Like a sauna, they may cause a marked loss of fluid which is reflected in the scales. But this weight loss is temporary and, as the fluid is replaced by drinking, so the weight returns to its previous level.
It may be satisfactory for a jockey to spend the morning in a sweat box so he can ride at a certain weight that afternoon, but it is of little value to the obese man or woman to sweat off a kilo or two and then believe they are losing weight.
Unfortunately, the diuretic usually not only washes sodium from the body but potassium as well.
In most cases, little is lost and there is no bodily disturbance. In a few cases, so much potassium is lost that it causes symptoms of tiredness, lack of interest and some cramps that may herald that all is not well. Very low blood levels may lead to problems with the heart rhythm, particularly if the drug digitalis is also being taken.
Potassium is widely found in a number of foods, particularly citrus fruits, tomatoes and bananas, which are often recommended for those on diuretics.
*312/71/1*
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.