Why you should be Careful with Diuretics

Some people mistakenly think that diuretics do no harm and that they can be taken lightly, even for the sole purpose of “deflating.”

But do not forget that they are drugs and that, even when prescribed by the doctor (to treat heart failure, hypertension, cirrhosis…), they can have side effects. Here are seven of them:

1. There is a risk of dehydration

Do you know how most diuretics used against hypertension work? They act on the kidneys, increasing the production of urine and urination by different mechanisms.

By losing water, the blood volume is reduced and, as less fluid circulates through the arteries, the blood pressure lowers.

• Keep in mind… Take them to lose weight is a mistake: diuretics do not burn fat, the only thing they do is remove water from the body, with the consequent risk of dehydration.

• If you have to take them… Pay attention to the symptoms of dehydration: dry skin and mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine…

2. They can cause dizziness

The most potent diuretics can cause dizziness. The reason is that some of its active ingredients are ototoxic, which means that they can have a harmful effect on the ear, and that in some people (the risk increases with age) causes loss of balance.

• Keep in mind… The elimination of vitamins and minerals in the urine can lead to some malnutrition (especially when taken without medical control), and that also facilitates dizziness.

• If you have to take them… It has been proven that combining diuretics with anti-inflammatories – and in particular with acetylsalicylic acid – increases the risk of suffering vertigo, because these drugs are also ototoxic.

3. They affect the heart

Most diuretics cause you to lose potassium. The lack of this mineral (besides causing weakness, cramps, muscle pain) can influence the heartbeat and facilitate the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias.

• Keep in mind… When you recommend them, the doctor checks the potassium levels and prescribes supplements if necessary. But taking them without medical supervision can lead to putting the organism – in this case the heart – in a serious situation.

• If you have to take them… It has been seen that the arrhythmias that occur by taking diuretics are more likely after practicing intense exercise in places where it is hot. Avoid it.

4. They make skin more sensitive

Some diuretics make the skin more sensitive to the sun, which promotes burns, irritations…

• Keep in mind… A recent study by the Danish Cancer Society argues that some of these drugs may increase the risk of skin cancer.

• If you have to take them… Protect yourself adequately during the hours of highest solar radiation.

5. They can harm your kidneys

Certain diuretics are used to treat kidney disorders. But others can harm it: a sudden drop of water in the body forces this body to work more.

If you have to take them… Avoid anti-inflammatories if in addition to the diuretic you have been prescribed ACE-type heart pills. Combining the three increases the risk of suffering renal failure.

6. They can lead to joint pain

These drugs can cause you to lose calcium in the urine and that increases the risk of osteoporosis. They also make it easier for uric acid to inflame the joints (gout).

If you have to take them… Try to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoid red meat.

7. They can make you feel tired

When you take them, the frequency of urination increases a lot. And in the urine you eliminate vitamins and minerals, which sometimes causes a reduction in energy.

In addition, losing potassium is easy to suffer from night cramps. That (and the urge to urinate) interrupts the dream.

If you have to take them… You should bear in mind that some foods or drinks with diuretic action can “add up” to the effects of the drug, which increases the risk of suffering those adverse effects.

Ask your doctor first!

Never take diuretics on your own. And if the doctor prescribes them, avoid combining them with very diuretic foods or drinks.

• Diuretic plants. Horsetail, dandelion, green tea, coffee… They are draining plants that should not be abused if you are taking these drugs.

• Some foods such as asparagus, celery, cabbage, leeks, onions… are very diuretic. The depurative broths based on them may not suit you.