DRAINING - How to choose and recognize the best

You will surely have heard of draining, magical products for weight reduction and excess fluid removal. But what are they? What are they really good for? On the market there are all types: creams, herbal teas, syrups. In this article we will try to shed light on their mechanism of action, real usefulness, and we will deepen the characteristics of different types of products.

What are they and what are they for

In our organism there is a dense network of vessels, two complex systems useful, among the many functions, also for the reflux of liquids: the lymphatic system and the circulatory system . The circulatory system, as widely known, has the task of transporting blood to all organs and tissues of our body, allowing the exchange of oxygen and other nutrients. The lymphatic system, on the other hand, has the task of collecting waste substances, toxins and excess fluids from the tissues, to favor their elimination. Unlike what happens for the circulatory system, the movement of the lymph is not guaranteed by the action of the heart but by that of the muscles which, by contracting, guarantee its movement along the lymphatic vessels.

Per this reason, if we remain seated or immobile in the same position for too long, legs and feet tend to swell: muscle immobility causes lymph to stagnate in the lymphatic vessels, thus creating swelling in the surrounding tissues.

Furthermore, even when these systems undergo alterations, trauma, or stop working properly (due to causes related to genetics, stress, bad habits, or generally circulatory or microcirculation imbalances), we find ourselves with some parts of the body swollen and heavy. Swelling often causes discomfort, being tied to the legs, feet and ankles, making us feel unattractive and also causing pain and discomfort. Therefore, it is not a mere aesthetic problem: if the body retains fluids, it is likely that it will be necessary to restore proper management, in order not to cause much more serious complications.

Water retention and edema of the lower limbs can be ailments linked to the stagnation of liquids and, in most cases, despite being attentive to one's diet (trying to make it balanced and choosing to consume quality and poorly processed foods), they seem not to improve. 80% of the problems related to the need to lose weight go hand in hand with our body's inability to get rid of all excess water.

A great help can come from the correct intake of draining substances, through valid and quality foods and supplements. A draining agent acts on the lymphatic system but also on the renal system, promoting diuresis, purifying and contributing to the disposal of liquids. When we talk about draining supplements, we refer to capsules or drinks containing plant phytoextracts, natural substances and active ingredients derived from medicinal plants, which help stimulate circulation (both lymphatic and venous) and allow water to flow more efficient.

Composition and active ingredients

After understanding how the intake of draining substances can be useful, let's see which are the plant phytoextracts that can help us reduce swelling and retention, to provide you with the key to recognizing a valid drainage.

Below, we leave a list of substances with recognized draining action:

  • Dandelion - also called dandelion due to its shape, is a medicinal herb known since ancient times for its draining properties; also used in the kitchen to dress salads, it offers its best as a natural draining agent, and is indicated to increase the rations of soluble fiber, phytosterols, potassium, magnesium and carotenoids.
  • Pilosella - is a bristly and perennial herbaceous plant, excellent for counteracting water retention and eliminating waste in our body, a natural remedy also against cellulite, it stands out for its ability to reduce uric acids (typical of those who follow a diet incorrect, characterized by excessive consumption of meat). Thanks to the high content of flavonoids, and to its ability to stimulate the production of bile, it is able to provide concrete help in the purification of the liver. Modern science also gives it anti-inflammatory and UV-shielding properties.
  • Bromelain - this enzyme, present in the juice and especially in the stem of the pineapple, is useful in case of water retention. It is believed to help counteract the pain and swelling associated with inflammation, has proteolytic activity (digestion of Protein) and draining action, due to the presence of organic acids. Its intake seems to stimulate the elimination of excess fluids, accumulated in the subcutaneous tissue.
  • Goldenrod - a herbaceous plant with a purifying action, characterized by a remarkable draining effect that contributes to the functionality of the urinary tract. It is also known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory activities, and is therefore also indicated for the treatment of inflammatory states of the lower urinary tract.
  • White birch - tree native to Eurasia, of which leaves, buds and bark are used. It is used in herbal medicine as a diuretic, to which anti-inflammatory activities are combined. The extracts, infusions and tinctures derived from this plant are indicated in case of premenstrual syndrome, kidney stones, gravel, edema, venous insufficiency and cellulite.
  • Butcher's broom - in the form of an extract or as a decoction, it is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-edema. The dry extract is used for the vaso-protective activity of saponins, which would have an anti-inflammatory action even higher than that of aescin (a famous substance derived from horse chestnut). In addition, it contains ruscogenin, which helps relieve microcirculation disorders such as heaviness in the legs and a sense of swelling.
  • Orthosiphon - facilitates the elimination of sodium chloride and increases the urinary excretion of nitrogenous compounds such as uric acid.
  • Bitter orange - thanks to the presence of Synephrine in particular, it contributes to the balance of body weight, metabolic stimulation and lipid metabolism, stimulating beta-3 adrenergic receptors, mainly present in adipose tissue and in the liver, or responsible for the demolition processes and use of fats (lipolysis).
  • Green tea - a drink obtained by infusion from the leaves of the Camelia sinensis plant, it is known for its beneficial effects on the human body and antioxidant action. Contains high amounts of polyphenols, catechins and even caffeine. It accelerates the metabolism of fats and sugars, facilitating the decrease in body weight, and facilitates diuresis: it is therefore useful in case of water retention, cellulite and urinary tract infection.
  • Rhubarb - of which the peeled roots and dried rhizome are used, acts as a bitter-digestive. It increases the secretion of gastric juices, and at higher doses it acts on the intestine, inhibiting the absorption of water and electrolytes and thus increasing the volume of intestinal contents. In folk medicine, it is used to counteract digestive disorders and loss of appetite.
  • Cherry - the peduncles or petioles of the still unripe fruits of the cherry tree are used against water retention and as adjuvants in the treatment of cellulite. These draining properties are conferred by the presence in the phytocomplex of large quantities of potassium salts.
  • Lespedeza - perennial plant, contains several active ingredients that make it very interesting in phytotherapy. The extracts of its leaves are used for their protective and diuretic activities against capillaries. Chemically, it is composed of catechinic flavonoids and tannins.
  • Cranberry - also called American cranberry, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, especially useful in case of cystitis or urinary tract infections. It is also used for the prevention of recurrent bacterial infections of the urinary tract, because it is able to inhibit the adhesion of several Gram-negative species to the epithelium of the urinary tract. Furthermore, it carries out a protective action on cells against free radicals.
  • Bearberry - widespread in northern Europe, Asia and North America, the extract is obtained from the leaves collected before flowering. Contains phenolic glucosides (arbutin and methylbutin), and has a diuretic and antiseptic action.
  • Juniper - the active ingredient is obtained from the berries: they have a diuretic, carminative and stomachic action. The essential oil contained in these berries has also been shown to have a diuretic and anti-inflammatory action (it inhibits the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, one of the main mediators of inflammation).
  • Wakame seaweed - edible, brown seaweed which is a very important nutritional source in Japan. Contains all essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins and fiber. Known in the context of weight control, it contributes to fat metabolism.
  • L-asparagine - non-essential amino acid involved in the urea cycle, isolated for the first time from the vegetable from which it takes its name (asparagus). Important for nervous and brain functions, as an excitatory neurotransmitter and natural precursor of GABA. Diuretic properties are also recognized in asparagus.
  • Centella asiatica - spontaneous plant typical of tropical and subtropical regions, it is also known as "tiger grass". The active ingredient is extracted from the aerial parts and from the leaves: its effects mainly concern blood circulation, because it has eudermic properties, stimulates the synthesis of collagen and is indicated in states of venous insufficiency and cellulite treatment.

The best drain? The one that best suits your needs!

On the market there are many products in different formulations. First of all it is useful to understand which formulation is most suitable for us: if we find it difficult to swallow and ingest tablets, it is better to choose liquid products; if not, they could randomly make our own capsule formulations.

Yamamoto Nutrition and Yamamoto Research present several products with a draining action, both in capsules and in liquid form.

The 3 leading products among the draining products are certainly Ai-DREN, Ai-DIUREBOL and Diuricell. Let's see their characteristics and composition, to understand the formula that best suits us and that allows us to obtain the desired results.

  • Ai-DREN: capsule format and composed of Rhubarb, Dandelion, Cherry, Lespedeza, Cranberry, Bearberry, Juniper, Green Tea, Wakame Seaweed, Iodine and Fiber (both soluble and insoluble). With a high fiber content, it is indicated for purifying functions, the drainage of body fluids and normal function of the urinary tract; iodine contributes to maintaining skin health.
  • Ai - DIUREBOL: capsule format and composed of Dandelion, Pilosella, Bromelain, Bearberry, L-asparagine, Goldenrod, Centella and Vitamin B6. It supports the liver function, supports the regularity of the intestinal tract and the purifying functions of the organism. The presence of Pilosella and L-asparagine make it ideal for counteracting the heaviness of the lower limbs, and bearberry and goldenrod also favor the functionality of the urinary tract.
  • DIURICELL: liquid format to be diluted in water and composed of Bromelain, Pilosella, White Birch, Dandelion, Butcher's Broom, Orthosiphon, Goldenrod and bitter orange extract. It is indicated to favor the purifying functions and the balance of body weight. In fact, the presence of Bromelain and bitter orange extract participate in the metabolic stimulation, in the functioning of the lipid metabolism and therefore in the maintenance of body weight balance. Its formulation makes it a practical and pleasant drink that acts from the inside, promoting diuresis and helping to dispose of excess liquids and toxins.

Conclusions

The products based on draining substances are certainly a useful support when it comes to the elimination of excess fluids or in the reduction of typical symptoms of water retention, cellulite and edema, also linked to inflammatory states. Clearly they are not enough on their own: an active and dynamic lifestyle, a good level of hydration and a balanced diet are essential for achieving a good state of health, free from hassles and painful symptoms.

 

 

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