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Water retention: Are there any natural diuretics?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water-retention/AN01680
- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, Katherine is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition education related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
Water retention: Are there any natural diuretics?
Can natural diuretics reduce water retention and help with weight loss?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Some herbs and dietary supplements, such as dandelion, ginger and juniper, may have a diuretic effect that can help with water retention. But proceed with caution before you take anything.
First, water retention can be caused by a number of medical conditions and some medications. So it's important to talk to your doctor about possible causes of water retention before trying to treat it yourself. Second, some herbs and supplements can worsen medical problems you have or interact with medications you take.
In theory, natural diuretics may help relieve water retention by making you urinate more. But there is little if any scientific evidence of their diuretic effects, so you may not find them effective. And if you're aiming for long-term weight loss, natural diuretics probably won't help.
You may be able to better manage water retention — especially if it's related to menstruation — through some simple lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on sodium.
If you're hoping to lose water weight as part of a weight-loss goal, focus instead on eating a healthier diet and getting plenty of exercise and activity — not taking diuretics. And always let your doctor know about any dietary or herbal supplements you take.
Next questionCaffeine: Can it help me lose weight?
- Dandelion. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 11, 2011.
- Ginger. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 11, 2011.
- Juniper. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 11, 2011.
- Rose BD, et al. Approach to the adult with edema. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 11, 2011.
- Herbal diuretics. Facts & Comparisons 4.0. http://online.factsandcomparisons.com/. Accessed July 11, 2011.
- Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 11, 2011.
- Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 11, 2011.
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