Table of Contents
What they are and what effect they have
Diuretics are substances capable of increasing the secretion of water and sodium by the kidneys. THE kidneys they are organs of the urinary system which have the task of filtering the blood in order to regulate the quantity and composition of the plasma and to eliminate waste substances through the urine. By increasing or decreasing the excretion of ions through the urine, the kidneys regulate the plasma content of solutes, ie sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphates. Furthermore, again thanks to the kidneys, the levels of bicarbonate and hydrogen ions are regulated and, consequently, the pH of the plasma. By controlling the rate of excretion of water, the kidneys are also responsible for regulating plasma volume, i.e. the amount of plasma and therefore of blood. A diuretic works by reducing the renal reabsorption of sodium and this has the secondary effect of increasing the loss of water through the urine.
Diuretics are usually drugs and are able to act on different areas of the kidneys. Thiazine diuretics, for example, inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine in the renal tubules, causing increased excretion of water and potassium. Loop diuretics act on the loop of Henle by increasing the excretion of sodium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium and potassium and significantly increasing diuresis. There are also potassium-sparing diuretics, which reduce the reabsorption of sodium while preserving potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Diuretics are generally used to treat fluid retention and hypertension, ailments caused precisely byexcess sodium. In fact, when the kidneys reabsorb large quantities of sodium chloride, there is an increase in water retention. Water retention causes edema, i.e. swelling in some areas of the body, and an increase in blood volume which leads to higher blood pressure. Therefore, diuretics, thanks to the elimination of sodium and water, help to reduce both water retention and pressure.
THE natural remedies that are recommended to increase diuresis are not real diuretics. Plants traditionally used to stimulate diuresis, in fact, seem to increase the production of urine but do not seem to act on the excretion of sodium or other electrolytes. Natural remedies considered diuretics are therefore actually aquaretics. Aquaretics are used in what is called “diluting therapy” and used in urinary disorders and infections, for example in the case of gravel and kidney stones. Aquaretics are often also used to counteract water retention and cellulite, associated with natural remedies capable of improving microcirculation and lymphatic circulation. Since aquaretics do not affect sodium levels, however, they are not as effective in reducing pressure as is the case with diuretic drugs.
What they are and how to take them
Here are the main natural diuretic remedies. The best way to take them is herbal tea since the diuretic action of water is thus added to that of the plant.
Birch
Birch leaves are traditionally used to increase the amount of urine, clean up the urinary tract and fight water retention and cellulite. It is used in herbal tea or as an extract and its use is considered safe. However, the use of birch-based preparations is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 12 years of age and in case of heart or kidney disease.
Java tea
The leaves of orthosiphon, a remedy also known as Java tea, have a diuretic and antibacterial action and are recommended in case of bacterial infections and inflammation of the urinary tract and in the presence of gravel. Taking Java tea has no significant side effects but should be avoided in case of kidney or heart problems.
Juniper
Juniper berries have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties and their use to increase the amount of urine seems to have been known already to the ancient Egyptians. Herbal teas prepared with bruised juniper galbuli, also in association with other natural diuretics, are useful for treating bladder and kidney disorders. However, the remedy should be used for short periods, to avoid any side effects affecting the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal systems.
Horsetail
The sterile stems of horsetail are used in infusion or in the form of extract and mother tincture for increase diuresis and supplying mineral salts to the body. It is a safe remedy, recommended for treating a variety of ailments, including those affecting the urinary tract and water retention.
Gramigna
The rhizome of the grass grass is popularly used to increase urine output and treat inflammation of the urethra and kidney stones. It is used in decoction or by taking tinctures and other extracts. Administered at therapeutic doses and for limited periods of time, the gramigna has no particular side effects. However, the remedy is not recommended in case of heart and kidney failure.
Read also
