Diuretics are sometimes called water pills and have been used by people for years as a way to quickly lose weight for an upcoming event, after the birth of a child, or whenever someone is unnaturally retaining water and fluid. There are dangers to using diuretics haphazardly and over a long period of time, and some who have been found to be abusing them have needed to be hospitalized while they recovered from such abuse.

However, diuretics are sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat certain conditions, including high blood pressure. How do they work, and what should someone using them keep in mind for the long term?

Dangers of Diuretics

The real dangers of diuretics is that they force the kidneys to dump water and fluid unnaturally from its system, and whenever any part of the body is forced to function unnaturally, it can actually "unlearn" it's own function. Those who have been abusing these types of medicines over a long period of time have needed to let their kidneys heal and actually be retrained as they've been slowly weaned off of them.

Also, using diuretics as a form of weight loss for any length of time can mean that the body is losing moisture and fluid that it needs. This can starve the heart and brain and cause heart failure, kidney failure, coma, and even death. Even without experiencing these terrible circumstances, a lack of needed moisture can mean very dry skin, being more prone to rashes and skin irritants, a lack of concentration and problem solving skills, and extreme fatigue.

No one should use diuretics for any length of time unless they have been prescribed by a doctor, and even then, be sure that you are following his or her recommendations very carefully.

For High Blood Pressure

Sometimes diuretics are prescribed for those who have high blood pressure, as these medications thin the blood and therefore cause it to be able to move through the system much easier. Usually they are prescribed in conjunction with another high blood pressure medication rather than simply being used on their own.

Using Diuretics Safely

Always be sure to keep your medications away from children, and do not share them with anyone. Some who feel that diuretics can work as a weight loss drug may want to use yours; do not allow this under any circumstances. Be sure that you are following your doctor's advice to the letter. Immediately talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness (in extreme degrees) or weakness, as these can be signs of dehydration.

Stay out of the sun, as these medications make you more prone to rashes and sunburns. If you have any questions about the use of these medications or are concerned about any side effects, talk to your doctor immediately. Be sure that you absolutely understand all your instructions before you begin taking these pills.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Heart Disease such as Sytrinol, Policosanol, Potassium, Pectin, and Niacin.

Sytrinol are known to be useful in helping maintain a healthy cholesterol level in the body by reducing triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.

Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. Policosanol promotes healthy platelet function and helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels in the human body.

Potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and protect against artherosclerosis and reduce the risk of stroke.

Pectin limits the amount of cholesterol the body can absorb. High pectin count in apples may be why "One a day keeps the doctor away".

If you are at risk from Heart Disease then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.