Diuretics

So, what is a diuretic? There is an amalgam of differing definitions out there. Just how many ways can you say the same thing? (lol)

diuretic:

• increases urine flow
• a drug that lowers blood pressure by stimulating fluid loss and promoting the production of urine
• an agent that promotes urine production and flow
• A drug that increases the amount of water in the urine, removing excess water from the body; used in treating high blood pressure and fluid retention

That was just a small list I pulled up, but it now makes sense as to why people who drink coffee, tea, and soda have to go to the bathroom more often. Here are a few more definitions, as they pertain to weight loss:

Diuretic foods or supplements having nothing to do with lowering body fat, but will help the body to release fluid. There are certain herbs and foods that are natural diuretics.

Diuretics- Intended to shift water quickly through the body, diuretics are often prescribed for heart patients because they reduce blood pressure. Diuretic abuse is another method of purging.

Diuretics and laxatives can cause temporary weight loss by causing the body to shed water. But as soon as the body is rehydrated, the weight returns. Meaningful weight loss requires loss of body fat.

Diuretics (water-eliminating)
Taking diuretics often leads to a loss of potassium in the body.

Diuretics. The weight you lose is only water weight. The loss is temporary and doesn't include any fat. Diuretics can promote dangerous dehydration and cardiac problems.

**Caffeine is a diuretic and can cause fluid loss - so remember to drink extra water if you're having coffee.

(for more info see: http://www.freedieting.com/weight_loss_tips_drink.htm)
(http://www.freedieting.com/drinking_water.htm)