Brief Answer:

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Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I can understand not wanting to use prescription medication diuretics because of side effects. There are many natural diuretics you can look into.

The problem is that they can have side effects too because they still work biochemically and in pulling water out of your body, they can produce some of the same side effects as the prescription meds.

Knowing the cause of your fluid retention is important. It can happen from incompetent leg veins, kidney problems, liver problems, and heart problems.

The underlying problem should be identified, and if possible, addressed.

Here are some things you can try:

1. If you are overweight (not from fluid only but from increased fat), losing a few pounds can make a significant difference. Increase vegetables, and also nuts, legumes, and fruits, and decrease refined carbohydrates such as pasta and anything made with white flour. Increase exercise as much as you tolerate.

2. Consider prescription compression stockings.

3. Some people are more sensitive to the fluid retaining effects of sodium - try decreasing salt if you haven't already tried that.

4. Some meds can increase the risk of fluid retention. These include hormone replacement (estrogen/progesterone), the heart and blood pressure medicines in the beta blocker family, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

5. If the problem is from venous insufficiency (the veins having a hard time returning fluid), exercise and not standing or sitting for long periods can help, and elevating your legs a few times a day can assist the return of fluid to your circulation.

6. In terms of vitamins and minerals, magnesium and Vitamin B6 can be helpful. Best to get these from foods (nuts, beans, whole grains, leafy greens such as kale) and keep in mind too much magnesium such as from supplements can cause diarrhea.

7. There are actually many plants that have diuretic effects. These include dandelion, hibiscus, ginger, and parsley. Using small amounts of several may be safer than large amounts of one type.

8. Caffeine from any source (coffee, tea, chocolate) has diuretic effects.

9. Pineapple and citrus have some diuretic effect.

I don't know if you are taking any other medications, but you may want to check on interactions if you go the herbal route.

A resource that provides information on how various natural substances work as well as possible interactions are the XXXXXXX Kettering herbal site.

There you can look up specifics such as dandelion and see what has been studied on them.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician

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