Kidneys
– Take Care of Yours Naturally
by
Margaret Durst
The Green House
Previously
by Margaret Durst: Vitamin
K – More Than Just Klotting Factor
Kidneys are the organs that maintain our water balance and help
manage the pH of our bodies. While we generally think of kidneys
as organs that get rid of water, they actually conserve water by
filtering waste products into urine while returning the rest to
the blood stream. Approximately 100 quarts of liquid are filtered
through the kidneys daily with only 1½ quarts passing out
of the body as urine.
High protein
diets are hard on the kidneys. Uric acid, a by-product of protein
metabolism, must be eliminated by the kidneys. If too much protein
is consumed, the kidneys get overloaded with waste which can result
in high blood pressure, joint problems, and fluid retention. Many
of the herbs used for kidney conditions help to neutralize uric
acid so that it can be eliminated.
Gout is a condition
that results from too much uric acid. It is a very painful condition
that happens when the uric acid crystallizes usually in the
extremities like the big toe. Supporting the kidneys with cherry
juice and herbs to strengthen the kidneys and neutralize uric acid
can be very helpful.
Traditional
Chinese medicine views the kidney as a major energy channel or meridian
in the body. Imbalances along this energy channel tend to affect
other parts of the body related to this energy channel. Accordingly,
kidney imbalances may relate to dry mouth, lung congestion, low
back or hip pain, knee and ankle pain or proneness to injury, and/or
hemorrhoids, hernia or tailbone pain. Working with kidney-strengthening
herbs can help alleviate symptoms along this energy channel.
Kidney stones
and calcification in the kidneys are problems partially caused by
excess calcium in the urine. This excess calcium can be from a magnesium
deficiency, a potassium deficiency, inadequate water consumption,
high sodium intake, high calcium intake from unbalanced sources
such as antacids, high oxalate intake from foods such as chocolate,
coffee, spinach and beans, and high intake of acid-forming foods
such as sugar, coffee, sodas and animal protein. If this reminds
you of my articles on pH and bone health, you are following along
perfectly. Its all related.
One of the
best ways to help your kidneys is to drink water. Good quality water
is the best, most natural drink for your body. Adding lemon juice
to your water is also helpful for the kidneys as the lemon juice
is alkalizing, helping the kidneys eliminate acid waste. Unsweetened
cranberry juice is another good addition to water to break down
toxins and help the kidneys eliminate them.
Herbs that
are useful for kidneys fall in several major groups. Diuretics such
as parsley and dandelion help with water retention. Antiseptics
such as juniper, buchu, uva ursi and cranberry fight infection.
Demulcents such as marshmallow leaf and corn silk have a soothing
action. Anti-lithics such as parsley, hydrangea and gravel root
help remove stones. Herbal tonics that strengthen and tone the urinary
system include buchu, uva ursi, juniper and dong quai. In looking
for an herbal remedy for kidneys, there are many good blends that
combine several of the herbs listed above.
January 31, 2012
Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.
Copyright
© 2012 Margaret
Durst
The
Best of Margaret Durst
|