To lose weight, you’ve got to burn more calories than you consume through diet and exercise. But what if there was an easier way? It’s no secret that maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult and often requires hard work and dedication, but sometimes we’re willing to try anything to lose those stubborn pounds.
What if there was a pill that helped your body to naturally burn more calories than it already does, leading to weight loss? If you’re thinking of water pills, this article should clear up any misconceptions you may have about their effectiveness at helping with weight loss and whether they can be trusted.
What Are Water Pills?
Water pills are used as a supplemental means to aid in weight loss. These pills expand in your stomach, causing you to feel full faster and eat less. Most of these products contain psyllium, which is a fiber that absorbs water and expands when it’s exposed to it—this makes you feel fuller with fewer calories. Some water pills also include amino acids, green tea extract, or dandelion root that can further aid weight loss by reducing appetite and suppressing cravings.
They are sometimes called diuretics, which can cause you to lose water weight rather than fat. While these may help you lose weight fast in the short term, they can also lead to health complications down the road. If you decide to use them, talk with your doctor and do not exceed recommended dosages or stop taking them without consulting a physician first.
Who should not take them?
Those with heart issues, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes shouldn’t take water pills. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also stay away from water pills to avoid potential complications for both mother and baby. If you have any questions about your health and whether you should use these medications, it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting a water pill regimen.
Those with an overactive thyroid gland may also be sensitive to these pills. The effect of water pills on people in all of these groups is very similar. Still, those in one group may experience even greater effects than those in another group because of other conditions they already have that could exacerbate their condition while taking water pills.
How do they work?
Water pills speed up your heart rate and make you frequently urinate, which causes you to lose more fluids than normal. While these pills may help a little weight loss, their side effects — excessive dehydration and an irregular heartbeat — aren’t worth it.
They can be good for some people. While water pills are usually not a good weight-loss tool, they may help in some instances. If you’re extremely overweight and have a hard time losing extra pounds, especially if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, then your doctor might recommend that you take them to help drop a few pounds.
Side Effects of Water Pills
Drinking more water doesn’t necessarily lead to weight loss. Most experts agree that water pills are completely unnecessary unless you suffer from a specific health condition that causes excessive urination. If you take these pills, remember that they can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and stomach pain.
It can also cause high uric acid levels in your blood, leading to other health problems. Water pills should be taken with care and only if you’re otherwise healthy. If you are keen on using water pills despite the uric acid, you can always opt for supplements to reduce uric acid levels. These can also help reduce uric acid build-up in your joints that cause gout symptoms.
Natural Diuretics You Can Take
If you’re looking for a safe, natural alternative to water pills, several herbs and spices can help you shed excess water weight. Some other alternatives include:
- dandelion root
- barley tea
- cucumber extract
- artichoke leaf extract
- white willow bark (bark)
- chamomile tea
- peppermint leaves
- dandelion leaf
There are natural food diuretics like celery, cucumber, watermelon, and berries. The right foods can stimulate more urine production (thus helping you shed excess water weight). If you’re trying to lose a lot of weight, it may be helpful to work with a nutritionist or dietitian who can help figure out which food will be easiest for you to incorporate into your diet. You should talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new type of diet or exercise program.
While water pills might seem like a quick fix for weight loss, they can be dangerous and lead to other health issues. If you’re looking to lose weight safely, you’ll have better luck finding results with a healthier diet plan and exercise program.
