Types of Diuretics

Diuretics are medical substances that help to remove excess water from the body system through urination. Diuretics are used in the treatment of such conditions as high blood pressure, heart failures, nephritic syndrome, glaucoma, liver damage, premenstrual syndrome, etc. There are different types of diuretics that serve different purposes.

Thiazides are the most common prescribed type of diuretics. Their main function is to block sodium potassium and water that is being reabsorbed back into the blood. They are normally prescribed together with potassium supplements because they cause a deficiency of potassium in the body.

Loop diuretics also block re-absorption of potassium, water and sodium. They work faster than thiazides and are normally used for emergency purposes.

Potassium sparing diuretics block re-absorption of water and sodium but not potassium.

Osmotic diuretics are rarely used, but still they are used to maintain urine flow after surgery.

Other types of diuretics include acetazolamide and carbonicanhydrase inhibitors.

Diuretics work by reducing the amount of sodium and water that is being re-absorbed back in to the blood stream in kidneys. This leads to an increase in the amount of urine produced.

When buying diuretics, it is highly advisable that you follow a doctor’s advice or prescription.

There are two main categories of diuretics: drug based ones and naturally occurring or herbal diuretics. Certainly, herbal diuretics are safer to use than drugs.

Herbal diuretics can be found in cranberries, apple cider vinegar, sage, spearmint, saffron and cranberry juice. Others are chicory, dandelion, mint, nettle, golden seal and marshmallow. The most common natural diuretic available is caffeine, a substance that is found in coffee and other beverages.

Herbal diuretics can be taken in various forms. Some people prefer taking them in a form of tea. Others prefer extracts or capsules. Some natural diuretics can be eaten raw or you can add them to salads. Just like their drug based counterparts, herbal diuretics have huge medicinal value in treating such conditions as hypertension, bladder ache, backache and lymphatic swelling.

Herbal diuretics have one advantage over the other types of diuretics: they do not pose any danger to health. However, herbal diuretics should be taken in moderation. It is always advisable to ask a doctor about taking diuretics before you start using them.