost always have these foods at home, so give them a try.1. Coffee
Coffee, especially black coffee, contains a lot of caffeine which has a diuretic effect. It operates a large dose of somewhere between 250 mg and 300 mg of caffeine is best. Please note that long-term use of coffee can lead to a habituation effect.
2. Parsley
In the past, parsley was drunk as tea to drain moisture in people who suffered from this. A study in rats has shown that the herb does affect fluid retention, but more research needs to be done to confirm this in humans. Still, it doesn't hurt to add some parsley to your food.
3. Diuretic Foods: Asparagus
Besides the fact that asparagus is now back in season, they also have a diuretic effect. They are packed with good vitamins and give your kidneys a push to expel more fluids so that you have to go to the toilet faster.
4. Black cumin (nigella seed)
Black cumin is widely used in Mediterranean recipes and has been used for centuries for its health benefits. One of these effects is that it has a diuretic effect. It may also lower blood pressure, but more research needs to be done on this.
5. Nettle
Although it may not seem like a good idea, nettle also works as a diuretic. You can drink it as tea or make it into a soup. Don't worry though, nettle's stings disappear when it comes into contact with boiling water. In addition, nettle also contains a lot of iron and is histamine lowering.