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DIURETIC Opinions!!!!!
- Thread starter bodyfx
- Start date
Perhaps this post hasn't been exactly innundated with replies because it is a subject and practice that is fraught with peril. Giving advice about diuretics carries with it a hefty responsibility given that the advice may be followed.Diuretics have killed more bodybuilders than bullets have.I'm just a bodybuilder with a little competetive experience but I'll share my opinions and what little I do know.
First of all my advice would be to avoid loop diuretics such as frusemide (Lasix).The potential for causing electrolyte imbalances and the ensuing dangers (cardiac arrhythymia , death) is just too high . One that I have used with some success is Spironolactone (aldactone).The beauty of this one is that you don't need to worry about the sodium content of anything you eat or drink leading up to the contest.This can be a blessing as you already have enough to worry about getting the right macronutrients at the right time in the right amounts without factoring in the sodium content of everything as well.Two things to watch out for are:-
1) Don't restrict water intake as well and
2) Don't use supplemental potassium.(hyperkalaemia is a KILLER)
A downside to Aldactone worth mentioning also is that it has an anti-androgen effect which may negatively impact on your hardness and vascularity.You need to take aldactone commencing at least 6 days before the competition in order for it to be fully active by contest time
Another option would be Moduretic . Another diuretic in the thiazide class of diuretics but has a different mode of action and has a more rapid onset.Being another potassium sparing diuretic the precautions are the same as Aldactone. DON'T completely restrict water and DON'T add supplemental potassium.
The major cosmetic problem with diuretics of any kind is that they all have the potential to draw water from the muscles as well as subscutaneously (although aldactone and moduretics have less tendency to do this).This leaves you looking flat and stringy.
If at all possible avoid all diuretic use by using sodium loading and natural diuretics like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Hope this helps and if anyone reading would like to add to this or perhaps even correct me please do.I'd rather be corrected than cause harm through mis-information.
First of all my advice would be to avoid loop diuretics such as frusemide (Lasix).The potential for causing electrolyte imbalances and the ensuing dangers (cardiac arrhythymia , death) is just too high . One that I have used with some success is Spironolactone (aldactone).The beauty of this one is that you don't need to worry about the sodium content of anything you eat or drink leading up to the contest.This can be a blessing as you already have enough to worry about getting the right macronutrients at the right time in the right amounts without factoring in the sodium content of everything as well.Two things to watch out for are:-
1) Don't restrict water intake as well and
2) Don't use supplemental potassium.(hyperkalaemia is a KILLER)
A downside to Aldactone worth mentioning also is that it has an anti-androgen effect which may negatively impact on your hardness and vascularity.You need to take aldactone commencing at least 6 days before the competition in order for it to be fully active by contest time
Another option would be Moduretic . Another diuretic in the thiazide class of diuretics but has a different mode of action and has a more rapid onset.Being another potassium sparing diuretic the precautions are the same as Aldactone. DON'T completely restrict water and DON'T add supplemental potassium.
The major cosmetic problem with diuretics of any kind is that they all have the potential to draw water from the muscles as well as subscutaneously (although aldactone and moduretics have less tendency to do this).This leaves you looking flat and stringy.
If at all possible avoid all diuretic use by using sodium loading and natural diuretics like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Hope this helps and if anyone reading would like to add to this or perhaps even correct me please do.I'd rather be corrected than cause harm through mis-information.
ColumboWeiser
New member
marus...great post I am going to use either dyazide, Aldactone, and/ or Moduretic...can you help with the last week of prep...how long do you take them and what dosage? thanks for all the help...
Nice reply mraus.I posted this a long time ago.I completely forgot about it.When I posted this I was just curious as to what others do BECAUSE it is such a controversial subject.I already have my own system for water manipulation and diuretics are rarely involved.I think they tend to do more harm than good.Anyway,thanks for the excellent input.I'm sure it will help many
ColumboWeiser
New member
HEY BODYFX...could you throw me your last week contest prep so I can compair it to mine...always looking for ways to improve...
Me personally, i've always started the aldactone on the Sunday or Monday before the show. I start with one a day then gradually increase up to 1 1/2. By Thurday, I am at the 1 1/2 mark. 1 in the mroning and the half 12 hrs later. I continue like this on Friday, except that I take 1 in the morning and then the other 1/2 8 hours later. Usually ar ound 10 or 11, I'll take a half of aldactizide. Aldactizide is 25mg aldactone, 25mg thiazide. As I said, I take a 1/2 before bed. Saturday morning I wake up and have breakfast at about 7:30-8:00. After breakfast I take another 1/2 of aldactizide to keep everything moving. I also NEVER restrict water. Drink as you feel you need to. Don't overdo it, but don't be afraid to either. Depending on how long prejudging is lasting, or how I feel I am looking, I may throw another 1/4 of aldactizide in. As was stated earlier, don't be afraid to eat AND drink. This will keep you full. Just sharing my experiences, I am not giving instruction. Thanks.
ColumboWeiser
New member
Do you limit sodium intake? How have you placed on contest day and at what level? Just curious...not dissin you bro!
Good stuff swole...Columbo,my last week goes something like this...Monday-Wednesday is 50gr carbs or less,higher fat and protein,all the water I want,and normal sodium.Thursday is carb load(but same overall calories as M-W),low sodium,and about 1 gallon distilled water.Friday is carb load with lower glycemic carbs than on Thurs.,zero sodium(I accomplish this by using amino acid gel caps in place of protein),and sipping water with meals......I might use an herbal diuretic such as Taraxatone at double dose from midday Fri to a few hours b4 pre-judge on Sat.Thats a basic overview of my last week without going into specifics.
