Understanding a Diuretic – What it Does and Why

A diuretic is a substance – such as something natural or synthetic (food, drug, etc.) which promotes the excretion or release by the body of urine. With this loss of water, however, the body can also lose sodium or salt which is a component of water. While this term is often used to describe a drug that promotes the increased passing of urine, there are many naturally occurring diuretics, as well.

Caffeine, which is found in tea, coffee, soda, etc. acts as a diuretic, helping the body to release water through urine. Prescribed diuretics often act upon the kidneys to promote urination. Diuretics are generally prescribed and administered to help the body get rid of abnormal amounts or accumulations of fluid such as in cases and conditions which involve high blood pressure. Kidney stones, bladder infections, premenstrual syndrome, obesity and skin problems may be other instances when diuretics may be used.

Diuretics are sometimes coupled with a suggested diet that is lower in salt to help the body flush itself of fluids that are being retained. Sodium can promote water retention.

Foods that have natural diuretic properties include cranberries and cranberry juice, green tea, and apple cider vinegar. Additionally, fruits and vegetables that have a high water or fluid content like melons, celery and cucumbers can also be a natural way to boost the release of fluids with healthy urination.

Diuretic drugs work to release water in a variety of ways. Some inhibit the kidney’s ability to reabsorb sodium so that the body must rid itself of the sodium and the water goes with it in the urine. Others, such as the thiazide diuretics, enhance the secretion of both sodium and chloride – again the water is excreted with these substances in the urine. Also, in the case of potassium sparing diuretics, the drugs work to block the exchange of sodium for potassium, which results in the excretion of sodium and potassium but with actually relatively little loss of potassium.

Diuretic medication is prescribed by a doctor and can be very effective in treating many conditions and illnesses, such as hypertension, varicose veins and premenstrual syndrome. However, diuretics can be overused and abused (as may happen with those who use diuretics as part of an eating disorder). This can cause the body to lose too much fluid and result in dehydration. The body can also become imbalanced in terms of minerals, chemicals and other substances if too much fluid is lost.