Have you ever heard of the term "water pill"? If you have, then you already know about diuretics, drugs that eliminate excess water from the body. They work by encouraging the kidneys to excrete greater amounts of salt and urine. This means less water in the bloodstream, which in turn helps lower blood pressure and reduces the heart’s workload. That’s why diuretics, according to medical experts, are an excellent treatment for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary edema (excess fluid in the lungs).
Concerns on the safety of diuretics:
When taken as directed by a doctor, diuretics are one of the safest medications now available. A U.S. national committee studying high blood pressure indicated diuretics are one of the first-line drug defenses in the treatment of this condition. Many studies show that diuretics, taken alone or in combination with other medications, are effective in preventing stroke and other cardiovascular events.
This doesn’t mean that diuretics are problem-free. Because certain diuretics can cause the body to lose potassium as well as salt, they may cause fatigue and muscle weakness. Doctors often suggest that people taking such drugs increase their intake of potassium-rich foods, including bananas, orange juice, and prunes. Some diuretics, however, cause the body to retain potassium, so speak to your doctor before adding anything to your diet.
Certain types of diuretics can cause still other problems. Some can affect hearing and balance, and they may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly upon rising. Others may affect sexual function. Changing the dosage or the type of diuretic can help.
If you are taking diuretics, don’t stop taking them suddenly. Indeed, never take yourself off a prescribed diuretic without first checking with your doctor. Abrupt withdrawal, particularly among the elderly, may cause serious problems, including a dramatic increase in blood pressure and increased risk of heart failure. Diuretics are best decreased over a period of four weeks or more.
Effects of diuretics on weight loss and PMS:
Diuretics should never be used as a diet aid. Although they can temporarily remove excess water, making you look slimmer for a few hours, they have no effect on fat. And, when used inappropriately, they can lead to a life-threatening form of dehydration.
On the other hand, diuretics may be useful for reducing menstrual water retention, which can help to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, particularly breast pain. A herbal diuretic may also provide relief. In tea or pill form, these herbal preparations include burdock, buchu, cleavers, and horsetail. Be aware that these unregulated preparations vary in potency and effect. Some foods, such as asparagus, and beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and black tea, may have some diuretic effect. If you are already taking a prescription diuretic, do not add these foods or herbs to your diet without your doctor’s okay.
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