Dangerous Side Effects Of Water Pills
Water pills, or diuretics, are drugs that help rid your body of excess salt and water, according to the Cleveland Clinic. As it turns out, water pills work by making your kidneys pull extra salt and water out of your body and into your urine, causing you to pee more frequently. There are three types of water pills: thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics, all of which help your body excrete more fluids as urine.
Releasing more salt into your urine can also help remove water from your blood, reducing the amount of fluids in your veins, which can help lower your blood pressure. As a result, water pills are most commonly prescribed to help with high blood pressure. However, they can also be used to manage other conditions. For instance, water pills can also be used to treat and relieve symptoms of cardiomyopathy, renal failure, heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, and pulmonary edema, among others.
Water pills can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
On the other hand, there are some downsides to taking water pills. Since your body is mostly made up of water, taking water pills may potentially cause you to become dehydrated (via LiveStrong). That's why it's important to drink plenty of water and watch out for signs of dehydration, like dizziness, headaches, and increased thirst. Water pills can also cause your blood pressure to become too low as a result of reduced volume in the blood.
Furthermore, they can even lead to too little salt or potassium in the blood due to increased excretion in your urine. This can result in an electrolyte imbalance, which can cause muscle cramps and an irregular heartbeat. That's why it's important to use water pills only as directed by a physician. It's also crucial not to use water pills as a weight loss tool. They will only help you temporarily lose a few pounds of water weight and will do nothing to help you burn calories and body fat in the long-term.