The last thing any trainer wants is to feel or look bloated. For most strength athletes & fit people, bloating is typically caused by water retention, with the body able to hold up to five kilograms of spare water & sodium. As many will know, bloating is extremely uncomfortable & can negatively affect performance in bodybuilding & weightlifting competitions. Diuretics, also known as water pills, provide an almost too-good-to-be-true way to eliminate excess water & sodium without dehydrating your muscles. The other major purpose of diuretics is for weight loss. There are various products available; some providing a better long term effect, whilst others can achieve rapid weight loss. Basically, diuretics are a good option for male & female bodybuilders, fit people wishing to reduce water retention, models or people who are dependent on their body’s appearance for career purposes & also regular people wanting to lose weight. In addition to benefits such as reduced water retention & weight loss, diuretics also have the ability to improve muscle definition.

Diuretic supplements consist of a number of natural, fluid reducing herbs such as green tea extract, hydrangea & dandelion root, buchu leaf, juniper berry, nettle, fennel, ascorbic acid and celery seed¹. Most will also include essential vitamins & minerals including B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, l-taurine & calcium as these are often lost with increased urination and water loss. Always check the label before purchasing any diuretics products. For synergistic fat & water loss results diuretics may be effectively stacked with a number of supplements including fat burners, fat metabolilsers, CLA & more.

Diuretic Supplements are commonly presented & sold as Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods in Australia. Herbal-diuretics are not a sole source of nutrition and should be used in conjunction with an appropriate physical training or exercise programme. Not suitable for children or pregnant women. Should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision. Always read label prior to use.

1. Wright CI, Van-Buren L, Kroner CI, Koning MM. ‘Herbal medicines as diuretics: a review of the scientific evidence.’ J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Oct 8;114(1):1-31.