Water Pills

[kayg41]

Can someone explain why water pills are bad.....I know they are bad on the kidneys, but will they keep you from loosing weight and why? I have to take them or I will swell up like a bull frog. I have been to the doc everything is normal, but they cant tell me why. I am drinking over 120 oz of water a day. I dont take them every day just when I can tell Im swelling.

[Razzle39]

Re: Water Pills

Good Morning,

As a nurse I can share some of the problems with diuretics that I watch for:

1) Electrolyte imbalances- This can lead to heart palipitations, painful cramping and a multitude of symptoms. Many times people can avoid edema ( swelling) just by putting thier feet up and avoiding sodium. The best course of action for relieving swelling is short walks throughout the day followed by putting your feet up. The muscle action in your ankle actually helps push fluid out of the area and back into our cardiovascular system to be carted away.

2) Constipation- If people are taking water pills and excreting most fluid through the kidneys there is usually not enough left for the bowel. This diet can be constipating as it is. Fluid and hydration are very important to keep all systems in working order

3) Blood pressure changes- depleting large amounts of fluid so quickly can lead to Low blood pressure.

If your doctor has prescribed these pills for you than there must be a good reason. I would urge you to take them as prescribed until you speak with your MD.If you have a history of CHF then these pills are very necessary. 120 ounces of fluid a day is a good intake. I hope this helped you understand some of the reasons people avoid the water pills.