6 worst medications for your kidneys (slideshow)

Prescription Drugs

Jedha Dening

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Diuretics

Diuretics, commonly called water pills, can help your body in getting rid of extra water and salt. Hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide are two medications commonly taken to reduce swelling and blood pressure.

But unfortunately they affect how the kidneys regulate water in the body and can lead to dehydration, which promotes swelling and inflammation in the kidneys.

Ask your doctor about diuretics if you’re taking the mood stabilizer Lithobid (lithium), or if you’re taking any medication that may lead you to feel dehydrated.

Read: 4 surprising dehydration danger signs

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By Jedha Dening

Jedha Dening is a qualified nutritionist (MNutr), researcher, author, freelance writer, and founder of type 2 diabetic nutrition site Diabetes Meal Plans. Her masters thesis on nutrition and inflammation was published and then presented at a national scientific conference. She has millions of words published in the health industry across various print and online publications. Having been in the field for over 15 years, she’s incredibly passionate about delving into the latest research to share the myths and truths surrounding nutrition and health. She believes when armed with the right knowledge, we’re empowered to make informed choices that can truly make a difference.

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