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When you have an important event coming up, be it a big game, wedding or birthday celebration, you want to look your best – that means bloating is a huge no-no. Healthy eating and regular exercise are key to helping beat a puffed-out belly in the long-run, but, for a quick competition fix so you can reach your maximum human performance, a diuretic could be the answer.
Otherwise known as water pills, “diuretics are anything that causes increased water loss, or urine output (diuresis),” says Gabriel Wilson, PhD CSCS MHP Director of Science and Innovation. “They work by making your kidneys release more sodium into your urine which, in turn, takes water with it from your blood. This decreases the amount of fluid flowing through your blood vessels.”
“Two thirds of the human body is made of water, so by helping you get rid of excess fluid, diuretics can help you shed a couple pounds, or just look ‘tighter’ fast,” adds Dr. Wilson.
Prescription diuretics are often provided to counteract heart conditions such as high blood pressure, but herbal diuretics are a safe and natural alternative for people simply looking to show the world their best figure and feel confident.
Herbal diuretics relieve discomfort accrued from excess water retention by promoting urination, without cutting out important electrolytes, particularly potassium.
“MHP’s XPEL is one of the most popular, time tested natural diuretic formulas on the market, with millions of bottles sold,” says Dr. Wilson, MHP’s Director of Science & Innovation. “The formula contains multiple natural herbal diuretics including dandelion root, juniper berry fruit, uva-ursi leaf, and natural caffeine from green tea and guarana.”
Vital electrolytes, potassium, magnesium and calcium in Xpel will encourage optimal muscle performance by preventing dehydration from occurring and helping increase the absorption of fluids into the muscles.
Juniper berries (which are also what add flavor to gin) have been used as a diuretic and to treat kidney ailments since Medieval times. This is attributed to the presence of chemical compound, terpinene-4-ol in the essential oil, which increases the filtration rate of the kidney.
Dandelion has also been proven to enhance kidney activity and increase urination frequency. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine saw all 17 volunteers who took dandelion leaf extract have a five percent increase on average in urination within five hours of consumption.
Other ways to help reduce fluid build-up include eating more fruits and vegetables that act as diuretics such as watermelon, grapes, berries, celery, asparagus, onions, garlic, bell peppers, beets, seaweed, pumpkin, green beans, spinach, kale, cilantro and parsley.
Fruit and fruit juices high in potassium will also help the body pass sodium through urine, particularly citrus fruits. Pineapple, too, is a natural diuretic.
For many, though, taking a supplement is the easiest answer. “Whether it’s a day at the beach, a photo shoot or to help shred that last bit of water before a competition, Xpel has always got my back,” says MHP athlete Chris Bumstead.
Sadly, diuretics are only a temporary solution to weight loss. When you stop taking them, your kidneys will revert back to absorbing the normal amount of water and salt for your body and you’ll soon be back to your normal weight.
So, while diuretics sadly won’t affect body fat, they will take you one step closer to improving your physique by making you seem leaner. As Wilson says: “MHP’s XPEL may be the perfect choice to help you look your best, fast.”
Take 4 capsules with 16 oz. of water twice daily – once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Do not exceed recommended dosage.