SteelFit is a brand primarily known for their weight loss supplements and stage-ready approach to sports nutrition. They are a key brand trusted by many competitors to assist in looking their absolute best on stage.
The evolution of SteelFit continues as they expand their supplement line in an attempt to become an entirely comprehensive sports nutrition company. They will no longer be a company only associated with contest-prep and competitors looking to gain an edge under the stage lights.
Product Overview
Recently we brought you a comprehensive review on SteelFit’s Releaf all-natural recovery formula. This week we are taking a look at another product in the SteelFit line. But this time our product is back on track with what SteelFit became known for, giving competitors the edge under those stage lights.
Hydra Steel® is an all-natural diuretic that contains several strong ingredients that have extensive use throughout traditional folk medicine for a wide variety of uses. We are getting great doses of most of the ingredients, and the team over at SteelFit has done a fantastic job crafting an effective profile.
Ingredients
We have a solid amount of ingredients in Hydra Steel®. Having more than just a few ingredients is great, but do the ingredients have evidence supporting their inclusion in a natural diuretic supplement? Let’s take a look at each of these individually and see if we can answer that question.
Dandelion Root Extract
This ingredient is an all-natural extract that has been used as a diuretic in traditional folk medicine for centuries. We also see it used quite frequently in modern medicine throughout Europe and the Americas. Due to its diuretic effects, it has commonly been used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and other disorders that typically require diuretic usage.
One study looked at the effect dandelion root extract had on the urination frequency and urination volume in various subjects. Each participant was given root extract 3 times during the first day of the trial. Researchers recorded the urine volume and the frequency of urine.
The trial concluded that dandelion root extract increases urine output substantially during the first 5-hours following oral administration. The most noticeable increase was a 25% increase in urination frequency, while urine volume was not significantly affected. However, more studies are warranted regarding the effectiveness of dandelion root extract due to the low population size in this study (17 subjects).
We like to see this ingredient dosed at 500mg or higher for maximum effectiveness. A proper clinical dosage has not been established. We are getting a good dosage here.
Corn Silk Extract
Corn silk is the stringy, natural fibers that are found inside the husks of corn. If you have ever shucked corn, you have a pretty good idea of what we are talking about here. These fibers are actually rich in a variety of plant compounds that are responsible for several health benefits. Corn silk is another ingredient that has an extensive history throughout traditional Chinese and Native American medicine.
Though Corn Silk is commonly used throughout herbal medicine, there is not as much clinical research regarding its efficacy as one may think. The most significant health benefit is the reduction of high blood pressure. This is due to its diuretic properties, which is the reason it is included in Hydra Steel®. Corn silk has been shown to act as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in order to relax the veins and reduce hypertension. This is the same mechanism commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs such as lisinopril act to reduce hypertension.
A study from 2015 gave human subjects increasing amounts of corn silk extract to assess the effect it has on blood pressure and diuresis (increase in urine production). This study used increasing dosages of the extract that are much higher than you will find in any dietary supplement on the market today. The trial with the most success used the extract at 260mg/kg of bodyweight. The researchers concluded that the extract has a lowering effect on blood pressure and also increases diuresis to some degree.
We are getting 250mg of this ingredient here in Hydra Steel®. While this is a much lower dose than we see in clinical trials, this ingredient has been shown to be effective at increasing diuresis at much higher dosages.
Juniper Berries Fruit Extract
The Juniper Berry comes from an evergreen aromatic shrub that is rich in oils, sugars, resins, catechins and organic acid. This ingredient has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a natural diuretic. Many claim the natural oils found in the berries are what causes an increase in fluid excretion.
There are very few clinical trials that investigate this extract and its ability to cause the body to excrete fluid at a higher rate. There are no studies that directly investigate this issue. We see several studies demonstrating its effects on blood pressure which occurs due to the reduction of edema (excess fluid) and an increase in diuresis.
While there is no direct research that provides statistical evidence relating this berry extract to an increase in urine output or fluid excretion, we can say that it has a place in this formula. This ingredient has been used for centuries as a means of reducing edema and it has been successful as a natural diuretic. We would like to see new science emerge backing these claims from the herbal/traditional medicine sector.
Nettle Leaf Extract
This ingredient is commonly seen as stinging nettle in many supplements on the market today. It has been used extensively throughout traditional and folk medicine, dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Roman Empire.
Nettle extract contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phenols which have antioxidant effects on the body. The historical use of this compound is tied to its anti-inflammatory benefits. Many believe it is a viable treatment to relieve arthritis-related pain symptoms. It has also shown promise as a relief for men with enlarged prostates.
Several animal studies have shown that nettle extract is capable of lowering blood pressure to some degree. This is due to the natural diuretic properties of nettle, allowing the body to shed excess salt and water. We would like to see human studies reflecting this claim in the future.
Many studies use dosages a bit higher than what we are getting here. For enlarged prostate, we typically see dosages of 300mg+, while for hypertensive relief through diuresis we see dosages around 500mg or higher. We are getting 130mg of nettle extract here with Hydra Steel®.
Caffeine Anhydrous
Everyone is familiar with caffeine. In fact, caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. In the Western world, more than 80% of adults consume caffeine on a regular basis. What you may not know is that caffeine can have strong diuretic effects, especially when used at higher dosages.
There are a plethora of studies on caffeine as it is one of the most extensively studied drugs on the planet. Drinking caffeine as part of a normal lifestyle does not likely increase the risk of dehydration, as long as water is normally consumed throughout the day as well. However, you may notice that after your routine 2 or 3 cups of coffee in the mornings that you have an increase in urination frequency for a few hours. This is due to the mild diuretic effect of caffeine.
One meta-analysis from 2015 looked at 28 studies regarding the diuretic effects of caffeine, both during exercise and while sedentary. The median caffeine dose was 300mg. The meta-analysis confirmed the mild diuretic effects of caffeine, as the caffeine ingestion group experienced an average urine volume increase of almost 20%. The interesting component of this study is researchers found that exercise appears to be a strong moderator, meaning it negates an increase in diuresis.
We are getting 64mg of caffeine anhydrous here with Hydra Steel®. This will not warrant the same amount of urine increase as the mentioned study above, but it should provide some sort of increase in urine output. However, if you regularly consume upwards of 200-300mg of caffeine daily, this small amount of caffeine will likely go unnoticed.
Guarana Seed Extract
This extract comes from the seed of a plant native to Brazil and is found in the Amazon river basin. It has been used for centuries by many Amazonian tribes due to its therapeutic properties. This compound is commonly used in the beverage industry as a component of energy and soft drinks.
Guarana contains a wide range of stimulants including caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. This is what makes it a good addition to Hydra Steel® as it will help increase the body’s ability to shed excess water. This ingredient also contains an impressive antioxidant profile and is very similar to green tea.
We commonly see this ingredient used in studies around the range of 50-75mg for max effectiveness. SteelFit is putting us right on target here with 56mg of guarana extract. This ingredient will work well alongside the other compounds in this formula to shed excess water.
Final Takeaway
SteelFit does it again. They have a strong legacy for releasing products competitors can trust and rely on to bring their best package to the stage, and Hydra Steel® does not fall short.
Hydra Steel® is a product that will encourage your body to rid excess water weight and bloat in just a few days. Many of the ingredients included in this formula are fast-acting and will begin creating water loss in a matter of a few hours.
The team at SteelFit found a way to create an effective herbal diuretic that can compete alongside any product on the market today. If you are prepping for a show, or even just wanting to look extra-lean for that special occasion such as a wedding or vacation then look no further. SteelFit has you covered on all corners.
We have not yet personally reviewed Hydra Steel® from SteelFit. Sign-up below to be alerted when our full, honest, no bullshit review goes LIVE.
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