In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHow Do They Work?The 6 BestAre They Harmful?Helpful TipsFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
How Do They Work?
The 6 Best
Are They Harmful?
Helpful Tips
FAQs
Diuretics are among the most often used drugs in the medical field,While diuretic medications are available with the help of a physician, some foods and beverages are pro-urine and likely to increase your bathroom trips, prescription-free.
4 Signs You’re Drinking Too Much Water
How Do Diuretics Work?
Photographer: Johnny Autry, Food stylist: Charlotte Autry
The 6 Best Natural Diuretics
1. Coffee
Many people can attest their morning cup of joe often sends them to pee frequently—and caffeine is the culprit. It’s possible that caffeine stimulates contractions in the smooth muscle in the urinary tract and triggers the central nervous system, which can cause diuresis.You may experience a higher diuretic effect depending on how caffeinated your coffee is—with stronger coffee causing more fluid output.But remember that its fluid-removing benefits aren’t a license to overdrink caffeinated beverages. Limiting your daily caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams is best for good health.
How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to Say
2. Tea
Another popular caffeinated beverage, tea, is chock-full of antioxidants and a regular addition to many people’s daily routines. On average, teahas a lower caffeine contentthan coffee. Green tea has about 29 milligrams of caffeine per cup, whereas black tea has 47 milligrams of caffeine per cup, though some can have much more depending on the type and concentration.Still, tea, too, can be a natural diuretic. That said, it could take a lot of tea drinking to reap its diuretic effect. Surprisingly, teas without caffeine may also help rid the body of fluid. Hibiscus tea, in particular, may help excrete fluids and lower blood pressure.Human studies on the effects of hibiscus tea are rare, but researchers hypothesize that it could have diuretic properties, which also means it could interact with diuretic medications.
3. Watermelon
4. Celery
Celery, a crunchy fibrous veggie, includes essential minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium and is made of 95% water.The active components of celery that are thought to be responsible for the diuretic effect are 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) and apigenin. These two compounds remove excess fluid without disrupting the balance between sodium and potassium, and are considered vasodilators—helping to lower blood pressure.More current studies of celery and its diuretic potential are needed to confirm that it’s an effective natural diuretic.
Celery Juice: Potential Side Effects and Health Benefits
5. Coconut Water
6. Parsley
Whether a major ingredient or an eye-catching garnish, parsley has a place in many dishes, especially Mediterranean cuisine. Animal studies have indicated that this earthy-tasting herb may act as a diuretic; however, there aren’t human studies to confirm the diuretic benefits of parsley. The possible diuretic effects may also be related to potassium content, similar to coconut water above. Consider this deliciousGreen Juicerecipe to increase your intake of parsley.
Are Natural Diuretics Harmful?
The only natural diuretics in this list that can lead to harm are caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea. Too much caffeine can pose a danger to your health. But you’d have to drink an unfathomable amount of caffeine to reach these levels. Ingesting around 1,200 milligrams of caffeine has been observed to have toxic effects such as seizures. Generally, limiting your caffeine consumption to 400 milligrams per day (around 4 cups of brewed coffee) is safe for healthy adults. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, it may help to limit your caffeine intake. Sticking to no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily in pregnancy seems safe. It may help to discuss your caffeine intake with your medical provider.
Other Ways to Reduce Fluid Retention
Does Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?
The Bottom Line
Proper hydration is critical for optimal health and normal function. Too much water, or fluid overload, can harm your health, so you may have considered natural diuretics to help increase urination. While natural diuretics such as coffee, tea, watermelon or coconut water provide good nutrition and health benefits, watching your fluid and salt intake and discussing diuretic drugs with your doctor may be critical to avoid potential harm to your health.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCaffeine in coffees and teas is famous for its function as a diuretic. Since caffeine is 100% bioavailable and acts within 30 minutes of ingestion, it may be the most effective natural diuretic out there.Caffeine only takes 30 minutes for your body to feel its effects, which could qualify it as a fast-acting natural diuretic.Though, keep in mind everyone’s body reacts differently to stimulants.The most diuretic-acting fruit is watermelon. Not only is it brimming with 91% water, but it’s tasty, easy to eat, and likely to send you to the restroom to pee frequently.Natural diuretic drinks include caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea. Coconut water, a tropical, pleasant-tasting, non-caffeinated drink, also has been studied for its natural diuretic benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caffeine in coffees and teas is famous for its function as a diuretic. Since caffeine is 100% bioavailable and acts within 30 minutes of ingestion, it may be the most effective natural diuretic out there.
Caffeine only takes 30 minutes for your body to feel its effects, which could qualify it as a fast-acting natural diuretic.Though, keep in mind everyone’s body reacts differently to stimulants.
The most diuretic-acting fruit is watermelon. Not only is it brimming with 91% water, but it’s tasty, easy to eat, and likely to send you to the restroom to pee frequently.
Natural diuretic drinks include caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea. Coconut water, a tropical, pleasant-tasting, non-caffeinated drink, also has been studied for its natural diuretic benefits.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Iversen PO, Fogelholm M.Fluid and water balance: a scoping review for the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.Food Nutr Res. 2023;67:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975. doi:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975Castera MR, Borhade MB.Fluid management. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Diuretics.In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2021.Cosentino N, Marenzi G, Muratori M, Magrì D, Cattadori G, Agostoni P.Fluid balance in heart failure.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2023;30(Suppl 2):ii9-ii15. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwad166Alwis US, Monaghan TF, Haddad R, et al.Dietary considerations in the evaluation and management of nocturia.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-165. doi:10.12688/f1000research.21466.1Antonio J, Newmire DE, Stout JR, et al.Common questions and misconceptions about caffeine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2024;21(1):2323919. doi:10.1080/15502783.2024.2323919Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, green, brewed, regular.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water.Montalvo-González E, Villagrán Z, González-Torres S, et al.Physiological effects and human health benefits ofHibiscus sabdariffa: A review of clinical trials.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(4):464. doi:10.3390/ph15040464Ellis LR, Zulfiqar S, Holmes M, Marshall L, Dye L, Boesch C.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure and cardiometabolic markers.Nutr Rev. 2022;80(6):1723-1737. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab104Volino-Souza M, Oliveira GV, Conte-Junior CA, Figueroa A, Alvares TS.Current evidence of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) ingestion on vascular health: A food science and technology perspective.Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2913. doi:10.3390/nu14142913U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Celery, raw.Alobaidi S, Saleh E.Antihypertensive property of celery: A narrative review on current knowledge.Int J Food Sci. 2024;2024:9792556. doi:10.1155/2024/9792556American Heart Association.A primer on potassium.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How much coffee can I drink while I’m pregnant?American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.NIOSH training for nurses on shift work and long work hours.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Watermelon, raw.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Iversen PO, Fogelholm M.Fluid and water balance: a scoping review for the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.Food Nutr Res. 2023;67:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975. doi:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975Castera MR, Borhade MB.Fluid management. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Diuretics.In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2021.Cosentino N, Marenzi G, Muratori M, Magrì D, Cattadori G, Agostoni P.Fluid balance in heart failure.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2023;30(Suppl 2):ii9-ii15. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwad166Alwis US, Monaghan TF, Haddad R, et al.Dietary considerations in the evaluation and management of nocturia.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-165. doi:10.12688/f1000research.21466.1Antonio J, Newmire DE, Stout JR, et al.Common questions and misconceptions about caffeine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2024;21(1):2323919. doi:10.1080/15502783.2024.2323919Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, green, brewed, regular.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water.Montalvo-González E, Villagrán Z, González-Torres S, et al.Physiological effects and human health benefits ofHibiscus sabdariffa: A review of clinical trials.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(4):464. doi:10.3390/ph15040464Ellis LR, Zulfiqar S, Holmes M, Marshall L, Dye L, Boesch C.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure and cardiometabolic markers.Nutr Rev. 2022;80(6):1723-1737. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab104Volino-Souza M, Oliveira GV, Conte-Junior CA, Figueroa A, Alvares TS.Current evidence of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) ingestion on vascular health: A food science and technology perspective.Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2913. doi:10.3390/nu14142913U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Celery, raw.Alobaidi S, Saleh E.Antihypertensive property of celery: A narrative review on current knowledge.Int J Food Sci. 2024;2024:9792556. doi:10.1155/2024/9792556American Heart Association.A primer on potassium.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How much coffee can I drink while I’m pregnant?American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.NIOSH training for nurses on shift work and long work hours.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Watermelon, raw.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Iversen PO, Fogelholm M.Fluid and water balance: a scoping review for the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.Food Nutr Res. 2023;67:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975. doi:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975Castera MR, Borhade MB.Fluid management. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Diuretics.In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2021.Cosentino N, Marenzi G, Muratori M, Magrì D, Cattadori G, Agostoni P.Fluid balance in heart failure.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2023;30(Suppl 2):ii9-ii15. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwad166Alwis US, Monaghan TF, Haddad R, et al.Dietary considerations in the evaluation and management of nocturia.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-165. doi:10.12688/f1000research.21466.1Antonio J, Newmire DE, Stout JR, et al.Common questions and misconceptions about caffeine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2024;21(1):2323919. doi:10.1080/15502783.2024.2323919Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, green, brewed, regular.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water.Montalvo-González E, Villagrán Z, González-Torres S, et al.Physiological effects and human health benefits ofHibiscus sabdariffa: A review of clinical trials.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(4):464. doi:10.3390/ph15040464Ellis LR, Zulfiqar S, Holmes M, Marshall L, Dye L, Boesch C.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure and cardiometabolic markers.Nutr Rev. 2022;80(6):1723-1737. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab104Volino-Souza M, Oliveira GV, Conte-Junior CA, Figueroa A, Alvares TS.Current evidence of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) ingestion on vascular health: A food science and technology perspective.Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2913. doi:10.3390/nu14142913U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Celery, raw.Alobaidi S, Saleh E.Antihypertensive property of celery: A narrative review on current knowledge.Int J Food Sci. 2024;2024:9792556. doi:10.1155/2024/9792556American Heart Association.A primer on potassium.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How much coffee can I drink while I’m pregnant?American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.NIOSH training for nurses on shift work and long work hours.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Watermelon, raw.
Iversen PO, Fogelholm M.Fluid and water balance: a scoping review for the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.Food Nutr Res. 2023;67:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975. doi:10.29219/fnr.v67.9975
Castera MR, Borhade MB.Fluid management. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024
Diuretics.In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2021.
Cosentino N, Marenzi G, Muratori M, Magrì D, Cattadori G, Agostoni P.Fluid balance in heart failure.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2023;30(Suppl 2):ii9-ii15. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwad166
Alwis US, Monaghan TF, Haddad R, et al.Dietary considerations in the evaluation and management of nocturia.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-165. doi:10.12688/f1000research.21466.1
Antonio J, Newmire DE, Stout JR, et al.Common questions and misconceptions about caffeine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2024;21(1):2323919. doi:10.1080/15502783.2024.2323919
Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, green, brewed, regular.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Beverages, tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water.
Montalvo-González E, Villagrán Z, González-Torres S, et al.Physiological effects and human health benefits ofHibiscus sabdariffa: A review of clinical trials.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(4):464. doi:10.3390/ph15040464
Ellis LR, Zulfiqar S, Holmes M, Marshall L, Dye L, Boesch C.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure and cardiometabolic markers.Nutr Rev. 2022;80(6):1723-1737. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab104
Volino-Souza M, Oliveira GV, Conte-Junior CA, Figueroa A, Alvares TS.Current evidence of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) ingestion on vascular health: A food science and technology perspective.Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2913. doi:10.3390/nu14142913
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Celery, raw.
Alobaidi S, Saleh E.Antihypertensive property of celery: A narrative review on current knowledge.Int J Food Sci. 2024;2024:9792556. doi:10.1155/2024/9792556
American Heart Association.A primer on potassium.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How much coffee can I drink while I’m pregnant?
American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.NIOSH training for nurses on shift work and long work hours.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Watermelon, raw.
