~ Don’t “Kid"ney Yourself ~
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, kidney disease is listed as
one of the top ten causes of death due to disease in America! Neglected kidneys
are too often overlooked and ignored when, in all probability it is the neglect
of these organs that is at the root of many of our health problems.
The kidneys play an integral role in many body functions. As these little guys
tend to carry a lot of responsibilities, it is wise to support, nourish, and
cleanse them before any problems arise.
Functions of the Kidneys
In order to understand why the kidneys are integral to maintaining bodily
health, it is necessary to understand what roles the kidneys play within the
complex system we call the human organism. In simple terms, the kidneys' major
bodily functions are as follows:
• To control and distribute the body's fluids
• To regulate the electrolyte levels
• To remove toxic waste
• To regulate the body's pH level
And to think that all this is done on a twenty-four hour basis! The healthy
kidney works continuously to keep the system in a homeostatic state of balance.
At an hourly rate, the body's blood is circulated through the kidneys about
twenty times. During this process the kidneys are acting as filters by
continuously removing excess water, minerals, and waste, and eliminating these
by-products in the urine.
The kidneys are essentially a regulatory system. If too much fluid is taken in,
the kidneys eliminate the excess. If not enough fluid is taken in, then fluids
are conserved. Furthermore, they act to manage potassium and sodium levels. If
salt intake is excessive, or potassium is deficient, the kidneys strive for
equilibrium either by excreting or retaining that element.
A further duty of the kidneys is the manufacturing of an important hormone
called erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is an essential element for stimulating
the production of red blood cells. Among its many other uses, having enough red
blood cells ensures that anemia will not become a problem.
The Eastern Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are believed to be the
storehouse Jing. Jing is akin to the life force itself. It is associated with
birth through to death. According to TCM, every part of the body is dependant on
Jing; the kidneys are therefore viewed as the foundation of health for each and
every organ. This is one reason why the kidneys are referred to as the "root of
all life."
Jing is considered as the original source of reproduction; the kidneys
ultimately govern conception. They further carry on to assist with the passage
from childhood to adulthood, and finally, as the Jing weakens, the inevitable
descent into old age.
Because of the intimate relationship between Jing and the kidneys, reproductive
disorders such as impotence, sterility, and lack of sexual maturation are all
considered to be malfunctions of the kidneys.
The kidneys also act as bone specialists. In this arena, the kidneys hold the
responsibility of producing marrow, which in turn supplies strength and
nourishment to the skeletal system. So any bone deficiency conditions such as
osteoporosis, bones that are too soft, or stiffness in the spine all relate back
to the health of the kidneys.
Have you ever heard the phrase "I have to go to the bathroom so bad my teeth are
floating"? Or worse yet, have you ever felt that uneasy discomfort yourself? No,
this is not some isolated quirk; there is some truth to this saying as the
kidneys rule the teeth too! Some physically sensitive individuals will actually
have a tickling sensation in their gums when there is an urgency to urinate. It
sounds strange, but then who ever said the body wasn't an amazingly odd anomaly?
The health of the teeth seems to be dictated by the state of well-being of its
ruler, the kidneys.
Hearing well? If your significant other constantly complains
that you are not listening to them, it may be more than selective listening
habits after all. Yep, you got it; it could be your kidneys! It should be of no
surprise by now that the kidneys have an affiliation with the ears. In TCM,
practitioners address hearing problems in the elderly by first treating the
kidneys.
What about your hair? Has it been looking and feeling drier and thinner these
days? Are there a few gray strands popping up prematurely? Kidneys again! A loss
of the vital Jing force can be aid to be the culprit yet again. This loss in
Jing subsequently leads to a path of feeling and looking older than one really
is.
The emotion associated with the kidneys is fear. The kidneys can become weakened
by fear, as well as emotions related to fear, such as extreme shyness,
insecurity, anxiety, and nervousness. Weakness can also occur from high stress
levels and overwork.
Anything; Else to Add to the List?
Other conditions that are related to poor kidney function are:
*Urinary tract infections
*Edema
*Lumbago
*Weakness in the lower body
*Swelling, stiffness, and pain in the limbs
*Constipation
*Adrenal exhaustion
*Symptoms of menopause
A More Serous Side
Many of the symptoms listed above are common, and unfortunately, many people
will just accept and live with them. This may be due in part to the fact that
many symptoms of a kidney condition are vague, varied, and difficult to pin
down. But if left to progress without any intervention, a kidney disorder can
become quite debilitating, painful, and even life threatening.
Some of the more serious illnesses connected with the kidneys are:
*Kidney stones (very painful)
*Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
*Uremia (toxic build up of protein by-products in the blood)
*Arthritis
*Bright’s disease (hypertension, edema, and blood protein in urine)
Causes of Kidney Disorders
Some of the more common cause of kidney disorders are
infections, serve trauma, chemical poisoning, prescription drugs, complications
of diabetes, liver disease, cancer, high blood pressure, lupus, lack of blood
flow to the kidneys, and hereditary factors.
A diet high in animal proteins, dairy, refined sugar, alcohol, and caffeine can
be very detrimental to the kidneys, and can, in fact, be the source of a
self-inflicted kidney weakness.
Diet is of critical importance in both preventing and in healing a kidney
problem. The kidneys are particularly sensitive to acid-forming foods (all the
foods listed above) because they are responsible for flushing out these acids
and maintaining the pH balance in the blood.
The more acid-producing the foods, the harder the kidneys must work to equalize
and maintain the pH balance of the body. Since our North American diets are so
high in acid-producing foods, it is no wonder kidney disorders are on the rise,
as are many other diseases that a high acidic content can be held accountable
for.
With a little bit of knowledge we can surely prevent much grief. By making
changes in our diet it is possible to lead a long and healthy life.
Prevention is Still the Best Way to Go
As with so many diseases, kidney disease can be prevented.
There are some very simple measures that can be taken to ensure good health and
happy kidneys.
Keeping the kidneys cleansed and nourished year round is the most sensible and
body friendly action one can take.
Below are some suggestions that can be followed on a regular basis to preserve
the integrity of these remarkable organs.
WATER, water, water - is sooooo good! And it is so essential that if all you do
is drink your 6-8 glasses of
purified water per day you're already halfway
there. Water has a multitude of functions and it is, in essence, the "oil" that
greases the machinery.
The kidneys are responsible for flushing out the metabolic wastes such as uric
acid, lactic acid, and urea, and it is water that is required to dissolve these
acids, then without an adequate supply of this vital fluid, damage to the
kidneys can result.
Many of us lose our taste for water over the years and it takes a concerted
effort to get it into the body. Not only does the thirst reflex become weaker as
we get older, but as the body becomes more and more dehydrated, water becomes
less and less appealing. A good psychological edge to trick the psyche is to
always have a bottle of water on hand. It doesn't take long to develop a habit,
and before long your hand will naturally bring the bottle to the mouth for a
splash of water. Try to drink eight ounces of water every hour. It seems less
painful that way.
Speaking of drinks— Green tea has a regenerating effect on the kidneys. Chinese
physicians have been experimenting with Green tea in regards to chronic renal
failure, and they are having significant results with it, showing a decline in
symptoms and improved blood and urine profiles. They believe this is due to
green tea's ability to neutralize free radicals.
More Green Stuff
And speaking of green,
Chlorophyll is an excellent green drink that has an
exceptional cleansing, healing, and rejuvenating action on the kidneys. It is a
blood purifier, and it helps to regulate the calcium levels in the blood.
One teaspoon a day supports the kidneys in filtering out sludge and promotes
healthy pH levels.
Natures Sunshine has a drink called
Green Zone. This product helps to alkalize
the system. It is cleansing, very nutritious, and eases the burden of the
kidneys to eliminate waste. It contains trace minerals and minerals that are
often deficient in people with kidney dysfunctions. A great "fast food" for
those who are on the run and still want to cat well.
Parsley — This is a simple food that can be added to every meal in a small
amount and is often used as a garnish to tempt the palate and to make food look
more appealing.
But parsley is so much more than decorative. It too is high in chlorophyll and
minerals, particularly iron and potassium. Among herbalists, it is a favorite
for kidney and bladder problems, often used to treat kidney stones, bed-wetting,
and general kidney malaise. It is an excellent diuretic, and it strengthens the
adrenal glands.
More Herbs To Help
Uva Ursi — is a diuretic, it tonifies the kidneys, and it aids in the
removal of mucous and blood from the urine. This herb is effective in most
kidney disorders and is best known for its historical uses in kidney/bladder
infections, incontinence, nephritis, diabetes, and bed-wetting.
Juniper - This little berry is a diuretic. Juniper is used to clean the
system of uric acid. It has been used to treat kidney infections, kidney stones,
edema, adrenal weakness, diabetes, and bed-wetting.
Because juniper stimulates the kidneys by irritating them, it is advisable to
use it for short periods of time, and to avoid its use where there is
inflammation of the kidneys.
Hydrangea - contains alkaloids that act like cortisone in the body;
therefore it aids in alleviating pain. This is good news for anyone who knows
firsthand the pain of passing a kidney stone. Hydrangea can prevent gravel from
forming in the kidneys. It is also helpful in the case of gallstones. Other uses
for hydrangea are for bladder infections, gout, and backaches.
Marshmallow root — is a mucilaginous herb that is very soothing to the
kidneys and bladder. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant that soothes
and heals. Marshmallow is high in vitamin A, calcium, and zinc. It has been used
for bed wetting, gravel, urinary tract infections, nephritis, and stones.
Cornsilk - has a cleansing effect on the urinary tract. It is a valuable
herb in cases of renal and cystic inflammation. Cornsilk removes gravel from the
kidneys, urethra, and bladder, and cleanses mucus from the urine.
Nature's Sunshine has two herbal combinations for the kidneys that I
really like. The Kidney
Activator and the
KB-C are both Chinese herbal formulations.
KB-C is used to strengthen a weakened condition of the kidneys. This
combination strengthens bones, enhances the libido, and treats adrenal
exhaustion, lower backaches, frequent urination, premature graying of the hair,
and spinal disorders.
Kidney Activator is used to alleviate a stressed condition of the kidneys. It treats
conditions such as edema, pain and swelling of the joints, arthritis, dizziness,
obesity, nephritis, and urinary tract infections.
The Kidneys' Plea
Reduce stress, (well actually, learn how to manage stress), eat
a balanced diet with less emphasis on animal proteins, dairy, sugar, and
processed foods. Exercise, and cleanse and nourish the kidneys. Integrate these
steps into your lifestyle, and your kidneys will treat you well! Its as simple
as that, and I’m not kidneying!
Go to my personal
NATURE'S SUNSHINE site for your Personal "Health Analysis".
You may
also check on product information, ordering and become a member for FREE.
Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail:
Karen
