Diuretics, also known as water pills, belong to a class of
medications that remove excess salt and water from the body. They are
often used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. High blood
pressure can be a contributing factor in the development of various
forms of heart disease.
When chosen as a treatment for hypertension, diuretics have proven to be effective in preventing heart attack and stroke in many individuals. Certain foods and herbs also possess diuretic effects, helping you to urinate more often to excrete excess fluids and sodium.
Each of the three types of diuretic medication increases the amount of sodium you excrete through urination, but they affect different areas of your kidneys. Your kidneys are the filters through which toxins and excess fluids are flushed from your body. When you take a diuretic medication, the drug signals to your kidneys that you need to get rid of more sodium. Water binds to the sodium and is then removed during urination, leaving you with a lower blood volume. The reduction in blood volume slows the rate at which blood flows through your blood vessels, helping to decrease your blood pressure.
Thiazide and loop diuretics may also cause you to lose potassium in addition to water and sodium. Potassium is an important mineral that maintains healthy fluid levels and regulates heart and muscle function. Your doctor may advise you to take a potassium supplement or to eat foods rich in the nutrient to combat low potassium levels. Potassium-rich foods include:
Thiazide diuretics are the primary treatment method for people who have hypertension-related heart disease. However, your doctor will tailor your drug regimen to your specific health concerns. Your specific medication may contain more than one type of diuretic agent in a single pill or dose.
The most common side effect of diuretics is increased urination. Your potassium, glucose, and cholesterol levels may fluctuate depending on the type of diuretic you’re taking. Your doctor may run blood tests to measure your levels throughout treatment.
Other side effects may include:
Natural diuretic aids may be beneficial for your high blood pressure, but they should be used with caution. Taking a natural diuretic, even unintentionally through your normal diet, along with a pharmaceutical medication could lead to dehydration and other potentially harmful drug interactions. Speak with your doctor to learn more about which natural diuretics are appropriate to use for treating your condition.
When chosen as a treatment for hypertension, diuretics have proven to be effective in preventing heart attack and stroke in many individuals. Certain foods and herbs also possess diuretic effects, helping you to urinate more often to excrete excess fluids and sodium.
Pharmaceutical Diuretics
Prescription diuretic medications are grouped into three main types.Thiazide
Thiazide diuretics help treat hypertension by causing the blood vessels to widen and the body to remove any extra fluid. Examples of thiazides include metolazone (Zaroxolyn), indapamide (Lozol), and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide).Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics remove excess fluid by causing the kidneys to produce more urine. These include furosemide (Lasix), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), and torsemide (Demadex).Potassium-Sparing
Potassium-sparing diuretics encourage the body to get rid of fluids and sodium. However, they do this without causing a loss of potassium, which is a vital nutrient. Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include triamterene (Dyrenium), eplerenone (Inspra), and spironolactone (Aldactone).Each of the three types of diuretic medication increases the amount of sodium you excrete through urination, but they affect different areas of your kidneys. Your kidneys are the filters through which toxins and excess fluids are flushed from your body. When you take a diuretic medication, the drug signals to your kidneys that you need to get rid of more sodium. Water binds to the sodium and is then removed during urination, leaving you with a lower blood volume. The reduction in blood volume slows the rate at which blood flows through your blood vessels, helping to decrease your blood pressure.
Thiazide and loop diuretics may also cause you to lose potassium in addition to water and sodium. Potassium is an important mineral that maintains healthy fluid levels and regulates heart and muscle function. Your doctor may advise you to take a potassium supplement or to eat foods rich in the nutrient to combat low potassium levels. Potassium-rich foods include:
- bananas
- avocados
- raisins
- beans
- dark leafy greens, such as kale and spinach
- squash
- mushrooms
- potatoes
- yogurt
- fish
Thiazide diuretics are the primary treatment method for people who have hypertension-related heart disease. However, your doctor will tailor your drug regimen to your specific health concerns. Your specific medication may contain more than one type of diuretic agent in a single pill or dose.
Risks and Side Effects
Diuretics are generally safe for most people when taken as prescribed.The most common side effect of diuretics is increased urination. Your potassium, glucose, and cholesterol levels may fluctuate depending on the type of diuretic you’re taking. Your doctor may run blood tests to measure your levels throughout treatment.
Other side effects may include:
- headaches
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- difficulty sleeping
- muscle weakness or cramping
- increased thirst
- irregular menstruation
- impotence, or difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection
- gout, or conditions that cause swelling and pain in the joints of the foot
Natural Diuretics
Certain foods and herbal supplements can have a diuretic effect on your body, increasing your urine output. Examples of natural diuretics include:Ginger Root
When brewed into a tea or used as a spice in cooking, it can stimulate the body to remove surplus salt and water. Ginger root can also ease stomach upset.Celery
With its high water content, celery can help increase urine production and aid in the removal of excess sodium and fluids.Dandelion Root
This herbaceous root encourages the excretion of urine by helping the kidneys to flush out extra sodium and other toxins.Natural diuretic aids may be beneficial for your high blood pressure, but they should be used with caution. Taking a natural diuretic, even unintentionally through your normal diet, along with a pharmaceutical medication could lead to dehydration and other potentially harmful drug interactions. Speak with your doctor to learn more about which natural diuretics are appropriate to use for treating your condition.
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