Diuretics and Photo Shoots
By: Lauren Jacobsen
Diuretic supplements are typically consumed 1-week prior to fitness or figure competitive event to help rid the body of water, and attain maximum definition, but they may also be used prior to a photo shoot. Generally, a diuretic is any product that elevates the rate of urination, causing a forced diuretic effect. There are many different ingredients that can cause diuresis, via various mechanisms of action. The most common types of diuretics are potassium sparring, loop and osmotic.
Loop diuretics, inhibit the body's ability to reabsorb sodium at the ascending loop in the kidney which leads to a retention of water in the urine, as water normally would flow back into the extracellular fluid. Some loop diuretics can be considered high ceiling diuretics, which cause a substantial diuresis of up to 20% of the filtered load of NaCl and water. Normal renal sodium reabsorption usually leaves only 0.4% of filtered sodium in the urine. Loop diuretics can also significantly increase calcium excretion. One of the most common prescription loop diuretics is Furosemide, also known as Lasix.
Potassium sparring diuretics do not promote the secretion of potassium into the urine; thus, potassium is spared and not lost as much as in other diuretics. One of the most common prescription potassium sparring diuretics is Aldactone, which prevents aldosterone from entering principal cells of the collecting duct and late distal tubule of the nephron, preventing sodium re-absorption.
Osmotic Diuretics, such as mannitol are filtered, but cannot be reabsorbed, leading to an increase in the osmolarity of the filtrate, thus to maintain osmotic balance, water is retained in the urine.
Over the counter diuretic products, use a combination of plant extracts, however these ingredients, although known as diuretics are usually considered aquaretics because they promote aquaresis, which is the excretion of water without electrolyte loss. Herbal diuretics increase blood flow to the kidneys without increasing sodium and chloride resorption, thus causing an increase in urine whilst retaining electrolytes. Try using one of the following herbal plant diuretics prior to a photo shoot.
Dandelion Root: Taraxacum officinale is a rich source of potassium, capable of replacing potassium lost through diuresis. An aqueous leaf extract of dandelion root, has been shown in experimental research on mice, to have diuretic activity comparable to the prescription diuretic furosemide.
Juniper: Belongs to the pine family, Cupressaceae. Juniper has diuretic properties, among other properties. The tree's diuretic properties stem from the oil found in the berries. This oil contains terpenes, glycosides and tannins and stimulates the kidneys, increasing their filtration rate.
Bearberry: Also known as uva ursi has long been used as a urinary antiseptic for mild urinary tract infections (UTls) or inflammation, and as an herbal diuretic. The herb is a common ingredient in a number of diuretic teas and products.
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