Laxatives and diuretics (including tea and coffee) can be used for weight loss only if you urgently need to lose a couple of kilograms. After all, such weight loss can lead to devastating consequences. Today we will talk about how the drugs work and who should not use them. If you want to know about the effectiveness of diuretics and laxatives, read the reviews.
What tricks do ladies go to in order to lose excess weight? Fortunately, today there is no shortage of drugs and diets that are effective at home. But women who are busy with work, family and children simply do not find enough time to take care of themselves, calmly and measuredly destroying kilogram after kilogram. They are looking for quick methods that will help you lose weight in a matter of days. This category of “emergency” helpers includes laxatives and diuretics for weight loss, which are sold in every pharmacy. But not everyone thinks about the consequences of such interference in the body’s functioning.
Indications for the use of diuretics
Diuretics are used to treat diseases accompanied by swelling and accumulation of excess fluid in the body.
The main indications for the use of diuretics include the following:
- Kidney pathologies.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Liver dysfunction.
- Hypertonic disease.
- Poisoning and intoxication (for the purpose of accelerated removal of chemicals from the body along with liquid).
- Heart failure.
- Vascular diseases.
- Osteoporosis.
- Edema syndrome.
- Gout.
- Diabetes.
- Urolithiasis disease.
- Violation of water-salt balance in the body.
Diuretics are also used in a therapeutic course aimed at combating excess weight. However, before starting such treatment, it is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor and strictly follow his advice in the future.
Selecting medications at the pharmacy
Most often, doctors prescribe the following medications :
- Furosemide;
- Mucofalk;
- Brusniver;
- Lactulose;
- Lotonel;
- Oxodolin.
Traditionally, castor oil is used to speed up bowel movements. This substance lubricates the intestinal walls, stimulating the excretion of feces and slowing down the absorption of fats.
In folk medicine, birch infusions, buds and leaves are used. Some plants allow you to speed up the excretion of feces and improve the functioning of the biliary system.
It is worth remembering that long-term use of medications from these groups can lead to serious health problems. The desired result can only be achieved by using comprehensive methods of combating excess weight. Special appetite regulators, diets and moderate physical activity will help enhance the effect of medications. To choose the most appropriate weight loss option, consult your doctor or nutritionist.
The use of diuretics in weight loss
The effectiveness of diuretic drugs in losing weight is due to the fact that 90% of the fatty tissue structure consists of water, which is removed through the use of diuretics.
With the accelerated removal of fluid from the body, the volume of fat deposits decreases. However, experts emphasize that with the help of diuretics you can only get rid of edema, while the fat cells remain intact.
Therefore, in the absence of proper nutrition, physical activity, and soon after stopping the medications, the lost kilograms return again.
When using diuretics, you should never exceed the recommended dosage indicated in the instructions, so as not to provoke undesirable consequences such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and kidney diseases.
The safest option is the use of natural diuretics, such as herbal decoctions, infusions, and herbal teas.
Diuretic at home
At home, using food, medicinal herbs, roots, you can prepare effective diuretics, including for weight loss. Natural diuretics have a milder effect compared to their chemical counterparts.
The range of contraindications for such folk remedies is much narrower and includes the following:
- Inflammatory kidney diseases occurring in acute form.
- Allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the main components of homemade diuretics
- Urolithiasis disease.
It is recommended to approach the use of any diuretics with caution in patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system.
What side effects might you encounter?
Drugs that enhance bowel movements are tolerated quite well by patients. Negative reactions can only manifest themselves in a strong effect on the organs of the digestive tract. The most commonly observed side effects are:
- discomfort in the anus;
- profuse type diarrhea;
- weakness and nausea, general malaise;
- manifestation of flatulence;
- incontinence of feces and gases;
- pain in the intestinal area.
Any laxative drug is contraindicated in patients who suffer from intestinal obstruction. It is prohibited to use such medications during bleeding from the anus. weight loss course only after doctors have accurately established the cause of this problem.
Laxatives should be taken with extreme caution by people who suffer from diabetes. The fact is that these drugs can provoke hypoglycemia - a condition that is life-threatening for such patients.
Despite a number of side effects , negative reactions of the body manifest themselves acutely only in exceptional cases. If mild discomfort occurs, you should not taking laxatives Experts advise using antispasmodic drugs in such situations while using laxatives . An excellent choice would be Drotaverine - this remedy will not only relieve discomfort, but also speed up the process of bowel movement.
Medicines based on any vegetable oil will help eliminate burning in the anal area Before taking laxatives it is better to immediately stock up on such drugs to eliminate discomfort during bowel movements .
Diuretic products
Including foods with diuretic properties in your diet will help get rid of edema, without the risk of dehydration. To prevent undesirable consequences, during such a diet it is recommended to maintain a proper drinking regime, consuming at least 2 liters of liquid throughout the day.
The following products are considered natural diuretics:
- Watermelon - removes excess water and salts from the body.
- Peaches have a mild diuretic and laxative effect.
- Garlic - eliminates swelling and has detoxifying properties.
- Parsley - along with its diuretic effect, supplies the body with potassium, which is excreted from the body along with the liquid.
- Oatmeal - has a diuretic effect and improves digestion.
- Apple cider vinegar is famous for its decongestant properties and maintains optimal potassium levels in the blood.
- Asparagus - along with a diuretic effect, activates metabolism and metabolic processes.
- Pineapple has long been used in medicine to combat edema syndrome.
Diuretic drinks include coffee and green tea, which are rich in caffeine. However, it is not recommended to abuse them, since excess caffeine poses a potential health hazard.
Recommendations for the use of laxative medications
This group of medications requires special attention from the patient when used systematically. You should adhere not only to the dosage , but also to other recommendations, so as not to disturb the intestinal and not worsen your overall health.
Laxative medications are best taken in the morning . At this time, the intestines better perceive the active substances of the drugs, so their benefits will be higher.
By combining laxatives and diuretics , you can significantly increase effectiveness. It is worth remembering that the simultaneous use of medications from these two groups can increase the chance of negative consequences. If there are indications for such a treatment regimen, you should be extremely careful about the doses and schedule of use.
For patients who suffer from acute forms of kidney and gastrointestinal diseases, it is better to refrain from taking laxatives . It is better for such people to stick to diets and moderate physical activity to burn excess fat.
Medicines from these groups are compatible with almost any diet. Patients easily tolerate gentle restrictions and minor consequences of taking pills. The exception is a protein diet, during which the amount of uric acid in a person’s blood increases. In this case, it is allowed to use only laxatives in moderate doses . But it is worth considering that this can provoke fermentation processes inside the intestines .
Enhanced results can be achieved by adding special appetite regulators to the course of treatment. In this case, weight loss will proceed more actively and dynamically. But you shouldn’t choose the methods yourself. It is better to consult your doctor first.
Increasing the daily amount of fluid in your diet will help you achieve better results. At the same time, it is important to come to a balance in order to avoid the risk of edema. More than 2 liters of water per day will negatively affect the effectiveness of diuretics, but will enhance the effect of drugs from other groups.
Diuretic decoctions and tinctures (recipes)
A good result can be obtained using time-tested recipes, which are based on medicinal herbs with diuretic, decongestant and diuretic properties.
Rose hip decoction
- To prepare the drink, you need to chop rose hips (2 tbsp), pour boiling water (0.5 l) and place in a water bath.
- The broth simmers on the stove for about 15 minutes, cools and drinks 2 glasses a day.
Mint tea
- The drink has a pleasant taste, fresh aroma and simple preparation.
- Just pour 1 tbsp. l. mint (fresh or dried) with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for about 10 minutes.
Collection with diuretic effect No. 1, No. 2
- Herbal mixtures No. 1 and No. 2 are ready-made mixtures of medicinal herbs with a diuretic effect, which can be purchased at any pharmacy chain.
- The composition in the amount of 10 g (2 tbsp) must be poured with boiling water (500 ml).
- Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, filter, cool and drink a glass 2 times a day, half an hour before meals.
Horsetail decoction
- Horsetail - perfectly fights accumulations of excess fluid, swelling and promotes weight loss.
- To prepare the decoction, pour boiling water (200 ml) over the plant material (4 tbsp), cover with a lid and place in a water bath for half an hour.
- It is recommended to drink a decoction for weight loss, a quarter glass 2-2 times a day, an hour after meals.
Parsley root decoction
- To prepare this remedy, you need to cure the parsley rhizome, then pour 2 tablespoons of the powder with boiling water (1.l.).
- Let the drink brew for about an hour, strain and take half a glass 1-1 times a day.
Nettle infusion
- To prepare the product you need to pour 2 tbsp. nettle water (250 ml), place in a thermos and leave to infuse for 5-6 minutes.
- Strain the drink, add 2 tsp. honey and take it instead of tea.
Other
The following recipes for natural diuretics will give a good effect:
- Dill decoction. Dry dill seeds (1 tsp) pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes. Take 2 tbsp. l. decoction, 2 times a day.
- Cranberry-beet juice is a safe and effective way to lose weight. Simply combine fresh juices made from beets and cranberries in equal quantities. Take a quarter glass throughout the day.
- Ginger hour. To prepare, chop the ginger rhizome, add 0.5 liters of hot water and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. Add 2 tsp. honey and drink instead of tea.
Top 10 drugs from the pharmacy
Diuretics may have contraindications, so each weight loss drug is purchased taking into account possible side effects.
In addition, select a suitable release form:
- tablets or capsules;
- tea;
- complex herbal preparations.
Furosemide
It is a loop diuretic. It is prescribed to relieve edema when diagnosing diseases of the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Release form: tablets, taken in 1 piece. daily. In addition, it is produced in ampoules for subcutaneous administration.
Furosemide is the most popular diuretic for weight loss
Furosemide has a number of side effects:
- development of hypokalemia due to leaching of potassium and calcium ions;
- decreased appetite due to increased need for fluid;
- disruption of electrolyte metabolism due to an imbalance;
- the occurrence of headaches;
- decreased concentration;
- development of convulsive syndrome due to lack of potassium and calcium;
- the appearance of muscle pain.
After taking the tablet, the effect develops over 17 hours, it is expressed in an increased urge to urinate and an increase in metabolic processes.
Furosemide is contraindicated in diagnosed diseases:
- diabetes;
- allergic reactions;
- pancreatitis;
- prostate adenoma.
Furosemide belongs to the group of potent diuretics. For weight loss, it is recommended to take it in a course, but not more than 2-3 days. The average cost of this drug is 30-50 rubles. for 20 tablets.
Indapamide
A diuretic that has a mild potassium-sparing effect. This means that it removes fluid from the body, but retains potassium salts. The mechanism of action of Indapamide is based on the accumulation effect. The first results begin to appear after 1-2 weeks of use.
A side complication may be the development of hypokalemia, which is expressed by a number of symptoms:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- dizziness;
- tachycardia.
The direct purpose of the drug is diagnosed hypertension, expressed by the development of edema. For weight loss, Indapamide is taken 1 tablet daily for a 7-day course. The average cost of this drug starts from 60 rubles.
Hypothiazide
Tablets belonging to the group of saluretics. The diuretic effect becomes possible due to the removal of potassium and sodium salts. The urge to urinate begins within 30 minutes. after administration and last for 6 hours.
Release form: tablets. They are taken 1 or 2 daily during the planned course. Indications for use are diagnosed surges in blood pressure. For weight loss, the intake is accompanied by increased fluid intake.
Contraindications are:
- hypokalemia;
- pregnancy;
- blood diseases associated with low coagulability.
The cost of this drug starts from 90 rubles.
Veroshpiron
Tablets that are classified as effective diuretics. The advantage of this drug is potassium conservation. The main active ingredient is spironolactone.
Actions of the drug:
- affects the production of adrenal hormone;
- increases the excretion of sodium ions along with water;
- prevents the excretion of potassium ions.
A special feature of the drug is its unpredictable diuretic effect; it can appear on the 2nd or 5th day of administration. The advantage of using these tablets: correction of potassium levels with a simultaneous diuretic effect.
Veroshpiron is contraindicated in the presence of:
- severe renal failure;
- lactose intolerance;
- lactose deficiency.
Possible side effects may include decreased concentration and impaired liver function. One of the special influences may be the manifestation of gynecomastia. After discontinuation of treatment, the mammary glands take on their usual appearance.
Veroshpiron is not taken simultaneously with anticoagulants. For weight loss, tablets are taken 1 to 4 times daily. The cost of the drug depends on the form of release. The price of tablets starts from 90 rubles, capsules cost about 200-250 rubles.
Phytonephrol
Diuretic for weight loss in the form of a complex herbal mixture. It consists of crushed fruits and leaves, packaged in filtered bags for brewing. The advantage of complex collection is the natural origin of the components.
Contains:
- bearberry leaves;
- calendula flowers;
- rhizome of Eleutherococcus;
- peppermint leaves.
Phytonephrol is prescribed for diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.
This remedy has several effects:
- leads to normalization of metabolic processes;
- is a herbal antispasmodic;
- effectively copes with the removal of excess fluid from the body.
The herbal collection may be contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and may also cause allergic reactions if you are hypersensitive to any of the components of the collection. The cost of collection starts from 70 rubles.
Phytolysin
These are plant-based diuretic capsules.
The drug contains active natural elements:
- horsetail rhizome extract;
- parsley root extract;
- birch leaf squeeze;
- essential oils of orange tree, sage, pine
- peppermint leaf extract.
In addition to the diuretic effect, the complex collection has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. This not only helps remove excess fluid from the body, but also prevents the development of inflammation of the genitourinary system and prevents infectious complications.
The collection is brewed in a water bath. Take 1-2 tbsp. for 300 ml of boiling water. After infusion, the drink is filtered and taken throughout the day in equal portions. The course can last from 14 to 21 days. Between courses it is recommended to take a mandatory break of 1 week. The price for this drug starts from 250 rubles.
Asparkam
These pills are used as part of a comprehensive approach to weight loss. They are a source of potassium and magnesium and belong to the group of drugs that regulate metabolic processes. Asparkam is officially prescribed for the treatment of diseases associated with disorders of the cardiovascular system; they help restore the activity of the heart muscle and prevent heart attacks.
They are not classified as classical diuretics, but are combined with various diets, as well as herbal remedies. Replenishing losses of potassium and magnesium ions protects the body from the side effects of diuretics and helps regulate the level of microelements.
Asparkam is taken three times daily, 1 tablet with meals. Taking Asparkam is combined with any type of diet. The cost of these tablets depends on the volume, it starts from 75 rubles.
Hydrochlorothiazide
This is a gentle diuretic. It increases the volume of excreted fluid within 2 hours after administration, but delays the excretion of calcium salts, which has a positive effect on blood pressure. The condition for taking Hydrochlorothiazide is to drink plenty of water.
The drug is contraindicated in certain health conditions:
- renal dysfunction;
- diagnosed diabetes mellitus;
- individual intolerance to sulfanumeds.
Excessive intake of Hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- stool disorder.
The course of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the body. In the absence of side effects, it is taken from 14 to 21 days, 1 tablet daily. The cost of this drug starts from 60 rubles.
Herbal monastery collection
Diuretic for weight loss is a complex herbal tea that has several effects:
- Choleretic effect. Helps rid the excretory system of excess bile and activates the liver.
- Metabolic action. Metabolic processes are accelerated at all levels.
- Diuretic action. With a simultaneous diuretic effect, waste and toxins are eliminated.
Actions become possible thanks to the unique herbal composition.
The monastic collection contains several elements:
- Nettle. Plant raw materials that not only remove excess fluid from the body, but are also a natural anti-inflammatory element.
- Sage. An element that normalizes metabolic processes and reduces the possibility of developing infections.
- Immortelle extract. The element responsible for the removal of bile.
- A series. A herb that promotes the activation of metabolic processes.
- Bearberry leaf extract. One of the most famous herbal diuretics, which helps remove excess fluid, helping to reduce overall weight.
Tea is taken 100-150 ml at a time, 3-4 times throughout the day. The maximum amount of liquid should not exceed 600 ml per day. To lose weight, the course must last at least 30 days.
You can prepare the monastery collection yourself at home according to the traditional recipe:
- 25 g of dry crushed leaves of stinging nettle;
- 10 g leaves of string, yarrow, bearberry;
- 25 g sage.
Tea is consumed warm, heated in advance. The collection price depends on the volume. The cost of 100 g of collection starts from 310 rubles.
Lipoic acid
Lipoic acid is a product based on synthetically created elements. Lipoic acid is produced by the body. The advantage of use is the natural origin of the drug. Lipoic acid is a yellow crystalline powder. Pharmacists produce lipoic acid in 2.5 mg tablets. This is the only diuretic that is classified as an acid-forming diuretic.
It has several actions simultaneously:
- increases metabolic processes, improving food absorption;
- reduces hunger;
- helps cleanse the body by removing radionuclides and heavy metals.
Lipoic acid is taken in a course of 20 days, 2-3 times daily. The price for 30 tablets starts from 58 rubles.