Various methods of losing weight do have their own advantages and disadvantages. It can vary from simple changes in the lifestyle to a more complex weight loss program which may include taking medication. Other people would also opt to undergo surgical procedures to address the problem on excess weight. But before adopting these programs to your weight loss aim, a careful analysis and research should be done to avoid possible complications or side effects. Weighing the benefits and side effects of these methods is a must.

A method that is probably new to you is using water pills to lose weight. This is not one of the traditional methods in reducing weight but some people choose this procedure due to the failure of other weight loss programs that they have used. But beware; water pills could be dangerous to one’s health if not used properly. Besides, water pills are prescription drugs which are primarily used to treat other form of health conditions such as heart diseases and edema. These are not intended to cure overweight and obese people.

About Water Pills

What are water pills? Water pills are commonly known as diuretics. These are drugs used to expel water from the body due to some diseases or condition. It acts on the kidney by telling it to express sodium from the body which also causes an excretion of excess water as well. It is prescribed to people who suffer high blood pressure. Since the extra water in the body is excreted it lowers the overall blood volume which then helps reduce blood pressure. People suffering from edema are also advised to take water pills or diuretics. It is sometimes used to remove certain toxins from the body.

Types of Water Pills

There are 3 types of water pills; loop diuretics, thiazides or potassium-sparing water pills and combination water pills. Loop diuretics control the absorption of sodium by the body. As a result more water appears in urine since sodium pulls more water. Thiazides works similar to loop diuretics. Its main advantage is it helps the body retain potassium while eliminating the sodium. Combination water pills are also common and usually combined with other ingredients.

There are also other products in the market which acts as diuretics. These come from natural sources such as herbs, vegetables and fruits. Natural diuretics include parsley, juniper, goldenrod, and bearberry. These are commonly used in the alternative health treatments. Coffee is also a diuretic. But people taking these alternative water pills should be extra careful as the dosage can vary. The diuretics properties of these herbs vary so there is a tendency that overdosage can happen.

Benefits and Side Effects

Water pills are effective in reducing weight but on a temporary basis only. Once you stop taking water pills, the weight will normally go back to its previous status. It reduces swelling caused by edema and lowers blood pressure. If it is used mainly for weight loss, the effect is almost immediate since more water is taken out of the body.

However, water pills are not recommended for long term use as it can cause electrolyte imbalance in the body. If taken at a high dosage it can cause an abnormal drop in the blood pressure. Taking water pills does not provide sustainable positive results. It also removes some important nutrients from the body. There are some reports that people taking water pills for weight loss became ill after the treatment.

Never take water pills without the supervision of a doctor since it can aggravate other health problems. Experts warn that using water pills for weight loss could be a very dangerous decision. It is better to choose other methods that can provide long lasting results and with little side effects.

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