The etymological origin of the diuretic term is the first thing we will know in order to discover its meaning. In this case, we can establish that it derives from the Greek, exactly from “diuretikós”, which would later pass into Latin as “diureticus”.
A diuretic is what increase urine elimination .
It should be remembered that urine is the yellowish liquid secreted by kidneys and is stored in the bladder until it is expelled from the body through the urethra . With the excretion of urine, various toxins and other elements are evacuated from the body, allowing control of blood pressure and electrolyte.
Diuretics are substances that favor the expulsion of urine by encouraging urination. In this way they help reduce retention of fluids and minimize hypertension, for example.
There are different kinds of diuretics: there are osmotic diuretics , potassium sparing diuretics , carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretics and thiazide diuretics , among others. They are considered natural diuretics to substances of daily consumption that have the ability to promote urination, such as coffee , pineapple, beer and tea.
Stress, lack of physical exercise, excess weight and even hormonal changes can cause a person to have fluid retention. For this reason, you will have to opt for the consumption of diuretic foods that facilitate the expulsion of these liquids and avoid situations such as swelling of legs and feet, for example.
Specifically, pineapple and the other foods mentioned are known as diuretics. However, we must know that there are others that may not be included in the same group, but have great properties to eliminate liquids.
We are referring, for example, to parsley, apple cider vinegar, fennel, radish and even mushrooms.
People who want to lose a few kilos usually resort to the inclusion in their diet of so-called diuretic foods, but it is necessary that they do so under medical control to avoid adverse consequences. Specifically, in diets of this type, it is common for pineapple, watermelon, black grapes, asparagus and citrus fruits such as orange to be accommodated. Of course, we must not forget the tomato, artichoke and celery.
Products all of them that are also very healthy.
While diuretics are useful in various medical treatments, they can also generate Adverse effects . That is why its intake must be precisely controlled by a doctor. Among the possible negative consequences of diuretics, there is an excessive elimination of sodium and potassium and metabolic alterations of glucose. Diuretics can cause hypotension, dehydration and other disorders.
Another fact to keep in mind is that the effect of diuretics can be increased or reduced according to interactions With other medications. For this reason, the patient should tell the doctor what medications or supplements he is taking.
