What Is a Water Pill?

Water pills, or diuretics, have been prescribed by physicians as a treatment for high blood pressure for decades. Though several studies have suggested diuretics are a better choice than more aggressive drug therapy, all drugs have both benefits and undesirable side effects that must be carefully considered.

Types

There are three types of prescription water pills that reduce levels of extra fluid in tissues. Loop diuretics and the thiazide family of drugs work by disrupting the body's ability to absorb sodium (salt). This process helps the body excrete the water that would normally be held in the bloodstream and tissues along with the sodium. Unfortunately, potassium and many other water-soluble nutrients are lost along with the excess fluid. This problem is addressed by potassium-sparing water pills, which excrete sodium but help the body retain potassium. Many water pills blend two of the drug families in one pill.

Common Uses for Water Pills

Diuretics are often prescribed as the first level treatment for hypertension or high blood pressure. By stimulating the kidneys to eliminate extra fluid in the body, water pills lower blood volume, which can help to reduce systolic blood pressure. Water pills are also used to treat edema--extra water in tissues--which usually pool in the abdomen and lower extremities. Edema can be caused by excessive sodium, heart weakness as well as a blocked lymphatic system.

Water Pills as Weight Loss Aid

Water is an extremely heavy substance, and tissues bloated with excess water can easily add three to 10 pounds of weight to your body (some women experience this phenomenon monthly as premenstrual bloating). However, taking diuretics strictly for weight loss is not recommended. Weight lost in this manner is only temporary and will return as soon as the body is rehydrated. An unmonitored loss of fluid can result in dehydration, low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat patterns from low potassium levels. Potassium-sparing diuretics flush salt and magnesium from the body, a mineral vital for normalization of blood pressure and heart function.

Natural Substances with Diuretic Properties

There are many herbs and natural substances that stimulate the kidneys and assist in elimination of extracellular fluid. Coffee and green tea are commonly used diuretics. The herbs parsley, dandelion root, nettle, fennel, juniper, goldenrod and Uva ursi (bearberry) are also natural diuretics. Consult an expert in herbs, as potency of plant-based substances can vary tremendously depending upon their freshness and growing environment. Herbs might interact with other health conditions or medications, which should be considered before beginning a self-treatment regime.

Warning

Long-term use of water pills increases the possibility of heart arrythmias and raises cholesterol, triglycerides and other blood lipids. Other potential side effects include kidney damage, excessive fatigue, muscle cramping in the feet and legs, fainting and elevated risk of gallstones. Diabetics with hypertension should discuss alternatives to diuretics with their physician.