Body detox and the Urinary System

Our urinary system comprises the bladder, ureters, urethra and principally the kidneys through which waste products are passed out from our body. Our two bean-shaped, fist-sized kidneys, found at either side of the spine at the mid-lower back, filter toxins from the blood and return nutrients like amino acids and glucose to the blood. Over 24 hours, the kidneys clean over 500 gallons of blood which flows at the rate of over a quart per minute and removes the toxins that have been processed by the liver.

Regardless of how much water you drink daily, your kidneys strive to keep your body water level balanced. When it regulates the retention and excretion of water (via urine, skin, breath and intestinal tract), the kidneys ensure that the blood has the correct mix of minerals. The kidneys also make sure that the amount of water loss in a day is more or less the same what you drink.

The urine concentration will then vary which is done via exchanges of water and salt.

Upon the breaking down of protein into amino acids, these waste products like ammonia and urea are made and the kidneys help remove them. The kidneys also try to balance the amount of electrolytes including sodium, magnesium, calcium and chloride – the remaining excess will be drawn out in the urine. Thus when the urine finally leaves the body, it helps to eliminate undesired toxins, yeasts and organic chemicals even though it is sterile.

Since the kidneys check through everything that is in the bloodstream, toxins can affect the kidneys. Examples of toxins that overburden the kidneys are prescription drugs, metals like mercury and lead and also environmental chemicals. If the kidneys become stressed, your body may experience water retention, lower back pain, little energy, hypertension, hypotension, reduced sexual function and becomes more prone to infection.

You may also have swollen fingers and ankles, puffy eyes, dark urine, blood in urine, fever, painful urination, kidney stones, kidney and bladder cancer.

Instances of substances that can stress the urinary system are: not enough water, caffeine, alcohol, too much protein, food addictives, refined table salt and even excessive fear.

In order to have a healthier urinary system and hence a more efficient body detox system, try to go on a organic whole foods diet with special focus on water, more vegetables such as asparagus, beets, dandelion greens, vegetable juices, watermelons, cucumbers and water containing lemon/lime.