The concept of diuretics for quick weight loss may seem hard to believe, but it’s true! Sometimes, all we need to shed a few pounds is a good friend, a few pill bottles, and a few hours a day. Diuretics are exactly what the doctor ordered to get your weight loss surgery dates pushed forward. Let’s explore the various types of diuretics available and how they work to shed pounds fast!
Bumetanide
This is possibly the least harmful of the diuretics we’ll discuss, but it’s still a diuretic nonetheless. Bumetanide is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring substance, bumetanide. Like most diuretics, bumetanide inhibits the re-uptake of fluids by the kidneys, resulting in much higher levels of urine production. However, studies have shown that while bumetanide can significantly increase the amount of urine produced, it doesn’t necessarily lead to weight loss. In fact, patients taking this medication often end up concentrating their urine, which leads to greater amounts of water being removed from their bodies and stored in their bladders. The substance is relatively safe when ingested in low doses, however, it should not be used in conjunction with other diuretics or with other pharmaceuticals that also stimulate the nervous system. The medication has a fairly short half-life, which means that it needs to be administered frequently to maintain its effect. Some studies suggest that twice a day dosing may be necessary for optimal results.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is another weight loss friendly diuretic that works by inhibiting the re-uptake of fluids by the kidneys. It’s a steroid hormone, which means that it has both male and female hormonal effects. It promotes the excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions, leading to a reduction in electrolytes that are detrimental to lean muscle mass. In fact, studies have shown that it’s more effective at reducing body fat than blood pressure! While it can be effective in treating various ailments and its applications are virtually endless, it should not be taken by patients with certain conditions. Those with heart disease or those who are at risk for arrhythmia should not take the substance as it can pose a risk to their health. Also, since it’s a steroid hormone, it can have various side effects, including an increase in appetite and water retention. However, in low doses, it’s generally considered safe and effective at combating the effects of high blood pressure. It is often prescribed along with other weight loss drugs and supplements to help patients maintain a healthy blood pressure level and to promote faster weight loss. Thanks to its effectiveness and relatively low toxicity, spironolactone is one of the most popular diuretics available today!
Furosemide
Furosemide is yet another drug available to promote weight loss. It’s a loop diuretic, which means that it promotes excretion through both the renal (kidney) system and the colon. This substance inhibits the re-absorption of fluids by the kidneys, resulting in much higher levels of urine production. In addition to being fairly safe, furosemide has another important quality that sets it apart from other diuretics: it’s appetite suppressing properties. Studies have shown that patients who take furosemide report feeling less hungry and have significantly reduced food intake. This makes perfect sense since the substance inhibits the urge to eat. Although it’s often considered an important part of the drug combination used to treat high blood pressure, it should not be taken by patients who suffer from heart disease or who are at risk for arrhythmia. Furosemide is relatively inexpensive and is highly effective at reducing fluid intake, which leads to significant weight loss. It is one of the most popular and effective diuretics currently available, which makes it an important part of any weight loss regimen.
Kloproguat
Kloproguat is yet another diuretic that promotes weight loss. It’s a substance that mimics the effects of vasopressin, which is a hormone that aids in water reabsorption. As a result of its effectiveness, kloproguat is often prescribed to patients who are unable to properly hydrate due to a distressing condition. It promotes re-absorption of fluids by the kidneys, resulting in increased water excretion. Since it’s a peptide (a derivative of amino acids), it’s completely natural and has no known side effects. It’s a commonly prescribed medication and is relatively affordable, which makes it attractive to those who struggle to pay for medical insurance and fill prescriptions.
Toradol
Toradol is another powerful anti-inflammatory drug that has been shown in clinical studies to promote weight loss. It’s also been shown to improve appetite and reduce food cravings, which is important for anyone trying to shed weight. Like several of the medications discussed here, toradol inhibits the re-absorption of fluids by the kidneys, resulting in much higher levels of urine production. It blocks the effects of prostaglandin E2, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation and pain. However, since it’s a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it can cause serious side effects when used in excess. Some of these side effects include kidney damage, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, and impaired liver function. While these are all serious side effects, they’re often overshadowed by the positive clinical results obtained from patients taking the drug. That being said, anyone who is already experiencing problems with their kidneys should not take toradol, as it can further damage their organs.
Chlopropamide
Chlopropamide is yet another diuretic that promotes weight loss. It has a similar mode of action to acetohydroxamic acid (AHA), which is another substance discussed here. That is, it inhibits the re-absorption of fluids by the kidneys, resulting in increased urine production. It’s been shown in clinical studies to effectively reduce body fat, especially in obese men and post-menopausal women. However, it should not be taken by patients with a history of kidney disease, as it can cause damage to their organs. Patients who are already experiencing problems with their kidneys should not take chlopropamide, as it can further damage their organs.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is another substance that causes substantial drops in blood pressure when administered. It’s been shown in clinical studies to reduce the amount of body fat in obese patients. Its mechanism of action is twofold: it inhibits the re-uptake of fluids into the kidneys by the kidneys and it enhances the effects of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate appetite. Since most of the side effects associated with sumatriptan are mild and transient, it has become a popular choice for patients who are looking for an appetite inhibitor to help them lose weight. It should not be taken by patients who are experiencing heart disease, as it can cause increased heart rate and damage to their vessels. Similarly, patients who are on blood thinners (anti-coagulants) should not take sumatriptan, as it can cause the thinning of their blood vessels and internal bleeding. Sumatriptan is often combined with another substance, bupropion, to form the drug, bupropion-sumatriptan.
So there you have it, 7 diuretics that promote weight loss. While there are several more that work in a similar manner, these 7 naturally occurring substances are some of the most popular and effective ones currently available. Diuretics can be an important part of an individual’s weight loss regimen, especially if they are used in combination with other weight loss drugs and supplements.