Do you want to know when to take diuretics? If yes, then you must also learn a few more basic facts about taking diuretics first. Read the following article and learn more.
Diuretics are medications that are used for creating forced diuresis, which is a process of increasing the urine formation unnaturally. Diuresis is a condition in which the body loses water and body salts or sodium. For successful completion of this process, various drugs and natural food sources are used, that force the kidneys to secrete more sodium. During its excretion, sodium takes out the water from the blood system. Forced diuresis is a process which is used as a treatment for poisoning as well as drug overdose and is created under controlled conditions. However, things gets pretty serious during natural diuresis, which is caused during various medical conditions like diabetes. These conditions create water retention in the body which is cured using diuretics. Diuretics are also called water pills, and can be divided into several categories.
What are the Benefits of Diuretics
There are various types of diuretics that are used for the treatment of various medical conditions. Diuretics are commonly used in the treatment of medical conditions like hypertension, heart failure, kidney diseases, liver diseases, like liver cirrhosis, etc. They are also used as one of the treatment options for several eating disorders, like bulimia. Several types of diuretics are used for increasing alkalinity of urine and as a treatment for aspirin overdose. Diuretics that are used for hypertension and heart disease treatment include Thiazide, which is a type of a diuretic drug. These are long acting diuretics that work for 24 hours at a stretch. These diuretics are combined with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or Ace inhibitors. Such diuretics are ideal for patients who are suffering with stage I hypertension. Patients who are suffering with resistant hypertension are given potassium sparing diuretics. The dosage of diuretics depends on medical history and current health condition of a patient. Normally, half a tablet per day is considered a harmless dosage. However, precautions should be taken while giving diuretics to the patients with kidney diseases.
Who Should Not Take Diuretics
There are several medical and health conditions, when taking diuretics could be a harmful decision. People who are too sensitive to salt, like those of African ethnicity; obesity; elderly; patients of heart failure, isolated systolic hypertension, gout, dyslipidemia, diabetes, erectile or sexual dysfunction, impaired liver and kidneys, etc.; should take diuretics only under the advice of a licensed doctor. Likewise, pregnant women and self medicating people should also consult a health care provider. People who are consuming certain prescribed medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, narcotics and alcohol should also consult a health care provider before following the directions to take diuretics. People with some of the above health conditions like diabetes may still consume diuretics, however, all the above medical conditions should be informed to a health care provider during medical intervention or prior to consumption of any type of diuretics as well as natural diuretic foods. As I am stating repeatedly, it is important to consult a health care provider so that the possibility of side effects of diuretics can be negated.
When to Take Diuretics
One also needs to understand the fact that there is no harm in popping over the counter diuretics, when you have prior indication of consent from your regular health care provider. Now, many people would want to find out the best time to take diuretics, which actually depends on the prescribed dosage of diuretics. For instance, if you are advised to take one dose of diuretics, then it is better to take it as soon as you finish your breakfast. No matter when and how many dosages of diuretics are prescribed to you, make it a point to take the last dose of the day before 4 o’clock in the evening. You may take a dose after that only if your doctor has advised you to do so. If you are taking over-the-counter diuretics, then you may also like to ask the pharmacist (if he is knowledgeable) about the dosage. The time between two doses of diuretics also depends on the number of doses and the type of diuretics that are prescribed to you. There are a few more precautions that you may need to take while taking diuretics. For instance, it is mandatory for you to check your blood pressure and kidneys regularly, while on diuretics. It is also essential to check the levels of blood potassium and magnesium, as the diuretics may cause a significant drop in their levels.
When to Take Natural Diuretics
There are a lot of natural sources of diuretics that you may like to consume. Natural diuretics are mainly present in various food sources like cucumber, celery, zucchini, grapes, asparagus, watermelon, dandelion green, green tea, juniper berries, apple cider vinegar, lettuce, fennel, oats, cranberry juice, garlic, tomatoes, etc. In order to consume natural sources of diuretics, you may eat one of these foods, once a day. Make sure that you are consuming them in the fresh and raw form, so that you can get the maximum benefits. There are a few natural supplements of diuretics available, which you may need to consume as directed on their label. It is also important to increase the intake of water while you are consuming natural diuretics. According to experts, people who are consuming natural diuretics should also consume at least 64 oz of water per day, which counts up to half a gallon. To learn how to take diuretics safely, it is always important to consult with a knowledgeable health care provider, even in the case of natural diuretics.
Prior consultation with a health care provider will assure that you are not falling for any side effects of the diuretics that you are consuming. Take care.
