The human body consists largely of water. They are therefore dependent on a regular intake of fluids. An adult should drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day to support their health in the long term. Normally, the metabolism regulates water intake, water processing and water release. Sometimes, however, there are illnesses in the body so that water is stored in places not intended for it or the body is otherwise burdened by water or minerals. In these cases, dehydration    med.: Volumenmangel der extrazellulären Flüssigkeit, u.a. des Blutplasmas – dem Körper wird weniger Flüssigkeit zugef... can help the body. This can be achieved specifically by taking diuretics.

Support in hydrogen metabolism through diuretics

If the metabolism functions smoothly, the water is absorbed in the body and transported to the individual cells. Around two thirds of the body’s water is found in the cells alone. The remaining third is found in the extracellular space. If the body is burdened by excessive water retention, water tablets can be used. They can relieve the heart in cases of cardiac insufficiency or coronary heart disease and reduce high blood pressure levels. Diuretics can reduce further fluid retention in the form of edema caused by kidney or liver disease. However, various diuretics approved in Germany not only interfere exclusively with the hydrogen metabolism, but also with the mineral metabolism, for example.

Renal activity and types of diuretics

The human kidney performs at its best every day. Around 180 liters of primary urine are concentrated in it every day to produce around 1.5 liters of urine. This is excreted via the bladder. Diuretics increase the amount of water excreted. This is usually achieved by preventing the reabsorption of sodium ions. Depending on where diuretics intervene in the absorption processes, they are technically divided into different groups. There are so-called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, loop diuretics, thiazides, potassium-sparing diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, osmotic diuretics and herbal diuretics. They all look a little different. What they all have in common is the promotion of urine volume. Most of them also flush out salts from the body. This lowers blood pressure and can relieve the pressure on a diseased heart.

Alternatives to natural drainage

In addition to the classic medications, there are also herbal diuretics. For example, preparations containing birch, goldenrod, horsetail, juniper and hay can be used. If you are primarily concerned with simple drainage, for example in the case of heavy legs due to water retention, drinking fresh asparagus or diuretic tea with nettle or dandelion can also have a good effect. There are also studies that prove the positive effects of turmeric in the treatment of edema. Cucumbers, celery or watermelon are also helpful. All contain a lot of water and potassium as a counterpart to sodium in the cells. In the case of chronic or acute illnesses, a doctor or pharmacist should always be consulted before taking medication or preparations for dehydration.

Doping with diuretics: In some competitive sports, it depends on the weight of the athlete. Water loss can be used to intensify the muscles immediately before competitions, for example in bodybuilding. Weight classes are also an important aspect of boxing, judo and wrestling. Diuretics therefore fall under doping agents.