What is a common use of diuretics in the context of sports doping?

Diuretics are often used in sports doping primarily to mask the presence of other banned substances in an athlete's system. These drugs work by increasing urine production, which can help athletes flush out substances that may be detected in drug tests. By doing so, athletes aim to evade detection and maintain their competitive edge while using performance-enhancing drugs.

Other uses of diuretics, such as enhancing muscle recovery or improving cardiovascular fitness, are not their primary function, particularly in the context of doping. While hydration levels can influence recovery and performance, the principal reason for their use among athletes involved in doping is to avoid penalties associated with the use of other illicit substances. Thus, diuretics serve more as a tool for circumventing drug testing rather than directly enhancing athletic performance.