Diuretic Diet

Diuretic foods or supplements having nothing to do with lowering body fat, but will help the body to release fluid. There are certain herbs and foods that are natural diuretics. Including these foods in your diet can assist in alleviating fluid retention.

NOTE: Diuretic supplements should no be taken for more than a few days. Important minerals and nutrients can also be flushed out with the fluids. A better answer is to maintain good diet and plenty of exercise.

Diuretic Foods and Drugs

People who suffer from kidney or liver disorders, heart disease, or hypertension are sometimes prescribed diuretic drugs. Note that this is prescription-only.

The following foods and herbs are know to have diuretic properties:

Celery seed (and plant)
Parsley
Dandelion
Juniper berries
Asparagus
Artichoke
Melon
Watercress

Other foods (common in the Western diet) also have a diuretic effect:

Coffee
Tea
Coke
Excessive animal-based protein

Diuretic Diet Plans

A diuretic diet plan can help to alleviate symptoms of PMS - such as bloating and headaches.

Aim to eat small amounts of starchy carbohydrates (such as breads, rice, etc).
Avoid salt and salty food products.
Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.
See herbs above.
Avoid sugary foods.
Eat fruit and vegetables.

Sample Menu

Breakfast
Low fat natural yogurt with fresh fruit

Lunch
Asparagus soup
Slice of whole grain bread
Orange

Dinner
Serving of baked chicken (with garlic and lemon juice)
Steamed broccoli and carrot
Small Banana and slice of melon

Comments

Anonymous

thank you that was a very helpful article for me.

audbobmp

i always thought that apples were a diuretic food.

Anonymous

Mango and lemon and ginger are also diuretics.

Bev. Mosley

2 kgs increase in weight overnight, plus “elephants ankles” with aches, have become the norm, so I feel I MUST help myself. I am asing for input. Please help. sincerely bamosley@kol.co.nz

Anonymous

I will definetly try eating/avoiding some of the listed foods.

Melinda

I have struggled with water retention on my ankles forever…yet I eat extremely healthy,am slim and muscular.I find that SUGAR…..DAIRY PRODUCTS…….BREAD……..MEATS……..ALL BAD!BECOME A VEGAN,WHO EATS RAW PLANT FOODS 90% OF YOUR DIET,AND DRINK 6-8 GLASSES OF WATER A DAY……WALK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE,DO A MINI WORK-OUT 3 TIMES PER WEEK,USE STEVIA INSTEAD OF SUGAR,AVOID ANY ACID FOODS..THINK POSITIVE

Last modified: March 31, 2008