Is Cannabis a Diuretic

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Is Cannabis or CBD a Diuretic?

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Many people want ask, “Is cannabis a diuretic?” Diuretics are sometimes referred to as “water pills.” There are prescription, OTC, and natural diuretics consumers can use to rid themselves of excess water and bloating. The most common reason people might use diuretics or water pills is for hypertension or high blood pressure. From 1997 to 2003, the use of diuretics increased from 39.8 percent in adults 18 and older, to 45.3%. Unfortunately, though, diuretics can be abused as performance-enhancing drugs. People with eating disorders may also abuse diuretics to lose weight. Diuretics do not promote weight loss, but simply help the body rid itself of excess water.

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With the increased popularity and use of CBD, cannabis, and other related products on the market, consumers might believe that CBD and cannabis are cure-alls for bloating and water retention. Research into the health effects of CBD and cannabis are ongoing at this time, and it’s not possible to say whether or not cannabis and CBD can be used as viable diuretic alternatives. Here’s what we know so far about natural, OTC, and prescription diuretics.

What is a diuretic?

Sodium, or salt, can promote bloating and water retention. A diuretic or water pill works by enabling the body to get rid of excess sodium and water. Mostly, a diuretic works by making the kidneys release more sodium in the urine. The sodium, in turn, takes water with it from the bloodstream. This decreases the level of fluid flowing through a person’s blood vessels, which also helps reduce pressure on the blood vessel walls. Reducing stress on the blood vessel walls is critical for people with high blood pressure or hypertension. Retaining excess water and sodium also makes it harder for the heart to pump blood, and can make it difficult and painful to breathe.

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What are some examples of diuretics?

There are three types of diuretics that people can use, and the condition they are trying to treat and their reasons for losing water weight can all impact which type of diuretic to try. The types of different diuretics are called thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing. These different kinds of water pills impact different parts of the kidneys and also come with their own unique set of side effects and contraindications.

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Why would someone need a diuretic?

Doctors and clinicians often recommend that people with high blood pressure and heart conditions related to high blood pressure use thiazide diuretics to help them manage hypertension and reduce risks associated with the disease. In some cases, taking diuretics and reducing sodium intake is enough to reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In some cases, though, diuretics aren’t enough to reduce high blood pressure. People with hypertension may need to take other medications, including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers.

Besides hypertension, diuretics can also be used to help treat other conditions, including the following:

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Heart and liver failure
Tissue swelling or edema
Some kidney disorders, including kidney stones

What drugs and herbs are commonly used as diuretics?

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Using a diuretic can impact the amount of some minerals in the body, and while most diuretics used today are prescriptions, certain natural foods and herbs can also work as diuretics.

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One of the most popularly prescribed diuretics is a prescription drug called Chlorothiazide. The medication helps decrease blood pressure, relax blood vessels, and remove excess water from the body. People with chronic heart failure are often given this medication. Another prescription diuretic of the loop kind is called furosemide and is mostly used for people with edema, high blood pressure, and kidney disorders. A potassium-sparing diuretic medication called Amiloride is used to prevent a loss of potassium that commonly occurs with other, stronger loop and thiazide diuretics.

What are the side effects of prescription diuretics?

The most common and inevitable side effect of prescription diuretics is an increased need to urinate. This is how the body helps rid itself of excess sodium and water. Generally, diuretics are considered safe, but they do come with a range of side effects that can be serious. Since diuretics rid the body of water, it is possible to become dehydrated while using them. They can also lead to the loss of key minerals, in particular potassium. Other possible side effects include:

Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood)
Headaches
Dizziness and dehydration
Joint pain and gout
Muscle cramps
Sexual dysfunction

What herbs or drinks act as natural diuretics?

Some of the most well-known diuretics are alcohol and caffeine. Caffeine can have a mild, short-term diuretic effect on people, especially those who do not have any tolerance to caffeine. Alcohol increases urination, but it should never be used as a diuretic. People with high blood pressure are also encouraged to avoid alcohol since it can have an adverse effect on blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. Hibiscus tea is known as a natural diuretic supplement, but it won’t reduce a person’s potassium levels. Ginger and parsley are also thought to be natural diuretics.

What are the side effects of natural diuretics?

Natural diuretics, caffeine, and alcohol will all increase urinary output. Moderate caffeine intake can give people a short boost of energy, and small amounts of alcohol are considered safe to consume in moderation for healthy men and women. Too much urinary output with natural diuretics can increase the chances of dehydration, though.

Is CBD an effective diuretic?

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CBD is a mostly unregulated supplement and is not considered a replacement for prescription diuretic medications. Preliminary studies on cannabinoids as a diuretic are inconclusive at this time. Consumers who wish to try CBD should talk to their doctor first. Cannabinoids are known to interact with some medications.

Purchasing high-quality CBD products has never been more easy or accessible. At Hugs CBD, we’re committed to bringing increased transparency and quality to the CBD marketplace. All products from Hugs are independently tested through a third-party lab, and shoppers can see the results for themselves. Shop online at Hugs today and have CBD delivered straight to your door.

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