The etymological origin of the term diuretic is the first thing that we are going to know in order to discover its meaning. In this case, we can establish that it derives from the Greek, exactly from "diuretikós", which would later become Latin as "diureticus".
A diuretic is something that increases the elimination of urine.
It should be remembered that urine is the yellowish fluid that the kidneys secrete and is stored in the bladder until it is expelled from the body through the urethra. With the excretion of urine, various toxins and other elements are evacuated from the body, allowing the control of blood pressure and electrolyte.
Diuretics are substances that promote the expulsion of urine by encouraging urination. In this way they help reduce fluid retention and minimize hypertension, for example.
There are different types of diuretics: no osmotic diuretics, potassium - sparing diuretics, inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase diuretics and thiazide diuretics, among others. They are considered natural diuretics to everyday consumer substances that have the ability to promote urination, such as coffee, pineapple, beer and tea.
Stress, lack of physical exercise, excess weight and even hormonal changes can cause a person to have fluid retention. For this reason, you will have to opt for the consumption of diuretic foods that facilitate the expulsion of those liquids and avoid situations such as swelling of the legs and feet, for example.
Specifically, pineapple and the other foods mentioned are known as diuretics. However, you have to know that there are others that may not be included in the same group, but that have great properties to eliminate liquids.
We are referring, for example, to parsley, apple cider vinegar, fennel, radish and even mushrooms.
People who want to lose a few kilos usually resort to the inclusion in their diet of so-called diuretic foods, but it is necessary that they do so under medical supervision to avoid adverse consequences. Specifically, in such diets, it is common for pineapple, watermelon, black grapes, asparagus and citrus fruits such as orange to be accommodated. Of course, we must not forget the tomato, the artichoke and the celery.
Products all of them that, in addition, are very healthy.
While diuretics are useful in various medical treatments, they can also cause adverse effects. That is why its intake must be precisely controlled by a doctor. Possible negative consequences of diuretics include excessive sodium and potassium elimination and glucose metabolic disturbances. Diuretics can cause hypotension, dehydration, and other disorders.
Another fact to keep in mind is that the effect of diuretics can be increased or decreased depending on interactions with other medications. For this reason, the patient must tell the doctor what medicines or supplements he is taking.