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12 Diuretic Foods To Lower Blood Pressure And Lose Weight
Water retention is no joke. Anybody who has had swollen ankles or fingers knows how uncomfortable it can be. An adult human body is about 50-60 percent water on average. While you should have lots of water in your blood and organs, your body sometimes retains excess fluid which results in swelling and puffiness. A lot of people struggle to control water retention. They reduce iodized salt intake and increase exercise, but otherwise neglect their diet and make little progress as a result. The right diet can help you eliminate water retention.
One of the most effective solutions for water retention and hypertension is diuretics. There are diuretic pills that do the trick, stimulating the kidneys to produce urine, thereby flushing out the system and relieving bloat. But why pay to ingest something from a laboratory that might have harmful side-effects when you can just integrate diuretic foods into your diet? You get to treat the problem while gaining the health benefits of nutritious, vitamin-rich foods and enjoying a tasty snack.
Below, you will find a list of awesome fruits and vegetables that are natural diuretics. These foods will help with high blood pressure and water retention. You’ll even drop some of that pesky water weight in the process.
1. GARLIC
Garlic’s diuretic and detoxifying properties are most potent when the garlic is eaten raw. You can shave off slivers to nibble. The taste is strong, but small bites are manageable. Cooked garlic is also very effective and much more agreeable to most peoples’ palates. While there are garlic pills as well, eating whole garlic is much more effective than taking it as a pill supplement.
2. LEMON
Lemons are loaded with vitamin C and other vital vitamins and minerals, but that’s not all. Lemon juice is one of the best things you can drink. It’s a natural detoxifier. In addition to reducing high blood pressure, lemon juice flushes out and alkalizes the body. It’s even been used to treat urinary tract infections.
We all know that lemon juice has a reputation for being a little tart, but don’t worry. Just add it to some warm water and stir in honey. It goes down easy.
3. GINGER
Ginger root is a natural detoxifier and one of the most all-around healthy ingredients you can add to your diet. It is full of bioactive compounds and powerfully healthy nutrients. Ginger is often incorporated into detox diets, along with lemon juice, because it naturally eliminates toxins and removes excess water in the body.
Once you become accustomed to having ginger root on hand, it becomes surprisingly easy to incorporate it into your meals. Zest it to add to soups, salad dressings, smoothies and stir-fries or chop and steep it in hot water for tea. Add lemon juice and honey to your tea for extra cleansing power.
4. WATERMELON
Not surprisingly, watermelon is full of water. It both hydrates and helps to eliminate excess, retained fluids and salt. It’s also delicious and full of antioxidants.
5. BRUSSEL SPROUTS
Brussel sprouts promote health in countless ways. They are full of nutrients including vitamins C and K and minerals such as potassium, manganese, B vitamins and folate. Their high nutrient content helps them stimulate the pancreas and kidneys and eliminate excess fluids and toxins. Brussel sprouts literally help protect the body from cancer and heart disease. They also improve digestion and help to alkalize the body.
Brussel sprouts can be off-putting if overcooked and under seasoned. They can also taste delicious. Try roasting them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
6. CELERY
7. CRANBERRY JUICE
Pure cranberry juice offers several health benefits, including being an excellent diuretic. It is full of antioxidants which eliminate free radicals in the body. Drinking cranberry juice also helps you maintain optimum potassium levels and cures urinary tract infections. Make sure to only drink pure, organic cranberry juice, not “juice cocktails” or conventional cranberry juice that would have chemicals or preservatives. Cranberry juice is very strong, so mix it with water or seltzer to dilute it somewhat.
8. ARTICHOKES
Artichoke hearts function as a diuretic food and digestive aid. They also promote weight loss and provide many beneficial vitamins and minerals.
9. OATS
Most people think of oats as primarily beneficial for heart health. Oats are useful for managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, but they are also a natural diuretic. Oats are full of vitamin B’s which are water-soluble. They also contain high levels of the mineral potassium which regulates internal water levels. Luckily, oats are one of the simplest foods to incorporate into your diet. Just start your day with a bowl of oatmeal or add a handful of oats each day to a serving of yogurt or muesli.
10. TOMATOES
Raw tomatoes function as a diuretic. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant proven to help fight cancer and heart disease. Raw, organic tomatoes are delicious on their own or can be chopped and added to a salad. A summer favorite is tomato salad with chopped basil, garlic, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
11. ASPARAGUS
Asparagus offers many health benefits. It is a natural diuretic that is full of antioxidants. Frequent consumption of asparagus results in a distinct smell in your urine. This is a harmless side effect.
12. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is a strong diuretic. It strengthens and cleanses the urinary system, improves digestion, and offers other essential health benefits. When used as a diuretic, it is best consumed as a beverage in small proportions mixed with water.
