Diuretic foods are foods that have a high water content and, therefore, promote increased urination. Sometimes diuretic foods also have a high fiber content which can help to create more frequent bowel movements. These foods are often consumed by people looking to increase urination or bowel movements or flush toxins out of their systems. Because of their cleansing properties, diuretic foods are also often consumed by people looking to cleanse their kidneys and therefore improve the function of the organs.
Most diuretic foods are vegetables. Cucumbers and asparagus, for example, are especially good for both promoting urination and improving kidney function. Cucumbers are a good source of silicon and sulfur which help to improve the kidney’s ability to flush out uric acid. Asparagus contains asparigine which helps to improve the function of the kidneys in general.
Other vegetables that fall under the category of diuretic foods include beets, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, carrots, artichokes, watercress, and cabbage. In fact, people looking to flush out toxins and lose weight often diet using cabbage soup. The recipes used for the cabbage soup diet vary, but often include other vegetables listed above. Tomatoes, which are often considered to be vegetables but are technically a fruit, also have diuretic properties.
Those looking for a grain with diuretic properties can turn to oats. Oats contain silica, a natural diuretic. Consuming oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to get this natural diuretic into one’s diet. Oats can also be mixed into cookies and granola mixes.
Beets, mentioned above, are root vegetables which can aid in the cleansing of the body and are also believed to help attack fatty deposits in the body. They are not the only root that can be classified as a diuretic food. Other diuretic roots include garlic, onions, radishes, and horseradish. Garlic, like the beet, is believed to help break up and flush away fat. Horseradish, raw onions, and radishes, are believed to boost the metabolism while also promoting urination and bowel movements.
To get the most out of these diuretic foods, it is recommended to consume them raw. A watercress salad with tomatoes, asparagus, cucumber, raw onions, and a garlic dressing, for example, can be a delicious meal that is made up entirely of diuretic foods. While garlic, onions, and horseradish may be difficult to consume raw, even small quantities of these roots, diced or chopped, can improve one’s health and overall wellness.