EFFECTS OF DIURETICS.
Diuretics, sometimes known as ?water pills? or ?pee pills? , are drugs which draw excess fluid from the tissues of the body and convert it into urine, especially the extra cellular fluid (outside the bodies cells) . The drugs work by disrupting the normal action of the kidneys. The kidneys usually remove water, minerals and waste products from the bloodstream. Most of the water and minerals are returned to the bloodstream after the waste products have been expelled in the urine. Diuretics are medically used to reduce the amounts of sodium and water reabsorbed into the bloodstream, which increases the amount of urine, draws excess fluid from tissues and reduces the water content of the blood. As the diuretics act to expel urine from the body, the tissues become less water-logged and the action of the heart improves because it has to pump a smaller volume of blood around the body. This, in turn, acts to reduce blood pressure. Different diuretic drugs work in slightly different ways, but all make you go to the bathroom more often. If females suffer swelling before their period, for example, they will feel less bloated. Sufferers from heart failure will feel less breathless as the diuretic removes fluid that has gathered in the lungs and places less strain on the heart. That is the medical use of diuretics, but bodybuilders use them for cosmetic reasons. Especially those bodybuilders that retain large quantities of fluid through the excess use of anabolics, rely heavily on the use of diuretics. Diuretics transport the overdose of fluid that forms a layer between their hard muscles and the jury. It efficiently lowers the subcutaneous water concentrations and produces the ripped look that is sought after in today?s contest condition. Even the Mr. Olympia competitors are tested on the use of diuretics. Those who believe that this will expel its use are highly na?ve, but more about that later in this article.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has put them on their doping list and its use is prohibited as well within as outside competition. The diuretics are also listed in the group of masking agents, because they influence a doping test by diluting the urine, although they are also seen as separate doping means.
The foolish use of diuretics in combination with fluid limitation, can, within single hours, lead to dangerous or even fatal side effects.
An other dangerous practice is the use of a diuretic in combination with potassium supplements in an attempt to prevent muscle cramps and tiredness
Although there is only little written data about cases of diuretics and potassium abuse, the problem is general and happens also in all other branches of sport. Competitive athletes use it to drop water weight, to be able to compete in lower weight classes. The weigh-in is mostly a day before the competition and the athlete can return to his normal weight within a few hours. This is especially advantageous for fighters like by example boxers and kick-boxers.
Physicians know how to use with these means safely and how to react to the resulting metabolic and electrolytical changes. But most bodybuilders and other athletes don?t have the knowledge and experience to work with diuretics and mineral supplementation on a safe manner. This incorrect use can cause paresthesia (numbness, tingle), heart palpitations, muscle cramps and dizziness. Many of these side effects can be decreased by closely monitoring and adjustment of the serum electrolytes by means of oral or parenteral electrolyte solutions. This is absolutely no layman?s work, it demands a large knowledge and experience.
; 1996
Diuretics, sometimes known as ?water pills? or ?pee pills? , are drugs which draw excess fluid from the tissues of the body and convert it into urine, especially the extra cellular fluid (outside the bodies cells) . The drugs work by disrupting the normal action of the kidneys. The kidneys usually remove water, minerals and waste products from the bloodstream. Most of the water and minerals are returned to the bloodstream after the waste products have been expelled in the urine. Diuretics are medically used to reduce the amounts of sodium and water reabsorbed into the bloodstream, which increases the amount of urine, draws excess fluid from tissues and reduces the water content of the blood. As the diuretics act to expel urine from the body, the tissues become less water-logged and the action of the heart improves because it has to pump a smaller volume of blood around the body. This, in turn, acts to reduce blood pressure. Different diuretic drugs work in slightly different ways, but all make you go to the bathroom more often. If females suffer swelling before their period, for example, they will feel less bloated. Sufferers from heart failure will feel less breathless as the diuretic removes fluid that has gathered in the lungs and places less strain on the heart. That is the medical use of diuretics, but bodybuilders use them for cosmetic reasons. Especially those bodybuilders that retain large quantities of fluid through the excess use of anabolics, rely heavily on the use of diuretics. Diuretics transport the overdose of fluid that forms a layer between their hard muscles and the jury. It efficiently lowers the subcutaneous water concentrations and produces the ripped look that is sought after in today?s contest condition. Even the Mr. Olympia competitors are tested on the use of diuretics. Those who believe that this will expel its use are highly na?ve, but more about that later in this article.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has put them on their doping list and its use is prohibited as well within as outside competition. The diuretics are also listed in the group of masking agents, because they influence a doping test by diluting the urine, although they are also seen as separate doping means.
The foolish use of diuretics in combination with fluid limitation, can, within single hours, lead to dangerous or even fatal side effects.
An other dangerous practice is the use of a diuretic in combination with potassium supplements in an attempt to prevent muscle cramps and tiredness
Although there is only little written data about cases of diuretics and potassium abuse, the problem is general and happens also in all other branches of sport. Competitive athletes use it to drop water weight, to be able to compete in lower weight classes. The weigh-in is mostly a day before the competition and the athlete can return to his normal weight within a few hours. This is especially advantageous for fighters like by example boxers and kick-boxers.
Physicians know how to use with these means safely and how to react to the resulting metabolic and electrolytical changes. But most bodybuilders and other athletes don?t have the knowledge and experience to work with diuretics and mineral supplementation on a safe manner. This incorrect use can cause paresthesia (numbness, tingle), heart palpitations, muscle cramps and dizziness. Many of these side effects can be decreased by closely monitoring and adjustment of the serum electrolytes by means of oral or parenteral electrolyte solutions. This is absolutely no layman?s work, it demands a large knowledge and experience.
; 1996
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