Helping the urinary tract to detox

The purpose of the Urinary tract is to produce urine and discharge this to the exterior - a process which is termed excretion. It is necessary to produce and excrete urine for the following reasons:

• To maintain water balance in the body. The kidneys regulate the amount (or concentration) of water which is present in the body. This in turn, will determine the concentration of the substances found in blood, plasma, the extracellular fluid and inside cells. Excess water in the body dilutes these substances and conversely, too little water increases the concentration.
• To maintain the balance of electrolytes. Chemical substances dissolved in blood, plasma and the body fluids include simple molecules such as sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphates. These substances are termed electrolytes (because they bear small electrical charges).For the cells in the body to function normally, the amount of electrolytes present in plasma has to be controlled to lie within certain specific ranges.For instance, sodium is consumed and absorbed from our food in quantities in excess of our metabolic requirements. An excess of sodium in our blood can interfere with the metabolic processes which are vital to cellular function. The kidneys excrete sodium atoms which are not required,so that the level of sodium in blood remains within the normal range.
• To excrete waste substances. Waste substances such as urea are produced as a result of the normal metabolic activity of the cells in the body. These substances have to be excreted and urine is an important route for the elimination of urea and many similar substances.

If fluid retention, persistent cystitis or urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a problem, it is very important to:

• Drink at least 2 litres of still water daily, at whatever temperature you prefer. Tap water is allowable but sparkling water is not. This is one of the most important parts of a detox.
• Avoid dehydrating drinks such as coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and alcohol. Herbal teas and pure fruit juices are acceptable but must be taken in addition to, rather than instead of, 2 litres of water.

In addition avoid foods that are heavily salted.

Choose herbal teas such as birch, golden rod, fennel, dandelion leaf and nettle to promote a better fluid balance.

Kidneys suffer badly from our modern habits of not drinking enough water while consuming large quantities of  dehydrating salt, coffee and fizzy drinks.

In addition, these organs do not appreciate refined sugar, therefore between crisps and chocolate bars they don’t have a very good time.

Kidneys in distress show up with symptoms such as puffy eyes, swollen hands, feet and legs, water retention, fatigue, low back pain, frequent infection and kidney stones or gravel.

Stinging Nettle increases urination. It helps to flush out materials that may develop into kidney stones, and can be combined very well with the traditional diuretic plants, dandelion and goldenrod.

Stinging Nettle:

• Increases urine flow and helps the kidneys get rid of acids
• Prevents kidney stones and gravel

As with the liver, it is useful to cleanse and tone the kidneys a couple of times a year. A two-month period is best for an initial cleanse if symptoms are persistent. Otherwise, use it for one month, twice a year, as part of a detox program. There are no contraindications for long-term usage if this is necessary.

Always increase the dose gradually so the kidneys can adjust to the increased toxin flow. Please remember that kidney problems may be serious. If symptoms are pronounced or persistent, a
healthcare professional should be consulted to rule out the possibility of serious disease.

Bladder Formula - Cystoforce, This is a Alfred Vogel own combination of Bearberry (Uva-ursi) and Echinaforce. It disinfects the bladder and prevents UTIs such as cystitis. It can be taken at the first sign of cystitis to shorten or ward off the attack. If infections are a regular occurrence it can be used preventatively.