Testosterone induced water retention: Guide to Natural Diuretics

[Nelson Vergel]

I would like to find out if anyone has tried herbal diuretics.

15 Natural Diuretics: Herbs, Supplements, Foods, and Drinks

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Natural diuretics are substances that help the body eliminate excess fluid by increasing urine production. These can be particularly useful for managing conditions like high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and edema. Here are some natural supplements, herbs, and foods that have diuretic effects:

Herbs and Supplements​

1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
   • Dandelion is rich in potassium, which helps the kidneys excrete more water and sodium. Studies have shown that dandelion supplements can increase urine production for several hours after consumption.
2. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
   • Hawthorn is a powerful diuretic that can reduce fluid accumulation and improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. It is often consumed as a tea.
3. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
   • Horsetail has been found to have diuretic effects similar to prescription medications but with fewer side effects. It is available in both tea and capsule forms.
4. Juniper (Juniperus communis)
   • Juniper has been used since medieval times as a diuretic. It increases urine volume without significantly lowering potassium levels, making it a safer option compared to some prescription diuretics.
5. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
   • Parsley is traditionally used as a diuretic in folk medicine. It can be consumed fresh, dried, or as a tea to help increase urine flow and reduce water retention.
6. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
   • Hibiscus, often consumed as a tea, has shown significant diuretic effects in studies. It also helps increase kidney filtration.

Foods and Drinks​

1. Green and Black Tea
   • Both types of tea contain caffeine, which acts as a mild diuretic. Regular consumption can help increase urine production.
2. Watermelon
   • Watermelon is high in water content and has diuretic properties that help the body eliminate excess fluid.
3. Grapes
   • Grapes provide a large amount of water and potassium, which help in reducing water retention and increasing urination.
4. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries)
   • Berries are known for their diuretic properties and can also help prevent urinary tract infections.
5. Celery
   • Celery is commonly used in daily meals and has strong diuretic properties. It can also help in the treatment of kidney stones.
6. Asparagus
   • Asparagus helps eliminate excess salt and prevent stone formation, making it an effective natural diuretic.
7. Garlic
   • Garlic is not only a common kitchen spice but also has diuretic effects that help eliminate excess fluid from the body.
8. Bell Peppers
   • Regular consumption of bell peppers can speed up the body's urine excretion process and improve excretory functions.
9. Lettuce
   • Lettuce is known for its diuretic properties and can help prevent urinary tract infections.

Considerations​

While natural diuretics can be beneficial, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Natural diuretics can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.Incorporating these natural diuretics into your diet can help manage fluid retention and support overall health. However, they should not replace prescribed medications without professional guidance.



Citations:
[1] 15 Natural Diuretics: Herbs, Supplements, Foods, and Drinks
[2] 15 Natural Diuretics: Herbs, Supplements and Drinks
[3] Water retention: Are there natural diuretics?
[4] Herbs and Supplements for diuretic | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | St. Luke's Hospital
[5] 7 natural diuretics to eat and drink
[6] Herbal medicines as diuretics: a review of the scientific evidence - PubMed
[7] Consumer Health: Do natural diuretics work? - Mayo Clinic News Network
[8] Are there natural ways to lose water weight?
[9] The 8 Best Natural Diuretics to Eat or Drink
[10] 19 Natural Diuretics to Help Relieve Water Retention, Bloating & More
[11] 14 Best Natural Diuretic Herbs & Foods for Water Retention - SelfDecode Health
[12] https://www.amazon.com/Diuretic-Supplements/b?ie=UTF8&node=3775101
[13] The 6 Best Natural Diuretic Foods and Drinks, According to a Dietitian
[14] 6 Natural Diuretics: Foods and Actions to Take
[15] What Are Natural Diuretics and Do They Work?
[16] Best Natural Diuretics: 6 Supplements, Foods And Drinks
[17] Amazon.com
[18] The Best All-Natural Diuretic Products | Shop Online Now

 

[chaps]

I'll pick one of the above and post a review, i hold alot of water on trt whether estrogen is high or low, i have 10lbs+ water retention that drives me nuts.

 

[Vince Carter]

The best naturals brand I see a lot of the reviews stating that they received free or discounted for their reviews so I'd not try that one. Actually seeing that with the High Energy Solutions, too, "paid" reviews. Id be willing to try it for <20 a bottle. I think I hold some water and have considered a diuretic of some type though I pee a ton every day. Also find it strange on the label..."Drink plenty of water"...

 

[J2048b]

Dandylion is supposed to help if i remember correctly...

 

[chaps]

Currently using Herbal Factors Diuretic formula, 6 caps a day and it's not doing a whole hell of alot. I think i need something stronger.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Any further responses on this topic?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I tried the above supplements. Waste of money. Nothing works like hydrochlorothiazide

 

[audiogeek247]

Nelson, I'm assuming Hydrochlorothiazide isn't a highly regulated drug, do any RCL companies have it or is there somewhere to purchase this? Thanks

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Yes, a bunch of online overseas sites have it.

 

[CoastWatcher]

If dosing on your own be cautious (if dosing under a doctor's care you should be cautious). It took very little for me to develop hypokalmia.

 

[audiogeek247]

Can you send me a message where you might be getting yours Coast, I don't want to use an AI, but my face feels and looks like its been bloating big time for a couple months. What are your dosing protocols? I am 6'7 245lbs

 

[CoastWatcher]

Can you send me a message where you might be getting yours Coast, I don't want to use an AI, but my face feels and looks like its been bloating big time for a couple months. What are your dosing protocols? I am 6'7 245lbs

Mine was prescribed, so I can't offer you any help in regard to your sourcing question. As far as dosing goes I started at 25mg/daily, went to 25mg/twice daily, then back to a single, daily 25mg dose. It worked wonderfully, until my potassium crashed. All this over the course of eight days. I was lucky though. The bloat cleared and didn't return.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Loop Diuretics and Sarcopenia: A Potential Association

Background: Loop diuretics (LDs) are used to treat various health conditions including heart failure (HF), liver cirrhosis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle health issue related to the depletion and decrease of muscle mass and strength, leading to adverse...

www.mdpi.com

 

[Deleted member 43589]

Yea, I have tried all the natural diuretics and none of them worked for me. I was put on hydrochlorothiazide 25mg years ago. I eat plenty of potassium and the other electrolytes so my blood levels are in the high norm. I even worked outside in the Texas heat for years and never had any heat related issues. Still taking the hydrochlorothiazide.

 

[sbstrum_MD]

I am a physician and just retired after 60 years overall in cancer medicine with 54 of those years in clinical care of patients. I have been intrigued with herbal agents and remain so for most of those years. I cannot identify any single or combination herbal agent as an effective diuretic.
In men on TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), I would expect that edema is 9 out of 10 times due to increased estradiol 2° T ⇢ Estradiol, and the effect of estradiol (E2) on water retention. When you couple this side effect of E2 + the high Na+ (sodium) in the American diet, you have enough cause for edema. I have had edema x 6 years as a result of vascular injury 2° chemotherapy for a malignancy. I have to take a diuretic regimen about 2 to 3 times a week despite restricting Na+ from my diet and using a salt substitute such as Morton's No Salt or others that are quite good. Low dose hydrochlorothiazide such as 25 mg taken three times per week should normalize any peripheral edema but it must be coupled with a low salt diet and monitoring of K+ (potassium) serum levels to ensure hypokalemia (low K+ ) has not occurred. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies are good sources of potassium. For those of you interested in heart health, you can make a nice K+ rich fruit drink containing taurine by adding taurine powder to Simply Peach or Simply Orange. You could also block E2 production using low dose aromatase inhibitor like anastrozole (Arimidex®) or exemestane (Aromasin®). I usually prescribe the former at 1 mg twice a week.

 

[Deleted member 43589]

My serum potassium and sodium level are all within norms. I think what is causing the edema in my legs is I have had for years severe venous insufficiency. I finally started having treatments for this about 2 years ago. In the summer my ankles would get badly swollen as I was in the heat and on my feet for long periods of time. Plus, I have been on hGH therapy for a few years as well. I tried the hydrochlorothiazide and it seems to help a lot. My doctor put me on anastrozole 1mg x 2 and it literally tanked my E2 levels in a couple of weeks. Dropped it to 1/4mg and will test next week. I expect to see my E2 very low again.

 

[Spandex]

My serum potassium and sodium level are all within norms. I think what is causing the edema in my legs is I have had for years severe venous insufficiency. I finally started having treatments for this about 2 years ago. In the summer my ankles would get badly swollen as I was in the heat and on my feet for long periods of time. Plus, I have been on hGH therapy for a few years as well. I tried the hydrochlorothiazide and it seems to help a lot. My doctor put me on anastrozole 1mg x 2 and it literally tanked my E2 levels in a couple of weeks. Dropped it to 1/4mg and will test next week. I expect to see my E2 very low again.

How had this treatment worked for you? Is this the one where they inject glue to block some of the veins?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

. I tried the hydrochlorothiazide and it seems to help a lot. My doctor put me on anastrozole 1mg x 2 and it literally tanked my E2 levels in a couple of weeks. Dropped it to 1/4mg and will test next week. I expect to see my E2 very low again.

I am curious if anastrozole will work for you to reduce edema. In 25 years of reading posts on this forum, I have found no one to confirm this.

You may want to look at this mild potassium-sparing diuretic: amiloride.

The comparison between amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, particularly in the context of their use as diuretics for treating hypertension and fluid retention, reveals several key differences and similarities based on the provided sources.

Efficacy in Blood Pressure Reduction​

Both amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide are effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. A multicenter study demonstrated significant reductions in systolic and diastolic pressures for both drugs. However, the combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide showed the greatest reduction in systolic pressure compared to either drug alone.

Potassium Levels​

One of the significant differences between the two drugs is their effect on serum potassium levels. Hydrochlorothiazide tends to lower potassium levels, which can lead to hypokalemia. In contrast, amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which helps maintain or even increase potassium levels. This difference is crucial for patients who are at risk of hypokalemia.

Renal Prostaglandin Production​

Another study compared the effects of triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride-hydrochlorothiazide on renal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. It was found that amiloride-hydrochlorothiazide increased PGE2 excretion, whereas triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide decreased it. This difference in renal prostaglandin production is an important consideration in the choice between these diuretic combinations.

Side Effects and Tolerability​

Both drugs are generally well-tolerated, but they have different side effect profiles. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia, which may necessitate potassium supplementation or the use of a potassium-sparing diuretic like amiloride. Amiloride, on the other hand, can cause hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment or those taking potassium supplements.

Combination Therapy​

The combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide is often used to balance the potassium-sparing effects of amiloride with the potent diuretic effects of hydrochlorothiazide. This combination is effective in controlling blood pressure and preventing the potassium depletion commonly associated with thiazide diuretics.

Clinical Recommendations​

For patients who are at risk of hypokalemia or those who have experienced adverse effects from hydrochlorothiazide alone, the combination therapy with amiloride may be preferable. Conversely, for patients who need a potent diuretic effect without the risk of hyperkalemia, hydrochlorothiazide alone might be more suitable.In summary, while both amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide are effective diuretics for managing hypertension and fluid retention, their differing impacts on potassium levels and renal prostaglandin production, as well as their side effect profiles, are critical factors in determining the most appropriate therapy for individual patients.



Citations:
[1] Multiclinic Comparison of Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Hydrochlorothiazide Plus Amiloride in Essential Hypertension
[2] Antihypertensive Therapy With Triamterene-Hydrochlorothiazide vs Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide
[3] Amiloride And Hydrochlorothiazide (Oral Route) Before Using - Mayo Clinic
[4] Multiclinic comparison of amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, and hydrochlorothiazide plus amiloride in essential hypertension. Multicenter Diuretic Cooperative Study Group - PubMed
[5] Amiloride / hydrochlorothiazide Alternatives Compared - Drugs.com
[6] Amiloride And Hydrochlorothiazide (Oral Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic
[7] Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride Uses, Side Effects & Warnings
[8] Amiloride And Hydrochlorothiazide (Oral Route) Precautions - Mayo Clinic
[9] Amiloride And Hydrochlorothiazide (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic
[10] Amiloride And Hydrochlorothiazide (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic
[11] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-su...othiazide-oral-route/description/drg-20071506
[12] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-su...othiazide-oral-route/precautions/drg-20071506
[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213858715003770
[14] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.111.189381
[15] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/diuretics/art-20048129
[16] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601014.html
[17] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-su...othiazide-oral-route/precautions/drg-20071484
[18] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2487529/
[19] https://blocked.goodrx.com

 

[Deleted member 16042]

I am curious if anastrozole will work for you to reduce edema. In 25 years of reading posts on this forum, I have found no one to confirm this.

N=1 anecdote, it sure did for me.