I was having lunch with a few lady friends last week, and our conversation turned to gaining weight. We each shared that we had gained 7-8 pounds this summer and were frustrated by our tight clothes. Since we are all three menopausal, that is probably a big reason for the weight gain. But the heat has also contributed to our weight gain.
I began investigating different foods that can act as a diuretic, helping to lose those extra few pounds that our bodies are storing. As with any diuretic, we are not meant to base our diet on these foods, but to include them as part of our diet.
These foods can help you urinate more frequently to release some of that water retention. Many of them can be found, fresh, at a local farmers market at this time of year.
- Apple cider vinegar — is a natural diuretic and helps maintain potassium levels.
- Artichoke — natural diuretic
- Asparagus — contains asparagines, a chemical alkaloid which helps flush the kidneys.
- Beets — attacks floating body fat and fatty deposits.
- Brussels sprouts — cleanse the cell and stimulate thought kidneys and pancreas.
- Cabbage — breaks up fatty deposits.
- Carrots — speeds up metabolic rate and helps remove fat and waste from the body.
- Cranberry juice — aids in the removal of excess fluid from the body.
- Cucumber — stimulate the kidney and aid in the removal of uric acid.
- Dandelion And Dandelion Leaf — natural diuretic, and leaf key aides in the detoxification of the urinary tract.
- Green tea — natural diuretic and has been used for centuries in China.
- Fennel — has a calmative and diuretic property.
- Horseradish — speeds up the metabolism and helps eliminate fluid.
- Lettuce — aids in metabolism and flushing of toxins from the system.
- Nettle — has natural diuretic properties.
- Oats — contains silica in natural diuretic.
- Tomatoes — are rich in vitamin C that aids metabolism in the release of water from the kidneys.
- Watermelon — natural diuretic helps increased urination.
Bon Apetit!