Slimming down to a complicated process. If it is to succeed, it is necessary not only to be patient, but also to increase physical activity and dietary changes. Not everyone who is struggling with the problem of excess weight can accept this truth. Therefore, there is no shortage of those who tend to resort to other solutions, often extremely dangerous. Such apparent slimming is, among other things, the use of diuretics prescribed by a doctor. This practice is particularly used by women. At the same time, she has a large group of supporters who persist even though she exposes herself to very serious health problems.
How do diuretics work?
The mechanism on the basis of which diuretics work, assumes inhibition of sodium ion transport by diuretics. The vast majority of them inhibit the reverse absorption of sodium, thus contributing to the increase in the excretion of water, which is associated with it. Diuretics can be divided into many groups, paying attention to their kidney function, chemical structure and how they affect the economy of other ions, including potassium ions. The strongest drugs are those with a grip point located in the thick-walled part of the ascending nephrone loop, i.e. where up to thirty percent of the percolated sodium ion is absorbed. They allow both sodium and water to be excreted in increased quantities. The representatives of this group are, among others, loop diuretics. They are taken in order to achieve a certain diuretic effect, but it should be remembered that it is not the only consequence of using such drugs. Very often they also lead to excretion of calcium, potassium and magnesium in excess.
How do diuretics work in relation to weight loss?
Diuretics are used for at least several reasons. The most important are hepatic and renal swellings, pulmonary swellings and swellings associated with congestive heart failure. They are also used in the treatment of hypertension. When water and sodium are excreted in urine, the blood pressure is automatically reduced. The use of such drugs also contributes to the loss of water. Yes, dehydration can lead to a few kilograms less weight, but certainly the action of diuretics does not have much to do with weight loss.
What are the risks of using diuretics without medical justification?
Regardless of which group of diuretics you are dealing with, they all lead to a reduction in blood sodium levels. The vast majority of people struggling with hypertension have an excess of sodium in the blood serum, so the drugs normalize its level. However, if we are dealing with a healthy person, we have to take into account that a decrease in sodium will have more serious consequences. This condition is known as hyponatremia and is manifested by sleepiness, weakness, behavioural disorders, dizziness and vomiting. In extreme situations, a patient may even fall into a coma. A drop in blood potassium levels leads to hypokalemia. This disease can even cause heart rhythm disturbances. A reduction in the concentration of magnesium and calcium in the blood can also have dangerous consequences.
