Diuretic

A diuretic is a type of chemical substance that increases production of urine. This substance is either in a herb (such as dandelions), or it has been separated and made into a drug. Diuretics increase the amount of urine that is secreted from the body. Diuretics are used as a treatment for heart failure, liver cirrhosis, hypertension and certain problems with the kidneys. Diuretics are often abused by people suffering form bulimia nervosa as a way to lose weight.

Well-known substances that have diuretic properties are tea,coffee and alcohol.

Other websites

• Diagram at mmi.mcgill.ca Archived 2007-06-21 at the Wayback Machine
• Diagram at cvpharmacology.com