The etymological origin of the term diuretic is the first thing we are going to know in order to discover its meaning. In this case, we can establish that it derives from Greek, exactly from "diuretikós", which would later pass into Latin as "diureticus".
A diuretic is something that increases urine output .
It should be remembered that urine is the yellowish liquid secreted by the kidneys and 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 electrolytes.
Diuretics are substances that promote the expulsion of urine by encouraging urination. In this way they help reduce fluid retention and minimize hypertension, for example.
There are different classes of diuretics: there are osmotic diuretics , potassium-sparing diuretics , carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretics and thiazide diuretics , among others. Natural diuretics are considered to be everyday substances 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 retain fluid. 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 the legs and feet, for example.
Specifically, pineapple and the other foods mentioned are known as diuretics. However, you should know that there are others that may not be included in that same group, but that have great properties for removing 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 including so-called diuretic foods in their diet, but it is necessary that they do so under medical supervision to avoid adverse consequences. Specifically, diets of this type often include pineapple, watermelon, black grapes, asparagus and citrus fruits such as oranges. Of course, we must not forget the tomato, artichoke and celery.
All of them are products that are also very healthy.
While diuretics are useful in various medical treatments, they can also cause adverse effects . That is why its intake must be precisely controlled by a doctor. Possible negative consequences of diuretics include excessive sodium and potassium elimination and glucose metabolic alterations. 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 depending on interactions with other medications. For this reason, the patient should tell the doctor what medicines or supplements he or she is taking.