More Information
Sponsored Links

Diuretic Effects

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

 

More Information

Looking for Treatment? Call 1-877-211-5188 Anytime

If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then please call 1-877-211-5188 anytime and we can help you with treatment and recovery options.

Find a Treatment Facility Near You

Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.

Eating Disorder Support Groups

The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

Click here to start getting support at SupportGroups.com

 

Related Resources

Wikipedia.org: Diuretic Effects
Sizewise.com: Diuretic Effects
Health.howstuffworks.com: Diuretic Effects

 

Related Articles

Dietary Guidelines
Diet Myths
Why Our Bodies Need Fats

 

Videos

Youtube.com: Diuretic Effects

 

Books

Amazon.com: Diuretic Effects

 

News

Google News: Diuretic Effects

disclaimer

The information provided on EatingDisordersOnline.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have an eating disorder. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of EatingDisordersOnline.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
More Information
SupportGroups.com

Eating Disorder Support Groups

support groups

The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

Click here to start getting support at SupportGroups.com

Latest Blog Entries
Eating Disorder Treatment

Find a Treatment Facility

If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then we are here to offer help in any way we can. We have over 2,000 Treatment Facilities and Treatment Professionals listed on our Directory. You can search by Zip Code, City or State. Click here to search for a Treatment Facility that is right for you.

User login
Poll
Why Did You Visit This Site?:
Did You Know?

Bulimia nervosa may accompany anorexia, or it may occur by itself. It is estimated to occur in 1.1 to 4.2% of females. Bulimia nervosa can lead to severe tooth decay, intestinal and kidney problems, muscle cramps, heart problems, ruptured stomach or esophagus, and death.

More Statistics...

eatless