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Can't Get Rid Of Water Retention? These 7 Diuretic Foods Will Definitely Help
Water retention can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, and sometimes struggling with swelling. It's a common issue that many people face. While there are pharmaceutical diuretics available, nature offers a bounty of foods that can help alleviate water retention in a healthier way. Here are seven foods, as suggested by some experts, which are not only delicious but also effective in reducing water retention and promoting overall wellness.
Also Read: Consumption Of These 3 Sour Foods At Night Can Cause Water Retention
1. CucumberCucumbers are a fantastic choice for combating water retention. With a high water content of about 95%, they help keep you hydrated while flushing out excess fluids. They contain caffeic acid, which helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. "Cucumbers are low in calories and rich in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight and manage water retention," says Dr Rupali Datta, a Delhi-based Nutrition Consultant. Enjoy cucumbers in salads, sandwiches, or simply as a refreshing snack.
2. CranberriesCranberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. They play a crucial role in flushing out excess water from the body. According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishers, cranberries contain nondialyzable material (NDM), which helps prevent kidney, bladder, and urinary tract infections. This makes them particularly effective in supporting urinary health and reducing water retention. You can enjoy cranberries fresh, as juice, or in a variety of dishes.
3. WatermelonsWatermelons are incredibly hydrating, containing about 92% water. This makes them an excellent diuretic food that helps in flushing out toxins and excess fluids. Rich in vitamins and minerals, watermelons support overall health while aiding in the reduction of bloating. They are not only refreshing but also versatile, perfect for making smoothies, and salads, or just enjoying as a chilled snack on a hot day.Also Read: Water Retention: 7 Effective Ways to Cure The Condition
Water retention can be resolved with a good diet.Photo Credit: iStock
4. CeleryCelery is a great food for managing water retention due to its high water content and the presence of coumarin. This compound helps prevent high blood pressure and supports the body's natural diuretic processes by promoting urine production. "Celery's high water and electrolyte content prevent dehydration and help in reducing bloating," explains Delhi-based nutritionist Simran Sinha. Celery can be enjoyed raw, in salads, or as a crunchy addition to soups and stews.
5. GingerGinger is renowned for its ability to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. It can be consumed in various forms, such as ginger tea or infused water. This root stimulates digestion and helps excretion of excess fluids and toxins from the body. "Ginger is one of the most effective diuretic foods and helps in clearing out harmful substances from the body," says Dr. Rupali Datta. Adding ginger to your diet can be as simple as sipping ginger tea or incorporating fresh ginger into your meals.
6. CarrotsCarrots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and potassium, making them excellent for detoxification and reducing water retention. They aid in the proper functioning of the kidneys and help flush out toxins through urine. Carrots also support healthy vision and can help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Enjoy them raw, as carrot juice, or cooked in a variety of dishes.
7. LemonLemons are a potent food for managing water retention due to their high vitamin C content and natural diuretic properties. They help cleanse the system by promoting the excretion of toxins and reducing bloating. Lemons also contain potassium, which supports overall immune function. "If you can't eat lemons directly, drinking fresh lemon juice is an effective alternative," says Dr. Rupali Datta. You can add lemon juice to water, use it in dressings, or enjoy it in a variety of recipes.
These foods not only support the body's diuretic processes but also contribute to overall health and well-being. Remember to consume these foods in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to an imbalance of essential electrolytes
SIADH (Syndrome Of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is a condition in which the body makes too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH, also known as vasopressin, helps regulate how much water your body loses through urine.
If too much vasopressin is made, your body will retain excessive amounts of water, diluting the concentration of sodium in your blood and leading to a potentially serious condition known as hyponatremia. When hyponatremia is severe, it can lead to nausea, loss of balance, seizures, and even death.
SIADH can be caused by conditions affecting parts of the central nervous system, certain medications, lung diseases, and cancers. The treatment varies by the underlying cause.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
What Does ADH (Vasopressin) Do in the Body? Vasopressin is a hormone created in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is then transferred and secreted by the pituitary gland (also known as the master gland). Vasopressin has two functions in the body: Vasopressin causes water to be reabsorbed in the kidneys and returned to circulation, maintaining the ideal volume of water in the body and the ideal concentration of electrolytes (electrically charged minerals) like sodium. Vasopressin causes the constriction (narrowing) of small blood vessels known as arterioles, helping raise the blood pressure whenever it drops. Vasopressin secretion may be triggered by hypotension (low blood pressure), hypovolemia (low water or blood levels), or disruptions in plasma osmolality (the balance of water and electrolytes in the body). Vasopressin is important because it helps the body maintain homeostasis (a stable and balanced state) so it can function normally. Hormone and Electrolyte Imbalances in SIADH SIADH most commonly occurs when a disease, infection, other medical condition, or drug causes the excessive release of vasopressin. When this happens, it sets off the following chain reaction that can affect multiple organ systems: The inappropriate release of vasopressin returns water from the kidneys' filtering units (called nephrons) back into the body, diluting electrolytes that help the body function. The drop in electrolyte concentrations alters osmosis (the passage of water between membranes), causing cells to take in more and more water. As the cells become overloaded with water, they can malfunction, sometimes severely. This affects all cells. Sodium is the electrolyte of main concern as it is central to the regulation of blood pressure and blood volume. When sodium concentrations are abnormally low, you are said to have hyponatremia. Depending on how low sodium concentrations are, symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. With SIADH, hyponatremia may either be acute (sudden and/or severe) or chronic (persistent), depending on the underlying cause. Causes of SIADH SIADH may be caused by disruption of the central nervous system, which regulates vasopressin production (referred to as primary SIADH). It may also be caused by a disease or condition that adversely affects either the central nervous system or vasopressin receptors in the kidneys (referred to as secondary SIADH). The most common causes of SIADH (by order of frequency) are: Cancer Cancer, a secondary cause of SIADH, accounts for around 24% of cases. Certain cancers can cause paraneoplastic syndrome, a condition in which the body's immune system inappropriately attacks the brain, causing the overstimulation of the hypothalamus and the overproduction of vasopressin. This is most commonly seen with cancers like: Medications Medications are another secondary cause of SIADH, accounting for roughly 18% of cases. Some drugs cause SIADH by overstimulating the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, while others amplify the effects of vasopressin or activate vasopressin receptors in the absence of vasopressin. Some of the most common drug culprits include: Anticonvulsant drugs like Depakote (valproic acid), Tegretol (carbamazepine), and Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) Atromid-S (clofibrate), a cholesterol-lowering drug known as a fibrate Chemotherapy drugs like Cytoxen (cyclophosphamide), Ifex (ifosfamide), and Oncovin (vincristine) Compazine (phenothiazine), an antipsychotic and migraine drug Diabinese (chlorpropamide), an anti-diabetes drug Elavil (amitriptyline), a tricyclic antidepressant also used for chronic pain MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as ecstasy Opioid painkillers like morphine and oxycodone Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, especially Celexa (citalopram) Central Nervous System Disorders Central nervous system disorders account for around 9% of SIADH cases. These primary causes of SIADH directly affect the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland. Causes of primary SIADH include: Even mental illnesses, such as psychosis, can overstimulate parts of the brain and trigger the inappropriate release of vasopressin. Other Causes Several other conditions can cause secondary SIADH (also known as acquired SIADH). These include lung diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung infections like pneumonia and pulmonary abscess. Even so, the exact relationship between these conditions and SIADH is largely unknown. SIADH can also be inherited due to a genetic mutation of the X chromosome. This rare condition, also known as nephrogenic SIADH, causes vasopressin receptors in the kidneys to activate even in the absence of vasopressin. Nephrogenic SIADH is characterized by chronic fluid retention and chronic hyponatremia. In addition, upwards of 17% of cases of SIADH are idiopathic (meaning of unknown origin). Urine Output and Other SIADH Symptoms The primary cause of symptoms of SIADH is hyponatremia, a potentially severe electrolyte imbalance that can affect almost every organ system of the body. Symptoms of SIADH are often subtle or non-existent (asymptomatic) at first but become increasingly obvious and severe as vasopressin secretion persists and sodium concentrations plummet. SIADH and Urine Output One of the first signs of SIADH may be decreased urine output accompanied by highly concentrated urine (recognized by a deep yellow color and strong smell). With SIADH, drinking more water doesn't make the urine any less concentrated because the additional water is simply reabsorbed. As such, SIADH may be suspected when the amount of water you drink is more than the amount of urine you pee. As hyponatremia increasingly alters osmosis, causing cells to become overloaded with fluid, an array of symptoms can develop in different parts of the body: Body System Symptoms Neurological ConfusionDeliriumDifficulty speaking (dysarthria)FatigueHeadacheIrritabilityLethargy Neuromuscular Generalized weakness Involuntary jerks and twitches (myoclonus)Loss of balance and coordination (ataxia) Muscle aches (myalgia)Muscle cramps TremorsSlowed reflexes (hyporeflexia)Uncontrolled flapping movements (asterixis) Gastrointestinal Loss of appetite (anorexia) Nausea or vomiting Respiratory Abnormally small breaths (hypopnea)Sudden pauses in breathing while awake (apnea)Sudden pauses in breathing while sleeping (central sleep apnea) Complications and Medical Emergencies SIADH can lead to potentially serious complications if left untreated. If hyponatremia requires hospitalization, the risk of mortality (death) is significant. According to a 2016 study in BMJ Nephrology involving 64,723 adults, the risk of death among people hospitalized for severe hyponatremia was between 24.5% and 50.3%. People whose sodium levels do not normalize within 24 to 48 hours are at greatest risk. Complications of SIADH mainly stem from cerebral edema, a condition in which fluids accumulate in the brain. This can cause the bulging (herniation) of the brain and the compression of the brain stem, leading to: SIADH vs. Diabetes Insipidus Another condition caused by the abnormal production of vasopressin is diabetes insipidus. Unlike SIADH, diabetes insipidus is caused by the underproduction of vasopressin, leading to increased urination and the risk of dehydration and hypernatremia (high blood sodium). In cases like this, a synthetic version of vasopressin called DDAVP (desmopressin) can be prescribed to reduce urination and help normalize blood sodium levels. Confirming SIADH as the Cause of Hyponatremia SIADH may be recognized by the appearance of acute symptoms. In people with chronic SIADH, the condition may only be recognized when a routine blood test reveals that sodium levels are low. Diagnosing SIADH can be tricky because hyponatremia has many different causes. To make an accurate diagnosis, your healthcare provider will need to perform a battery of tests, including: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) test: This blood test checks the level of vasopressin in your blood. Normal values range from 0 to 5.9 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Anything above 5.9 may be a sign of SIADH. Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): This panel of blood tests can measure sodium levels in your blood. Levels between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) are considered normal. With hyponatremia, sodium levels will be less than 135 mEq/L. Serum osmolality test: This blood test measures the concentration of specific substances in your blood. With SIADH, the test will show sodium concentrations of less than 275 milliosmoles per kilogram of water (mOsm/kg). Urinalysis: This test examines the chemical makeup of urine. In addition to noting the color of your urine, SIADH is suspected if sodium levels are high (generally over 40 mEq/L). It's worth noting, however, that a high ADH value is not diagnostic of SIADH. This is because some conditions don't cause the overproduction of vasopressin but instead cause the kidneys to become less sensitive to the effects of vasopressin. This includes nephrogenic SIADH and certain medications. To confirm the diagnosis, healthcare providers will need to exclude other possible causes of hyponatremia, including: Thereafter, additional tests may be ordered to pinpoint the underlying cause of SIADH. Treating SIADH in a Hospital The treatment of SIADH is twofold: resolving the underlying condition and taking steps to normalize the body's water-sodium balance. For mild, asymptomatic SIADH, the latter can be achieved by increasing your dietary sodium intake and restricting your fluid intake to between 1 and 1.5 liters per day until the underlying cause is managed. Drinking water alone will not improve your condition. If hyponatremia is severe (defined as sodium levels under 120 mEq/L), you will need to be hospitalized so sodium levels can be normalized with intravenous (IV) saline fluids. In cases like this, the goal of treatment is to raise your sodium levels steadily but not so fast that it causes osmotic demyelination (a condition in which nerves in the brain stem are severely damaged due to the too-rapid shift of fluids from the inside to the outside of cells). Healthcare providers will generally aim to raise blood sodium levels by no more than 0.5 mEq/L per hour until the optimal balance is achieved. Other intravenous drugs may also be used to counter the effect of vasopressin. These include: Declomycin (demeclocycline): An antibiotic that suppresses the production of vasopressin Vaprisol (conivaptan) and Jynarque (tolvaptan): Two drugs classified as aquaretics that block the activation of vasopressin receptors in the kidneys Urea: A naturally occurring compound found in urine that may help protect against osmotic demyelination Prognosis In people with mild or moderate asymptomatic SIADH, the outlook is generally good with the appropriate treatment. In people hospitalized with severe SIADH, the odds of recovery are also good if sodium levels are raised at the ideal rate and normalized within 24 to 48 hours. A 2023 study in the New England Journal of Medicine Evidence examined the records of 3,274 people hospitalized for severe hyponatremia and found that those whose sodium levels were increased by less than 10 mEq/L in 24 hours had a higher risk of death than those whose levels were increased by more than 10 mEq/L in 24 hours. Summary Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the abnormal retention of fluids due to the excessive production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. Defects in vasopressin receptors in the kidneys can also cause SIADH. Common causes of SIADH include cancer, medications, lung diseases, brain injury, and diseases of the central nervous system. SIADH can be diagnosed with blood and urine tests. Treatment involves resolving the underlying cause and restoring the normal balance of sodium and water in the body. In severe cases, treatment is delivered in a hospital with intravenous saline fluids. By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MDDr. Sifris is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. Myhre is a journalist and HIV educator. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an ErrorEnvironmental Influences: Osmotic Pressure
Background and Introduction:Osmotic pressure is the force water exerts on the semi-permeable membrane (plasma membrane) surrounding the cell. Water moves across the plasma membrane in response to an unequal distribution of dissolved solutes in the environment. When a microorganism is placed into a hypotonic environment/medium in which the concentration of solute is lower outside the cell than inside the cell, water flows into the cell. If this influx of water is uncontrolled, the cell may eventually burst. Most bacteria, algae and fungi have rigid cell walls that allow them to tolerate and even enjoy a somewhat hypotonic environment. Many microorganisms keep the solute concentration slightly higher in their protoplasm by synthesizing solutes that are compatible with their metabolism and growth, thus keeping their membrane pushed tightly against the cell wall. By contrast, when microorganisms are placed into a hypertonic environment where the concentration of solute is higher outside the cell, water is lost from the cell resulting in dehydration, shrinkage of the plasma membrane and eventual death. This is a process known as plasmolysis.
As can be seen, the osmotic concentration of the environment affects the water that is available to a microorganism. The greater the solute concentration of the environment, the less readily available the water. Some prokaryotes can maintain the availability of water in environments with high solute concentrations (hypertonic environments) by increasing the solute concentration within the cell. Microorganisms that can do this and thus tolerate hypertonic environments are osmotolerant. Osmotolerant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus can grow in a wide variety of environments with varying osmotic pressures. In fact this bacteria can be cultured in media containing sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations as high as 3M.
Some bacteria specifically require an environment with a high concentration of sodium chloride. These organisms are called halophiles.
Procedure Osmotic Pressure Procedure (NaCl):
All four organisms will be tested for growth on media containing varying concentrations of NaCl: 0.5%, 7.5%, 20%, and 25%.
Test Organisms:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Staphylococcus aureus Escherichia coli Halobacterium salinarium
Collect 1 of each of the following plates: TSA + 0.5% NaCl TSA + 7.5% NaCl (=Mannitol Salt Agar, Red) TSA + 20% NaCl TSA + 25% NaCl 2. On the bottom of the plates, use a marker to divide them into 4 quadrants as shown below. Label each quadrant with one of the test microorganisms. Also label the bottom of the plates with your initials, lab section, and the NaCl concentration of the plate. There will be a total of 4 plates. 
3. Follow the procedure for Inoculating organisms into four quadrants. 4. Repeat the procedure for all four organisms. Streak them in their appropriately labeled quadrants. 5. Repeat the inoculation procedure, as described in the video, for the remaining 3 plates. 6. Invert and incubate the plates at 37˚C for 24 - 48 hours.
Osmotic Pressure Procedure (Sucrose):All four organisms will be tested for growth on medium containing varying concentrations of sucrose: 0.5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%.
Test Organisms: Saccharomyces cerevisiae Staphylococcus aureus Escherichia coli Halobacterium salinarium
1. Collect 1 of each of the following plates: TSA + 0.5% sucrose TSA + 10% sucrose TSA + 25% sucrose TSA + 50% sucrose 2. On the bottom of the plates, use a marker to divide them into 4 quadrants as shown below. Label each quadrant with one of the test microorganisms. Also label the bottom of the plates with your initials, lab section, and the sucrose concentration of the plate. There will be a total of 4 plates.
3. Follow the procedure for Inoculating organisms into four quadrants. 4. Repeat the procedure for all four organisms. Streak them in their appropriately labeled quadrants. 5. Repeat the inoculation procedure, as described in the video, for the remaining 3 plates. 6. Invert and incubate the plates at 37˚C for 24 - 48 hours.
Results NaCl
Observe and compare the growth of each organism on 0.5% , 7.5%, 20%, 25% NaCl
SucroseObserve and compare the growth of each organism on 0.5% , 10%, 20%, 50% Sucrose.
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