By Angie Best-Boss, Contributing Writer
Diuretics are tablets designed to reduce fluid in people who suffer from fluid retention. Anorexics and bulimics abuse them in order to achieve temporary weight loss. Diuretic abuse, as well as causing dehydration, can lead to fluid retention and weight gain. In an attempt to adjust to the diuretic effects, the body will retain water. Abusing this type of medication can also lead to dizzy spells and fainting.
Diuretics are commonly used to lower blood pressure. So, in a person with normal blood pressure, the diuretic effects can cause hypotension. Diuretics are not meant to be weight loss tools and can cause serious side effects including, but not limited to, increased uric acid levels and hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is perhaps the most serious side effect as it can cause headaches, dizziness, irregular heartbeats and muscle paralysis.
The adult body consists of 60-70% water. The human brain consists of approximately 85% water. Blood is approximately 90% water. Long-term diuretics can cause dehydration, which has serious side effects, including:
Kidney Damage
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Heart Palpitations
Salt Imbalance
Electrolyte Imbalance
Fluid Retention
Potassium Deficiency
Dizziness
Dry Eyes
Constipation
Hypotension
Death
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