Natural diuretics, our best detox allies

What does diuretic mean?

When we urinate, our body gets rid of many wastes: urea, endogenous toxins (produced by the body’s metabolism) and exogenous toxins (from outside), excess water and minerals…

Before these wastes are eliminated, the body first performs identification, processing and transport. For this it can rely on the lymphatic system, which ensures the transport of certain nutrients.

And several organs responsible for removing waste: the organs of elimination. The main ones are the intestine, the kidneys, the liver, the lungs and the skin.

Foods referred to as diuretics are foods that promote urine production (called diuresis) and that stimulate the body’s elimination processes.

Here are the 5 main natural diuretics. To fully understand how they work, read on after the list.

Also read the Best detox supplements for the liver

1. Green tea

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a powerful antioxidant, detoxifier and diuretic natural. It owes much of its benefits to the catechins and caffeine it contains.

Indeed, the caffeine exerts a diuretic and detoxifying effect (provided it is not consumed in excess).

The catechin, for its part, helps cleanse the body while protecting the liver and kidneys.

To fully enjoy the benefits of green tea for elimination, we recommend drinking matcha tea, which is made by grinding dried green tea leaves.

Buy a natural green tea diuretic: my selection

I recommend the Nutrimea laboratory’s 10-plant diuretic complex, which notably contains green tea.

Nutrimea is a French brand launched in 2012. We recommend them for their reliability: they use raw materials of controlled origin and test the quality of their dietary supplements in a laboratory certified ISO 22000:2005.

Their products are cheaper than many other brands online, and their packaging is fully recyclable.

To benefit from an immediate 10% discount, use the promo code « DARWIN10 » when placing your order (by using this code you also help support our blog).

2. Ginger

Because of its composition, the ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a very interesting food for promoting the elimination of fluids through urination.

It notably contains potassium (1320 mg per 100 g), which helps manage fluid balance and regulates sodium levels.

However, be careful not to consume too much potassium because this mineral tends to accumulate in the body.

Also read the Ginger juice, benefits and recipes

Ginger also contains water (9.94 g per 100 g) and certain enzymes with diuretic properties. It’s an excellent food to keep you hydrated every day! Ideally, pair it with lemon or make a ginger juice, a delicious healthy drink.

Also read the Ginger infusion: benefits and preparation tips

3. Kale

Kale (Brassica oleracea) is the star among green vegetables! Valued for its antioxidant and protective properties and its low calorie content, this leafy green is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C. This vitamin prevents the accumulation of uric acid, which, when in excess in the body, damages the kidneys and causes kidney stones.

Kale can be prepared in many ways: raw, in salads, cooked, to make a winter soup, or even as chips.

You can also make a delicious green smoothie with kale, apple and ginger — a diuretic.

4. Lemon

It is often recommended to drink a glass of lemon water or lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach. It is indeed a good habit to boost energy, strengthen the immune system, cleanse the body, and above all encourage the elimination of waste.

Lemon (Citrus limon) increases the amount of urine in the body and is an excellent cleanser of blood vessels around the kidneys.

As mentioned earlier, lemon pairs wonderfully with ginger. You can make a ginger/lemon/honey infusion or combine lemon with parsley. Indeed, this aromatic herb has significant diuretic and cleansing properties.

A small recipe idea: mix the juice of one lemon, a small bunch of parsley, a glass of water and a teaspoon of agave syrup (optional). Blend everything and enjoy!

5. Acerola

The acerola (Malpighia emarginata) is a tropical fruit that takes the form of a small cherry. But it should not be confused with ‘regular’ cherries. Acerola is not even in the same family as the cherry tree.

Acerola is a powerful diuretic with a uricosuric effect, meaning that it promotes the urinary elimination of uric acid. It stimulates kidney activity and increases urine production.

Acerola can be consumed as a dietary supplement (in tablets) or as a powder. Acerola powder has a fruity and fragrant taste.

Feel free to add a spoonful of acerola powder to your homemade juices or smoothies!

Essential nutrients for elimination

If the natural laxatives affect intestinal transit, diuretics work on the kidneys because they filter the blood and remove waste through urine.

But sometimes the kidneys are unable to properly eliminate fluids. A diet that is too salty, circulatory disorders, hormonal problems, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions are all factors that can impair the elimination process.

The main symptoms of poor elimination of body fluids are:

• an accumulation of fluid in certain tissues (or water retention)
  
• venous problems (feeling of heavy legs, varicose veins…)
  
• a feeling of bloating
  
• weight gain
  
• skin problems
  
• high blood pressure
  
• high cholesterol

Water, the #1 diuretic

Drinking enough water is one of the best things you can do to help your kidneys function properly. Water encourages urine production and the elimination of fluids. We often assume it increases water retention. That’s a mistake!

Even though it is made up mostly of water (between 55 and 75%), the human body constantly fears running out of water. Thus, if you reduce your water intake for fear of retention, you push it to “stock up.” Your body will naturally store excess water in the muscles and tissues. Drinking water is therefore essential to limit water retention.

By diluting urine and helping to eliminate the body’s waste, water greatly eases the work of the kidneys. It contributes to their good health and protects them from kidney stones. Every minute, 600 ml of water reach the kidneys.

To stay hydrated, you can simply drink water but also eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water, such as cucumber (which contains 97% water), cantaloupe and watermelon (about 90% water), or cherries (up to 70% water).

Fiber supports kidney function

Dietary fiber is an important nutrient for the kidneys. In addition to promoting bowel transit and thus the elimination of solid waste, it helps the body get rid of excess water and toxins in the blood.

Fibers effectively combat water retention, thus reducing the workload on the kidneys. To get plenty of fiber, favor cereals, chia seeds and leafy greens. Also consider asparagus, whose fibers and asparagine increase urine production and help cleanse the kidneys.