Kidneys – Ureter – Bladder – Urethra
Common Issues : Urinary Tract infections, Kidney Stones, Gout, Oedema, Incontinence, High Blood Pressure
POWER HOUSE KIDNEYS
Kidney Function
Urine is produced by the kidneys for excreting bodily waste products. This helps maintain the body’s blood electrolyte homeostasis which controls the PH (acid/alkaline) balance. Instinctively we may grab a glass of water when feeling thirsty or feel the need to eat something salty, this is our body telling us we need to adjust our electrolyte balance. Cramps are a sign of an imbalance too. The minerals; Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium are the star player electrolytes. Personally, I don’t recommend sports drinks especially not for children. Plain filtered water with some lemon juice is ideal.
The kidneys are responsible for excreting the waste products of protein breakdown. For those that over-consume a high protein diet long term, this can ultimately lead to kidney failure. Protein intake should be in line with exercise output and mineral replacement from whole-food nutrition. Further, a high sugar diet is known to increase the incidence of kidney stones. Ultimately, everyone is biochemically unique and finding your equilibrium of what works for you is a learning process.
A hormone, erythropoietin, is produced by the kidneys which stimulates bone marrow to make red blood cells. There is a close interlink between the kidneys and the cardiovascular system. The slightest change in electrolyte levels, from a kidney malfunction, can result in heart dysfunction and high blood pressure.
Every time you urinate it is good to know you are washing away any bacteria down the urethra (duct passage from bladder to external body) into the toilet because of urine’s acidity, it naturally cleans the urethra fully. Therefore ‘holding on’ or not drinking enough fluids can be a fast track to a painful infection developing. Men have a longer urethra than women, so they are less likely to get a urinary tract infection.
Hydration, good nutrition, exercise and fearlessness are what it takes to have healthy kidneys.
ENERGY MEDICINE
The Witching Hour 5-7pm
For parents of young children and babies, this is definitely ‘peak hour’ when the family is tired and wants soothing. These two hours are when the energy (biorhythm) of the kidneys are at their greatest in the 24 hour cycle of the meridians (life energy pathways) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many adults find themselves grabbing a wine or beer to relax and unwind after a busy, difficult or draining day. This can become an unwanted habit even after a relaxing day.
Filtering Fear
Traditional Chinese Medicine have linked all bodies organs to specific emotions. The kidneys are linked to Fear which can manifest as chronic fear or anxiety. Money, housing and job security are usually the top 3 fear factors people worry about the most. In 2021 we can add health fears of the Corona Virus that is flooding our psyche today. Holding on to these ‘fears’ will affect optimal kidney function. Hopefully in the not too distant future we will fully understand how our thinking and belief systems do effect our physical health. The Kidneys relate to our Safety, Security, Trust and Survival. Do you have any issues with those topics?
PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
Observation
Healthy urine is a pale yellow straw colour with no odour. First urination of the day will be darker and should get lighter throughout the day. If it stays dark all day, or you don’t urinate very often, you could very well be dehydrated potentially leading to a urinary tract infection and a lot of pain. There are many variables to the colour, odour, consistency, weight, viscosity and pH of urine, all of which can reveal the health of the kidneys. A urine analysis is required (Uristix) then analysed by a nurse, doctor or a naturopath.
Witching Hour Prep
If the Witching Hour is difficult for you, make sure you have some strategies in place, be prepared. For Example: Calming herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint, ginger) or go for a short walk to relieve the stressors of the day. I gave my sons cooled chamomile tea in their baby bottles, especially on hot days. Having dinner pre-organised is helpful too. A soothing bath with organic lavender oil (3-5 droplets) into the water for the baby or children, relaxing them for the evening and bedtime.
How to hydrate and flush the renal system
Water with lemon or lime juice is ideal, being sipped throughout the day. Plain water is ok but adding lemon will help a lot more if you are working in a hot environment or you are not feeling 100%. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices made into a smoothie will not only hydrate you but will boost your nutritional levels for the entire body. Herbal teas are fully loaded with both nutrition and healing properties adding to your daily hydration needs. Specifically, the herbs; Dandelion Leaf and Corn Silk are great tonics for the kidneys.
Unfortunately the old favourites; coffee, tea, soft drink, dairy milk and alcohol are all de-hydrating drinks. These are ok, but in moderation. If you have any disorder, eg. UTI, stones or gout, avoid those drinks. Lemon juice and cranberry juice are often used to treat urinary tract infections but prevention is a gentler approach to maintain the health of your renal system.
MY WATERMELON KIDNEY CLEANSE
Juice up.. 1 cup Watermelon, 1 Celery stalk, 1 Lemon OR Lime, and 5 Basil Leaves 🙂
Now you are an expert in observing your own urinary system, take notice of your children’s urinary health and teach them the basics too. It will help them immensely in becoming pro-active in their self-healthcare into adulthood. x
If you require more information or a private consultation, contact me directly.
https://www.homecuresthatwork.com/17982/kidney-cleanse-for-renal-health/
[https://www.verywellmind.com/emotions-in-traditional-chinese-medicine-88196]
