Detox water is a trend that has been in the news a lot in recent years. There are many variations of it where freshly cut lemons, cucumbers, watermelons etc. are added to the water to give you instant energy. Detox water is nothing but a type of diuretic. A diuretic is a substance that is responsible for flushing out excess sodium and water content in the body. These are also available in the form of pills, but it is always better to treat yourself naturally instead of relying on chemicals.
Why do you need diuretic foods?
We all know that our weight fluctuates due to the weight of water in our body. To lose weight and make us feel less bloated, it is necessary to flush it out with the help of certain foods called diuretics. Diuretics are known to lower high blood pressure by flushing out sodium from the body and getting rid of harmful toxins through urine.
“These foods help cleanse your system by flushing out water retention in the body and reduce bloating, but should be consumed in moderation as excess of everything is bad. Excessive consumption can flush out vital electrolytes that are essential for your body, making you feel weak due to electrolyte imbalance. People on anti-hypertensive medications should avoid consuming diuretic foods as these medications are themselves diuretics,” says Delhi-based nutrition consultant Dr Rupali Dutta.
diuretic food; Photo Credit: Instagram/fivedotslife
Include diuretic foods in your diet
Some diuretic foods that you can include in your daily diet are –
1. Cucumber
Cucumber has a high water content and contains caffeic acid which helps in removing water deficiency in our body. It also contains some nutrients that help in flushing out uric acid from the kidneys, as well as being low in calories, which makes it a good option for those looking to lose weight.
2. Cranberries
It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and helps flush out excess water. According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishers, cranberries contain nondialyzable material (NDM) that prevents kidney, bladder and urinary tract infections (UTI).
Cranberry;Photo credit: instagram/lapko_healthy_eating
3. Watermelon
They contain 92% water and are rich in vitamins and minerals, which have a diuretic effect on our body. Watermelons are very healthy and help flush out all the toxins from the body.
watermelon;Photo Credit: Instagram/camoesian_organic_gard
4. Celery
Celery contains coumarin, which helps prevent high blood pressure as well as cleanses the system by flushing out all unwanted water stored in the body in the form of urine. This eases digestion and relieves bloating. Delhi-based nutritionist Simran Sinha says, “The high water and electrolyte content in celery prevents dehydration and the compounds present in celery cause it to act as a diuretic and reduce the incidence of bloating.”
celery;Photo credit: instagram/jays_picture_and_co
5. Ginger
It can be taken as ginger tea or simply ginger water (steep it overnight to let the flavours infuse well). It naturally aids digestion and helps flush out all the harmful toxins in the body. It is considered one of the most effective diuretic foods.
Ginger; Photo Credit: Instagram/ugly_by_nature
6. Carrots
Carrots are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that facilitate detoxification in the body, which in turn helps the system flush out all the toxins. Carrots are also an essential ingredient to include in the diet as it strengthens our eyesight and fills our body with vitamins K and A. Carrot juice works as a miracle in maintaining cholesterol and blood sugar levels, thanks to its potassium content. It also increases bile secretion, which helps burn fat thereby aiding in weight loss.
Carrot;Photo Credit: Instagram/Hydrowagen
7. Lemon
It helps flush out bacteria, prevent urinary tract infections (UTI), reduce inflammation and cleanse the system completely. Lemon contains potassium, which boosts our immunity. If you cannot eat lemon as is, you can always drink fresh lemon juice which will be very good for you.
Lemon; Photo credit: instagram/seeds_paris
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains a compound called the mineral chromium, which controls appetite. It is a great spice for improving our immunity and cleansing the system, containing all the essential minerals, vitamins and fiber together. It plays an excellent detoxification role. Sometimes it is also called a “cleanse” drink when mixed with a glass of water.
Dr. Rupali says, “I personally like to drink warm water with 1-2 cinnamon sticks, which works perfectly in flushing out excess water and toxins from my body.”
Include these in your regular diet but make sure you don’t overdo it as they contain some essential minerals that you don’t want to flush out, so keep your intake balanced. If you are taking a diuretic pill, then do consult a dietitian before including these foods in your daily diet.
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