WHAT IS THE BEST NATURAL DIURETIC?
What is a Natural Diuretic?
Best Natural Diuretic
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Water makes up approximately 60% of the adult human body and is an essential nutrient for every cell. It plays many vital roles, including transporting substances in the blood, such as protein and carbohydrates, flushing waste, regulating our internal temperature, and lubricating joints. Therefore, it is vital that we maintain the correct levels of hydration for both health and performance, as too little or too much water in the body can be problematic.
Some people may need to carefully reduce their water content for short periods, such as athletes competing in weight category sports, e.g., boxing and MMA, and bodybuilders wishing to optimise their muscle definition in preparation for a competition.
To achieve this, some form of diuretic, commonly referred to as a ‘water tablet’, is often used. These are substances that help the body to eliminate excess water by stimulating urinary function.
There are a variety of diuretic medications on the market, which are used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and oedema, i.e., swollen tissues. However, these are only available on prescription and are associated with a number of unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects, ranging from headache, skin rash, muscle cramps and diarrhoea to electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure and irregular heartbeat.
A safer, more accessible option is a herbal diuretic or water pill. These typically contain a combination of natural substances which produce a diuretic effect without the side effects associated with prescription medications. For example, the plant ‘Horsetail’, has been shown to be as effective as the diuretic medication hydrochlorothiazide without causing significant changes in the elimination of electrolytes (1).
This is where Time 4 Water Pro can make a valuable addition to your nutrition strategy.
What’s in Time 4 Water Pro?
Time 4 Water Pro contains Juniper Berry, Parsley, Dandelion Root Extract, Horsetail Extract, Green Tea Extract, Hawthorn Berry Extract, and Magnesium Citrate. This unique combination of 7 specially selected, evidence-based ingredients work synergistically to produce natural diuretic effect designed to eliminate excess water and so aid the reduction of bloating and body weight, and enhance muscle definition.
As we look at each of these ingredients in-depth, and a selection of the research that supports their use, you’ll begin to see why Time 4 Water Pro is such a great product and how it may benefit you.
Best Natural Diuretic – What is Juniper Berry?
Juniper (Juniperus communis) is an evergreen shrub found on mountains and heaths throughout Europe, Southwest Asia, and North America. Juniper berries are one of the best-known and widely used diuretic plants and have been employed for this purpose since medieval times. They have also been used as an antiseptic and to treat arthritis, diabetes, and gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders. In addition, the essential oil and extracts of Juniper have been shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and lipid and blood glucose lowering activities (2).
Is Juniper Berry an effective diuretic?
Several studies have investigated the diuretic abilities of Juniper (2,3) with promising results.
Stanic and colleagues (2) assessed the diuretic effects of Juniper Berry in rats. The results showed that daily administration of Juniper produced a significant diuretic effect, with the cumulative urine volume being 44% above the control value after 72 hours. It is important to remember that as this is an animal trial, the results are unlikely to be due to a placebo effect.
The results of a review by Raina et al., (3) showed that Juniper increases urine output without loss of electrolytes. The authors suggest that the diuretic activity of Juniper Berries is attributed to the activity of a substance known as terpinol-4-ol, which increases the production of urine, and to hydrophilic (i.e., water attracting) constituents which increase glomerular filtration rate. This a measure of how much blood passes through the glomeruli in the kidneys each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.
Best Natural Diuretic – What is Parsley (Pertoselinum crispum)?
Parsley is a herb native to the Mediterranean and is commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of aliments, ranging from gastrointestinal issues and menstrual problems to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is also used as a natural diuretic and may be particularly useful for people who cannot tolerate diuretic medications.
Is Parsley an effective diuretic?
In recent years, Parsley’s diuretic properties have been confirmed by a number of studies (4,5,6).
Kreydiyyeh and Usta (4) found that subjects treated with a Parsley solution eliminated a significantly larger volume of urine per 24 hours in comparison to the consumption of water alone. The findings of a study by Al-Yousofy and colleagues (6) also showed a significant increase in urine volume in response to the consumption of a Parsley supplement compared to a control.
A review by Farzaia and colleagues (5) investigated the pharmacological activities of Parsley. The results showed that Parsley was not only an effective diuretic but also has a host of other proven pharmacological properties including antioxidant, liver protective, kidney protective, cardiovascular protective, nerve protective, bone protective, anti-diabetic, pain relieving, anti-clotting, anti-ulcer, laxative, blood pressure lowering, immune enhancing, anti-bacterial, and antifungal activities.
Best Natural Diuretic – What is Dandelion Root Extract?
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a widely distributed plant of the daisy family. Although often dismissed as a weed, it has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat a range of conditions including acne, liver disease and digestive disorders. It has also been used extensively as a diuretic in traditional medicine and in modern plant-based medicine in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Is Dandelion an effective diuretic?
The diuretic activity of Dandelion has been recognised for many centuries, hence its old common names which include ‘piss-a-bed’. More recently, its diuretic effect has been documented in both animal and human trials.
Bevin et al., (7) found that the consumption of Dandelion supplement produced a significant increase in the frequency of urination in human subjects. While a study on mice and rats noted a decrease in the bodyweight of the subjects after the administration of a Dandelion extract, and compared its effects to the diuretic medication Furosemidum (8).
Best Natural Diuretic – What is Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)?
Horsetail is a perennial plant that is found in or near watery areas such as marshes, streams, or rivers. It grows in the northern hemisphere areas of Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa, where it has been used in traditional medicine. Its most widespread traditional use is as a diuretic, followed by the treatment of genitourinary diseases (kidney diseases, urethritis, kidney stones, and others), inflammation, wound healing, rheumatic diseases, prostatitis, and hypertension (9).
Is Horsetail an effective diuretic?
There is an increasing body of research to support the use of Horsetail as a diuretic (9,10,11).
Carneiro and colleagues (10) conducted a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, considered to be the gold standard in research, to assess the acute diuretic effect of Horsetail in healthy subjects. The results showed that Horsetail not only produced a diuretic effect that was stronger than the control but was equivalent to that of hydrochlorothiazide, a prescription only diuretic medication, without causing any significant changes in the elimination of electrolytes, which is often associated with diuretic medications.
A review by Boeing et al., (9) investigated the relevant pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of the Equisetum species for the treatment kidney diseases. The results showed that the most popular species for medicinal use is E. arvense L. i.e., Horsetail, and its diuretic effect was demonstrated in both animal and human studies.
The authors noted that although the main purpose of the review was to discuss the scientific findings of the different Equisetum species, it is important to note that several compounds isolated from these plants have already demonstrated their ability as diuretic. For example, the flavonoid luteolin, found in Horsetail, has been shown to induce both a diuretic effect and aid in the excretion of sodium without interfering with urinary levels of the electrolytes, chlorine and potassium.
Best Natural Diuretic – What is Green Tea extract (Camellia sinensis)?
Green Tea extract is the concentrated form of unfermented tea originating from Asia. It differs from black tea because it retains the original chemical components of the tea plant. Immediately after plucking, heat treatment of the leaves preserves the various pharmacologically active components from biodegradation. After ingestion, these are absorbed by the body and provide numerous beneficial effects, such as acting as a natural diuretic, improving brain function and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. This has led to Green Tea’s increasing popularity as a healthy beverage and its inclusion in various functional foods.
Is Green Tea an effective diuretic?
Numerous studies have demonstrated Green Tea’s potential antioxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, and nervous system protective properties. More recently, its role as a natural diuretic has been the subject of scientific investigation, with promising results (12,13,14).
Chakraborty et al., (12) investigated the effects of Green Tea extract alone and in combination with the diuretic medication, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The results showed that Green Tea extract produced a significant diuretic effect at varying doses. In addition, it also reduced significantly the loss of potassium, an important mineral and electrolyte, in the combination group compared with the HCTZ-treated group alone.
The findings of a study by Susilowati et al., (13) showed that Green Tea extract had a diuretic effect equivalent to the diuretic medication furosemide.
Best Natural Diuretic – What is Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)?
Hawthorn is a family of plants which includes hundreds of species shrubs and trees, commonly found in Europe, North America, and Asia. Various parts of the plant including the berries, flowers, and leaves are rich in nutrients, and have been associated with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anticoagulant and diuretic properties. Consequently, it has a long history of medicinal use for the treatment of a range of conditions including digestive issues, kidney stones, and cardiovascular disorders. Today, Hawthorn is used primarily for various cardiovascular conditions, as it has been shown to help to protect against angina, hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, and aid insomnia and anxiety.
Is Hawthorn an effective diuretic?
The findings of a number of recent studies demonstrate Hawthorn’s diuretic effect (15,16).
A review by Martenelli et al., (15) assessed the pharmaceutical, phytochemical, functional and therapeutic properties of Hawthorn. The results showed that in addition to Hawthorn’s potential role in the treatment of a range of chronic and degenerative diseases, it also has beneficial effects on kidney function, including the excretion of urine and electrolytes, and a high diuretic effect.
Kawa and colleagues (16) assessed the diuretic effects of procyanidins extracted from Hawthorne in rats. Procyanidins are a type of flavonoid. These are compounds found in many plant products, including teas, citrus fruits, and vegetables, which have antioxidant properties and are associated with a reduced risk of a number of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The results showed the Hawthorn derived procyanidins increased urine flow by 260% in rats with no significant change in potassium excretion.
Best Natural Diuretic – What is Magnesium citrate?
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for every cell in the body. It is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions and over 600 cellular reactions. These include the replication of DNA, the secretion of parathyroid hormone, which controls bone calcium levels, the function of muscle tissue and the nervous system, and energy production. It also contributes to protein synthesis, cardiovascular function, control of blood glucose and insulin levels, electrolyte balance, psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It is one of the most commonly recommended natural treatments for muscle cramps. Magnesium citrate is magnesium in salt form combined with citric acid. This improves its ability to be absorbed by the body.
We obtain magnesium by eating foods such as nuts, almonds, bananas, beans, broccoli, brown rice, cashews, egg yolks, fish oil, green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, and whole grains. It is one of seven essential macrominerals, minerals which we need to consume in relatively large amounts (100mg or more) to maintain optimal health.
Why include Magnesium in Time 4 Water Pro?
Unfortunately, despite its importance, almost 50% of people in Europe, the UK and the United States have a daily intake of magnesium significantly below the recommended level (18).
This is due to magnesium consumption from natural foods decreasing in the past few decades, owing to industrialised agriculture and changes in dietary habits. For example, magnesium levels are low in populations who consume processed foods that are high in refined grains, fat, phosphate, and sugar.
In the general population, low magnesium levels are most often thought to result mainly in calf cramps, although unpleasant, are not considered to be life threatening. However, low magnesium levels can result in severe cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
In addition to it antiarrhythmic effect, magnesium also has a vasodilating effect, i.e., it opens up the blood vessels. It has been speculated that this can help to reduce water retention by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation to decrease the accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
Although magnesium is not a diuretic, it does play an important role in fluid balance as it involved in the transport of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which help to regulate the movement of water in and out of cells. Therefore, any imbalance can potentially lead to water retention. Magnesium supplementation may also help to alleviate water retention in some individuals by improving kidney function.
It well understood, that the kidneys help to regulate the magnesium levels in the body. Therefore, a decline in kidney function may significantly influence magnesium balance.
Less well understood is how a low magnesium status affects kidney health, which in turn can affect fluid balance (18). The possible mechanisms are numerous as magnesium affects nearly all biochemical pathways. For example, animal experiments, have shown that consuming a severely magnesium-deficient diet will induce a pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative state leading to tissue injury in the kidneys. It is also known from these experiments that magnesium deficiency induces calcification of the kidney (18).
Although less likely with herbal diuretics, it is well established that certain diuretic medications can deplete magnesium levels. It is for this reason, that doctors may recommend magnesium supplements when prescribing diuretics. Therefore, considering the prevalence of low magnesium levels in the population and its importance for general health and fluid balance, the inclusion of magnesium in Time 4 Water Pro provides a level of protection against the consequences of deficiency.
Time 4 Water Pro: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
All of the ingredients in Time 4 Water Pro have been carefully selected based on the scientific evidence demonstrating their ability to reduce excess body water. Although a number of these ingredients target different physiological mechanisms, they have also been shown to work together to produce a synergistic effect; i.e., one that is greater than the sum of their separate effects.
For example, Masteiková and colleagues (17) assessed the effects of different mixtures of selected medicinal plants on aspects of kidney function, including excretion of urine and electrolytes. Herbal drugs were used to compose 6 mixtures, which were administered to rats, and their effects were compared with those of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, an extract from field horsetail herb alone, and a control group which was not given any preparation.
The greatest diuretic effect was found in a mixture consisting of several ingredients, which included Horsetail and Hawthorne. The results showed that its effect was 47% greater than the Horsetail alone and 34% greater than hydrochlorothiazide.
Do I really need Time 4 Water Pro?
The answer to that question depends on your goals. If you are trying to reduce body fat, Time Water Pro is not the supplement for you and you should consider Time 4 Burn. However, if you compete in a weight category sport, such as boxing or MMA, and need to reduce your body water to make weight; or you are a bodybuilder and need to cut your body water to maximise muscle definition after reducing your levels of body fat in preparation for a competition; or perhaps you are a woman who wishes to reduce premenstrual water retention, then Time 4 Water Pro is very much the supplement for you. Its unique combination of 7 specially selected, evidence-based ingredients work synergistically to produce a natural diuretic effect which helps to eliminate excess water and so aid the reduction of bodyweight and bloating, and enhance muscle definition while preventing the muscle cramps associated with certain diuretic medications.
So why not give Time 4 Water Pro a try? You’ve got nothing to lose but water!
Note: If you experience sudden or severe water retention, you should seek medical attention immediately, as this can be due to a medical condition such as heart failure or kidney disease.
