10 Diuretic Foods for Natural Water Regulation
You should eat diuretic foods rather than take a pill if you are retaining water.
Diuretic Foods for Natural Water Regulation in a Balanced Diet
In Korea they always make meals with water regulation in mind, having some foods that retain water and some that help get rid of excess water… thus there is always good balance, this is something we need to incorporate into our lives. In this day and age we eat tons of salty foods and that makes us retain lots of water. Time for us to take a few tips from other people around the world and eat a water regulation balanced diet.
Many times we over indulge in salty foods, and women may gain water weight during their monthly periods. Thus we begin to gain water weight and start feeling sluggish… and don’t like what we see in the mirror.
But there is help for water retention, there are lots of great diuretic foods that can help rid your body of excess water. And it’s important that we incorporate these diuretic foods into our daily diet. Here is a list of diuretic foods:
10 Diuretic Foods
Diuretic Food #1. Corn Silk is a very gentle way of getting rid of excess water. Make yourself a hot cup of tea made with corn silk which is very pleasant tasting and within a few minutes you will start feeling better. During the holidays I always make a few cups of corn silk tea to help me get rid of excess water. And it is that little fluff of silk that you see on corn that sticks out of the top of the ears of corn. The stuff you usually throw out while cleaning your corn… don’t throw it out… it’s a great diuretic. Also you can also add fresh cornsilk to soups and stews to pass along it’s great diuretic qualities… it has a mild flavor.
Diuretic Food #2. Dandelion Leaf works well for excess water retention, and at the same time also replenishes your body with B Vitamins, magnesium, and potassium. Potassium is depleted from the body when using diuretics so it’s very important to replenish your bodies potassium. Just add some dandelion leaves to your salads, they are sold in many health foods stores and thus help to bring balance back into your system.
Diuretic Food #3. Parsley is a great way to get rid of excess fluid retention. You probably thought that bunch of parsley was just a decoration on your plate. Parsley is great for UTI’s and helps with bladder stones, plus it also works for water retention related to menstrual periods. You can eat some parsley, add it to your soups and stews, make a tea, or take capsules. I think that parsley is under utilized as a great diuretic… and everyone should have 1/2 cup of parsley every day.
Diuretic Food #4. Meadowsweet is a great herb for getting rid of water, and it’s also great for soothing the GI tract and getting rid of nausea. Meadowsweet also protects the stomach insuring the mucosa is always there to protect against inflammation. Most people don’t think about meadowsweet as a good diuretic… but it works wonders for those of us who are prone to retaining water. Meadowsweet has wonderful green leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked and added to all kinds of dishes.
Diuretic Food #5. Chickweed is a green you can add to your salads, is great for excess water retention (You can find it at your local market). At the same time it’s full of wonderful nutrients such as potassium, iron, and calcium. Chickweed again is another great green that can help to balance out your cooking and thus help to balance your water regulation.
Diuretic Food #6. Nettle according to university studies will rid your body of excess water, and it’s also a great anti-inflammatory agent, and helps with allergies, and soothes away gas and acid reflux. Nettle is wonderful as a tea and the greens can also be used cooked as food for balancing water regulation.
Diuretic Food #7. Gotu Kola works well for those with circulator problems causing pooling of blood and retention of water in the lower limbs, and it helps with inflammation. And it’s one of the three life giving herbs according to Chinese Medicine and it can be eat raw in salads and cooked and used in soups and stews.
Diuretic Food #8. Buchu is a great herb that grows all over the world. It’s a mint that has strong diuretic properties and works well for getting rid of excess water, you can make a tea or buy it in capsules. And of course mint can be used for all kinds of culinary dishes… might want to try this mint for your next meal.
Diuretic Food #9. Celery Seed, studies at leading universities show that celery seed works well for water retention. You can find this spice at your local market and make a great tea that will do the trick. Again another under utilised spice that can help in daily cooking to balance your water regulation.
Diuretic Food #10. Asparagus is one of the most important water reduction foods on the market. You can even take asparagus and add it to your stir fries, salads, soups, stews, and just about anything you can think of and it will help you get rid of excess water. Asparagus is the most powerful diuretic there is when it comes to natural foods. The only draw back to asparagus is the unpleasant urine smell it creates… but if that does not bother you then asparagus is a wonderful diuretic.
And there are more diuretic foods, but these few will get you started.
Remember salt will retain fluids so make sure to reduce your salt intake. Other facts include medications you are taking and your diet. Some medications will cause you to retain fluids and eating lots of processed foods will do the same. Also if you have kidney disease, heart disease, or a history of on going edema always check with your doctor.
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About the Author
Dr. Paul Haider is a Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 20 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to contact him any time.
Disclaimer
This article is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition. This article not meant to be a scientific analysis in any way, shape, or form.
