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Waterfall... The Art Of Coming In Dry!
When it comes to contest preparation the final few weeks are vital when it comes to fine tuning your physique. Training intensity and frequency are increased, diet is micro managed down to the last gram of protein, carb and fat and then, as the weeks become days, the focus turns to losing that extra bit of fluid that is holding on to you as if a drought was on the horizon.
It is at this point in time where many competitors turn to pharmaceutical diuretics in a desperate attempt to remove every last trace of excess water from their physique. However, these drugs can cause very serious mineral imbalances if they are not used carefully, and mineral imbalances can have serious consequences in terms of your health.
Thankfully, there are highly effective natural alternatives to these drugs that not only help you lose the definition blurring excess fluids, but also offer significant health benefits as a 'side effect'.
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Author Leigh Penman, Wants To Show There Are
Healthier Natural Alternatives To Diuretic Drugs.
So let's take a look at some of these natural diuretics and how they can make you not only look better but also assist your body in functioning at an optimum level...
Uva Ursi Extract (Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi)
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Also known as Bearberry, Uva Ursi has a long history of medical use as a diuretic. It promotes a rapid expulsion of body fluid through the urinary tract, thus relieving temporary water retention swiftly and without putting undue stress on the kidneys.
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Glycoside Arbutin, the main active constituent in Uva Ursi, is hydrolyzed in gastric fluid to hydroquinone. When introduced to alkaline urine, hydroquinone is mildly astringent and displays potent anti-microbial qualities in addition to its noted diuretic effects.
This makes it very useful in the case of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, bladder infections and prostate inflammation. So, as you can see, with Uva Ursi you are not only getting a safe and powerful alternative to prescription medications, you are also receiving significant health benefits and protecting yourself from succumbing to many compromising infections.
Dandelion (Taraxacum Officianale)
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Dandelion is an extremely effective diuretic, which does not cause the side effects of mineral depletion that are prevalent with diuretic drugs. In addition to its diuretic properties it also offers significant health benefits.
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In Addition To Its Diuretic Properties It
Also Offers Significant Health Benefits.
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Dandelion contains bitter compounds that enhance the efficiency of the body's eliminative and detoxifying functions. It also strengthens the liver, stimulates bile secretion and stimulates the digestive process. In fact the use of
dandelion supplements actually assist in the removal of toxins created by the over consumption of
meats, fatty fried foods,
coffee and pharmaceutical medications.
As a good source of potassium, dandelion also helps lower sodium levels and combats the imbalance of electrolytes, which often accompany the use of any diuretic.
By reducing excess fluids and lowering sodium, dandelion may also offer protection from high blood pressure. As if all this wasn't enough, this valuable herb is one of the best blood builders/purifiers available. Its high vitamin and mineral content (especially calcium) also assists in building stamina and endurance.
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As a diuretic, dandelion has been used with great success to treat water retention whilst providing many additional health benefits making it a valuable addition to any supplement program.
Potassium
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Potassium, in conjunction with sodium, is essential to the regulation of the body's water balance and to nerve and muscle function. It is also of primary importance when it comes to generating the electrical charges involved in muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
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The maintenance of a regular heart rhythm is also dependant on the amount of potassium circulating in the body. Diuretics (prescriptive or OTT) are notorious for depleting the body of this vital mineral and the addition of this mineral to any strategy designed to rid the body of excess fluid is extremely important.
Vitamin B6
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Vitamin B6 is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects physical and mental health, is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of
fats and
protein. It also plays an important role in the maintenance of a healthy sodium/potassium balance.
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As if all this wasn't impressive enough, vitamin B6 is also involved in the synthesis of RNA and DNA - which contain genetic instructions for the replication of all cells and normal cellular growth. It is also known as an 'enzyme activator', aiding in the absorption of vitamin B12, immune function and antibody production.
Recent research into various B6 derivatives has also shown promise in regard to improving insulin secretion, glycemic control and beta cell regeneration. B6 may also enhance the effects of certain compounds taken to preserve kidney function e.g. CoQ10, Silymarin, Dandelion Root.
Conclusion
So as you can see, it is possible to 'rip and dry' without resorting to pharmaceutical diuretics and dealing with the possibility of harmful side effects. By using these natural products correctly you can not only get rid of excess fluid, you can also gain the positive side effects of improved health and vitality - now these are side effects we like!
Leigh Penman