Marci,
Some heath care providers call the first category of diuretics (there are three, with Lasix being in the second), pulse. they are hydrochlorothiazide and metolazone (Zaroxolyn). If you were taking Lasix, I’m not surprised you didn’t like it. If you were taking one of these other two, then that’s as gentle as you can get drug-wise. You can’t take either one of them if you have a sulfa allergy.
I worry a little about the bad press the Atkin’s diet has received regarding liver and kidney damage. the reason you had to stay away from protein while on Topamax is protein is hard on the kidneys. The Atkins diet has been accused of being hard on the liver. Maybe there’s been a modification to the diet since all the bad press. But it might not be a bad idea for your doctor to keep a close eye on your kidney functions: BUN, creatinine and GFR (glomerular filtration rate) as well as your liver functions: Bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT. I would have him do a baseline which would be now, and then again in six months, or at least a year, for comparison.
The meds we take are also hard are our systems, so whatever works, go for it, just keep an eye on your labs, as if you were taking a med.
I’ve listed below just one web page i found on foods which are natural diuretics. i don’t know if they would fit in with your diet. I found a ton of other sites, this was just the first one listed.
Foods like salt and sugar cause the body to retain considerable fluids. They may lead to bloating and water retention. Often inadequate protein in the diet can lead to fluid retention. When the body does not get enough amino acids or B-vitamins, it may accumulate excess fluids.
Diuretics are prescribed for people suffering from edema - accumulation of fluids in the body tissues. People suffering from high blood pressure or heart diseases may be prescribed diuretics. Women suffering from PMS symptoms such as bloating are often advised to take diuretics to rid the body of excess fluid retention. Often diuretics are taken in a bid to lose weight. If taken indiscriminately, diuretics can lead to serious consequences such as dehydration and potassium deficiency.
Natural diuretic
More and more people are resorting to natural foods and herbs that exhibit diuretic properties instead of diuretic pills. Moderation is the watchword even in the case of natural diuretics. Natural diuretics can aid in removal of excess fluids from the body and aid in treating of sciatica, kidney stone, lymphatic swelling, PMS, gonorrhea, liver disorders and high blood pressure.
Green tea is a natural diuretic food that has been in use for centuries in China.
Consumption of cranberry juice can aid in removal of excess fluid retention.
Apple cider vinegar exhibits natural diuretic properties and in addition maintains the potassium levels. It can be added to the salad dressing.
Dandelion is often used as a natural diuretic.
Nettle has natural diuretic properties that facilitate good cleansing.
Dandelion leaf tea aids in detoxification and has a beneficial effect on those suffering from cystitis and urinary tract infections.
Fennel has carminative and diuretic properties and is frequently used in seasoning food.
Diuretic food
Natural foods with high water content such as watermelons and cucumbers help increase urination and better flushing out of toxins. Cucumbers are rich in sulfur and silicon that stimulate the kidneys into better removal of uric acid. Watercress and artichokes are also natural diuretic foods.
Asparagus contains asparigine - a chemical alkaloid that boosts kidney performance, thereby improving waste removal from the body.
Brussel Spouts help in stimulating the kidneys and pancreas. This helps in better cleansing of cells.
Beets are natural diuretic foods that attack floating body fats and fatty deposits.
Oats contain silica - a natural diuretic.
Cabbage is known to aid breakage of fatty deposits, especially around the abdominal region.
Carrots are a rich source of carotene that speeds the metabolic rate of the body and hastens removal of fat deposits and waste.
Lettuce aids better metabolism and flushing of toxins.
Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C that aid the metabolism and release of water from the kidney to flush out waste.
Other than the other excellent properties that Garlic possesses, it is a natural diuretic food that aids breakage of fat. Horseradish, raw onions and radish speed up your metabolism.
Julie
Life is hard enough as it is! I don’t mind cutting out one or two things but I can’t cut out everything all at once!