Are natural diuretics as effective as pharmaceuticals?

Eleanor,

Thanks for your question. 

There are several natural diuretics available, the most common of which is caffeine and alcohol.  Though they certainly can produce a diuretic effect, much of the response seen is also due to the fact that the person is drinking more fluids.  In addition, there are side effects from alcohol and caffeine which may be unfavorable.

The simple answer to your question is that natural diuretics are not as effective as prescription drugs which work on their own, without being part of a fluid substance, which just adds more fluid that needs to be released. 

There are several different kinds of diuretics and different strengths used for different purposes.  Though diuretics are often used for high blood pressure and the initial drop in pressure is due to loss of fluids, this effect diminishes with time, but the anti-hypertensive effect remains. 

I hope this has been helpful.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.