Vinegar & Diuretics

Vinegar has been used by natural health care advocates for generations to treat health conditions such as high blood pressure, weight gain and blood sugar control. Diuretics likewise have several uses, including as a treatment for swelling of the limbs not due to injury, high blood pressure and kidney disorders. Though safe when used alone under a doctor's care, extreme caution should be used when considering vinegar supplementation while taking a diuretic medication.

Diuretics, or water pills, are used to rid the body of excess fluid and sodium. MayoClinic.com explains that diuretics act on the kidneys to force more sodium into the urine. Water is also eliminated in this process, which reduces the amount of fluid in your body and bloodstream.

Vinegar is a natural diuretic option for those who need help to remove excess fluid from the body or boost urine output. According to the alternative medicine site BellaOnline, the benefit of vinegar as a diuretic is that it prevents the potassium-depleting effects of many natural and prescription diuretics.

Doctors prescribe diuretics to treat several conditions, but they are used most often to treat edema, characterized by excess fluid retention in the limbs, and high blood pressure. Diuretics boost fluid loss by promoting urination. This loss of fluid helps reduce edema. Likewise, a drop in the level of fluids in the body means that there is less fluid to pump through the blood vessels. Less blood in the vessels at any given time lowers blood pressure. Common prescription diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide and spironolactone.

Apple cider vinegar is a diuretic, but it is also a blood thinner and has the potential to lower blood glucose levels. As such, it has the potential to interact with prescription drugs designed to treat the same conditions. Dehydration and hyponatremia, a condition in which the body does not have enough sodium, are both real dangers when taking vinegar and diuretic together. This is why you should inform your physician about all natural supplements you are taking when discussing prescription drug therapy.