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DIURETICS AND ALTERNATIVES by Sandra Del Vecchio A diuretic is anything that promotes the formation of urine by the kidney. The word "diuretic" comes from a combination of the Greek "dia", thoroughly + ourein", to urinate = to urinate thoroughly. All diuretic drugs cause a person to "lose water" but they do so by diverse means, including: * Inhibiting the kidney's ability to reabsorb sodium, thus enhancing the loss of sodium in the urine. And when sodium is lost in the urine, water goes with it. This type of diuretic is called a high-ceiling diuretic or a loop diuretic. * Enhancing the excretion of both sodium and chloride in the urine so that water is excreted with them. This is how the thiazide diuretics work. * Blocking the exchange of sodium for potassium, resulting in excretion of sodium for potassium but relatively little loss of potassium. These diuretics are termed potassium sparing diuretics. There are many ill side effects associated with the use of diuretics. Many I have experienced myself including mental confusion, weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, extreme thirst, tingling in the hands and feet. More extreme effects are kidney damage and death. Some of the common types of diuretics are Aldactone, Dyazide, Hydrodiuril, Lasix and Maxide. It is very important that you thoroughly research the use of diuretics and only use under the close direction of a physician. After learning that I only have one kidney, it is especially important to me that I exercise extreme caution and I prefer to use herbal remedies for diuretic purposes. Many herbal alternatives that have a diuretic effect include Alfalfa, Angelica, Licorice, Rose Hips, Sarsaparilla, Skullcap, Strawberry and Yarrow. Another very common form of natural diuretic and my personal favorite is a cup of hot tea taken with and Vitamin C with Rose Hips. Very Safe and Very Effective. Rose Hip Tea may be beneficial for the bladder and kidneys and very helpful in preventing colds.
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© 2004