Diuretics are compounds that are used to rid the body of excess amounts of water. Along with natural diuretics such as juniper berries or goldenseal, there are a number of over-the-counter water pills and even prescription drugs that can aid in expelling excess water. While diuretics of any kind are safe when used responsibly, there are several dangers involved with unsupervised and excessive use.
The proper use of water pills is in connection with edema, a condition in which the body is retaining an unhealthy amount of fluid. Most products with some sort of diuretic qualities will stimulate the process of urination. By encouraging the kidneys to process the fluid and eliminate it as urine, the swelling and bloated feelings that accompany edema are alleviated within a short period of time. Once the excess fluid is expelled, the use of diuretic substances is discontinued.
Unfortunately, many people choose to abuse water pills. By taking the products for too long and in too frequent doses, there is a strong chance that the body will no longer respond to natural stimuli. When this happens, the kidneys no longer function automatically and require the medication in order to get the message to process fluid. The only solution is to wean off the substance and begin to allow the body’s natural processes to reassert themselves and restore a healthy and natural cycle of water elimination.
Perhaps one of the more dangerous uses of diuretics is connected with diet and weight loss. All too often, people who want to lose a small amount of weight will use water pills to quickly expel what they consider to be excess liquid stored in the body. The result is a body that is left without proper levels of moisture within the body, creating the perfect environment for all the problems that come with dehydration. If a proper level of fluid in the body is not restored, there is a good chance that the function of one or more organs will be compromised. In addition to the kidneys, the heart and respiratory system can be negatively impacted. Even the brain is likely to suffer.
The bottom line is that diuretics, like many medications, are only intended for use under the care of a qualified physician. When used in exactly the manner instructed, and only for the time frame authorized, diuretics can be beneficial to health. However, choosing to rely on water pills as a diet aid or just to promote regular elimination of fluids is a very dangerous approach and should be avoided at all costs.
