Diuretics are medicines that help the body remove excess salt and water. They are commonly used to manage conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney problems, and fluid buildup.
While diuretics can be helpful in medical care, they can also be misused in sports. Some athletes may use them to quickly reduce body weight, especially in sports with weight categories. They may also be misused to speed up the removal of other banned substances from the body.
However, using diuretics without proper medical guidance can be dangerous. They may cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, reduced kidney function, and other serious complications.
Because of these risks, diuretics have been included on the list of prohibited substances in sport for many years.
Want to learn more?
Read the full source article to learn more about how diuretics work, their medical uses, and the risks of misuse in sports.
➥ https://doaj.org/article/f588e678c8f2450d8aa821ebcde68336
Antić, D. (2014). Use of diuretics as doping agents in sport. Arhiv za farmaciju, 64(1), 1–14. https://doaj.org/article/f588e678c8f2450d8aa821ebcde68336
