Heal:
Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - The Liver - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Lymphatic System - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - The Liver - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Lymphatic System - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
Each kidney is made up of a million microscopic filters that remove impurities in the form of metabolic waste and acids from the blood. Every minute the heart pumps blood into the kidneys while the kidneys remove excess wastes and excess water from your body and create urine to carry these wastes out of the body. After the blood has been filtered and cleaned by the kidneys it is recirculated into the body.
While the body can achieve homeostasis with only one kidney, or even loss of function in both kidneys, we cannot live without some level of kidney filtration.
As one of the body’s major systems of elimination the kidneys play a vital role removing metabolic waste from our bodies through the process of kidney filtration. Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. Overall, the kidneys filter about 150 quarts of blood per day, and only one to two quarts becomes urine. While the main role of the kidneys is to remove cellular wastes and acids from our blood, the kidneys also control blood volume (by regulating water content of the body, which in turn regulates blood pressure), as well as help regulate pH. As well, the kidneys contribute to overall homeostasis by secreting hormones related to the production of red blood cells and blood pressure balance.
The kidneys are shaped like an ear and are purplish-brown in color. They are situated at the back of the abdominal cavity, one on each side (lateral) of the spine. The tops of the kidneys are opposite the 12th thoracic vertebra. They weigh approximately 5 ounces each, and are about 4.5 inches long, 3 inches
wide, and 1 inch thick. Microscopic nephrons make up the structural and functional aspects of the kidneys. As in most organs, and especially in glands, you find an outer portion— called the cortex and an inner portion—the medulla. Urine is formed in the nephrons, which are made up of a renal corpuscle and a venal tubule. These look like long pyramids. The cortex (outer) portion of the kidney houses
most of the small capillary beds that are the filtering tissue between the blood and the nephron. This area is involved in filtration and reabsorption.
Urine consists of many by-products of metabolism, such as urea, ammonia, hydrogen ions, creatinine, chemical toxins, medications, synthetic vitamins, and minerals, etc. These wastes (urine) travel down this pyramid (nephron tubules) into the inner portion (or medulla), where they enter into common ducts called papillary ducts, which empty into the kidney reservoirs (calyces). From here the urine moves down through the ureter to the bladder. (Robert Morse, N.D. - Detox Miracle Sourcebook)
wide, and 1 inch thick. Microscopic nephrons make up the structural and functional aspects of the kidneys. As in most organs, and especially in glands, you find an outer portion— called the cortex and an inner portion—the medulla. Urine is formed in the nephrons, which are made up of a renal corpuscle and a venal tubule. These look like long pyramids. The cortex (outer) portion of the kidney houses
most of the small capillary beds that are the filtering tissue between the blood and the nephron. This area is involved in filtration and reabsorption.
Urine consists of many by-products of metabolism, such as urea, ammonia, hydrogen ions, creatinine, chemical toxins, medications, synthetic vitamins, and minerals, etc. These wastes (urine) travel down this pyramid (nephron tubules) into the inner portion (or medulla), where they enter into common ducts called papillary ducts, which empty into the kidney reservoirs (calyces). From here the urine moves down through the ureter to the bladder. (Robert Morse, N.D. - Detox Miracle Sourcebook)
Symptoms of Compromised Kidney Function
Frequent Urination (when in acute to sub-acute stages)
Water retention or the inability to urinate (when in chronic or degenerative stages)
Pain in kidneys or referred pain in the mid to low-back near the kidney area (Pain and inflammation related to kidneys can move into the sacrum and hips)
Skin problems, hives, rashes
Edema
Systemic acidosis and toxicity
Puffiness or darkness under eyes
Water retention or the inability to urinate (when in chronic or degenerative stages)
Pain in kidneys or referred pain in the mid to low-back near the kidney area (Pain and inflammation related to kidneys can move into the sacrum and hips)
Skin problems, hives, rashes
Edema
Systemic acidosis and toxicity
Puffiness or darkness under eyes
What Harms the Kidneys
If you’re in the business of wanting your liver, kidneys, and pancreas to break down, then go ahead and listen to practitioners’ advice to eat a high-protein—and therefore high-fat—diet and shun fruit sugar. I don’t side with any particular food program, diet, or nutritional belief system. I’m not against animal foods. It’s just that if animal products take the place of fruit in your diet, you won’t get enough nutrients to protect you for the long haul.
(Medical Medium)
(Medical Medium)
The liver, pancreas, kidneys and intestines are destroyed when protein consumption is too high.
(Robert Morse, N.D.)
(Robert Morse, N.D.)
As one of most important channels of elimination in the body, the kidneys can easily become weakened by external and internal poisons; the lifestyle of the individual, the thoughts, feelings, and influences; habits and associations are reflected in the level of kidney vitality.
According to The National Kidney Foundation, the following are harmful to the kidneys:
Painkillers - Long-term use of certain pain medications, especially at high doses, has a harmful effect on kidney tissue and structures. Both over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can damage and reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a main culprit. As many as 1 to 3 percent of new cases of chronic kidney failure each year may be caused by pain medication overuse.
Smoking - The ramifications of smoking on the lungs and heart are well-publicized, but studies also show that people who smoke are more likely to have protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. Diseases that affect the kidneys, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are also exacerbated by smoking, and smokers are more likely to need dialysis or kidney transplants.
Processed Sugar - A study carried out on employees at Osaka University in Japan suggested that drinking two or more soda drinks a day (diet or regular) may be connected with a higher risk of kidney disease. 12,000 employees were included in the study, and those that consumed larger amounts of soda were more likely to have protein in their urine (proteinuria).
Protein in urine (proteinuria) is an early sign of kidney damage, but, when discovered at that stage, the disease can still be reversible.
The scientific study also concluded that “sugary soda consumption may be associated with kidney damage.”
Alcohol - Your kidneys filter harmful substances from your blood. One of these substances is alcohol. Alcohol can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and make them less able to filter your blood. In addition to filtering blood, your kidneys do many other important jobs. One of these jobs is keeping the right amount of water in your body. Alcohol affects the ability of your kidneys to do this. When alcohol dehydrates (dries out) the body, the drying effect can affect the normal function of cells and organs, including the kidneys.Too much alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. People who drink too much are more likely to have high blood pressure. And medications for high blood pressure can be affected by alcohol. High blood pressure is a common cause of kidney disease. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of having high blood pressure.Chronic drinking can also cause liver disease. This adds to the kidney's job. The rate of blood flow to your kidneys is usually kept at a certain level, so that your kidneys can filter your blood well. Liver disease impairs this important balancing act. In fact, most patients in the United States who have both liver disease and associated kidney dysfunction are alcohol dependent.
Sleep Disruption - Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours. The scientific magazine, World Journal of Nephrology, reports that chronic sleep disruption can cause kidney disease.
Dehydration - Our kidneys need to get properly hydrated to perform their functions. If we don’t drink enough, toxins can start accumulating in the blood, as there isn’t enough fluid to drain them through the kidneys.
A scientific study from 2011 found that higher fluid intake could protect against chronic kidney disease.
Another study looked at the association between kidney function and urine volume. It concluded that higher fluid intake could protect your kidneys.
Exposure to contrast dyes commonly used in imaging. It's important to make sure your physicians check your kidney function before you undergo any radiology procedures, such as CT scans, certain X-rays and angiograms. The dyes they must inject into your body to complete these tests can cause serious kidney problems, including Acute Kidney Injury or AKI. AKI results in an abrupt decrease in kidney function and occurs in up to 20 percent of all hospitalized patients and over 45 percent of patients in a critical care setting. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor before undergoing a procedure.
https://www.kidney.org
Painkillers - Long-term use of certain pain medications, especially at high doses, has a harmful effect on kidney tissue and structures. Both over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can damage and reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a main culprit. As many as 1 to 3 percent of new cases of chronic kidney failure each year may be caused by pain medication overuse.
Smoking - The ramifications of smoking on the lungs and heart are well-publicized, but studies also show that people who smoke are more likely to have protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. Diseases that affect the kidneys, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are also exacerbated by smoking, and smokers are more likely to need dialysis or kidney transplants.
Processed Sugar - A study carried out on employees at Osaka University in Japan suggested that drinking two or more soda drinks a day (diet or regular) may be connected with a higher risk of kidney disease. 12,000 employees were included in the study, and those that consumed larger amounts of soda were more likely to have protein in their urine (proteinuria).
Protein in urine (proteinuria) is an early sign of kidney damage, but, when discovered at that stage, the disease can still be reversible.
The scientific study also concluded that “sugary soda consumption may be associated with kidney damage.”
Alcohol - Your kidneys filter harmful substances from your blood. One of these substances is alcohol. Alcohol can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and make them less able to filter your blood. In addition to filtering blood, your kidneys do many other important jobs. One of these jobs is keeping the right amount of water in your body. Alcohol affects the ability of your kidneys to do this. When alcohol dehydrates (dries out) the body, the drying effect can affect the normal function of cells and organs, including the kidneys.Too much alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. People who drink too much are more likely to have high blood pressure. And medications for high blood pressure can be affected by alcohol. High blood pressure is a common cause of kidney disease. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of having high blood pressure.Chronic drinking can also cause liver disease. This adds to the kidney's job. The rate of blood flow to your kidneys is usually kept at a certain level, so that your kidneys can filter your blood well. Liver disease impairs this important balancing act. In fact, most patients in the United States who have both liver disease and associated kidney dysfunction are alcohol dependent.
Sleep Disruption - Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours. The scientific magazine, World Journal of Nephrology, reports that chronic sleep disruption can cause kidney disease.
Dehydration - Our kidneys need to get properly hydrated to perform their functions. If we don’t drink enough, toxins can start accumulating in the blood, as there isn’t enough fluid to drain them through the kidneys.
A scientific study from 2011 found that higher fluid intake could protect against chronic kidney disease.
Another study looked at the association between kidney function and urine volume. It concluded that higher fluid intake could protect your kidneys.
Exposure to contrast dyes commonly used in imaging. It's important to make sure your physicians check your kidney function before you undergo any radiology procedures, such as CT scans, certain X-rays and angiograms. The dyes they must inject into your body to complete these tests can cause serious kidney problems, including Acute Kidney Injury or AKI. AKI results in an abrupt decrease in kidney function and occurs in up to 20 percent of all hospitalized patients and over 45 percent of patients in a critical care setting. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor before undergoing a procedure.
https://www.kidney.org
When refined or complex sugars (several glucose and fructose complexes bonded together) are consumed, this creates a glucose overload, which in turn creates excess carbon molecules. This excess carbon is converted into carbon dioxide and carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide is eliminated via lungs, kidneys and skin. Carbonic acid requires oxidation or transmutation via oxygen or mineral salts, respectively. Both of these substances are acid-forming and must be neutralized and removed by the body, as they are strong contributors to acidosis. Sugar (glucose) overload is common in our society. We consume a great deal of refined and complex carbohydrates and sugars. This keeps a high demand upon the pancreas to produce insulin, and upon the liver and kidneys to convert or eliminate the excess. Add to this excess the problems created by protein and fat consumption and you can begin to form a picture of why people today have so many health problems. Raw fruits and vegetables are balanced in their simple sugars, amino acids and fatty acids. This is another reason that I call them “God-foods” designed for humans. The Danger of High-Protein Diets Some substances are not fuel sources, but are building materials. Proteins, for example, are non-fuel substances that are used by the body as building materials, as immune factors, as catalysts or carriers, etc. Just as the body must convert a carbohydrate into a simple sugar before it can be utilized, all proteins must first be broken down into amino acids before the body can use them to build and repair itself; in much the same way that a carpenter would use two-by-fours or two-by-sixes in building or repairing a structure. However, if the body needs to, it will convert amino acids to glucose. (Robert Morse, N.D.)
Healing Steps
Hydrate - The adult human body is composed of a majority of water. Every single organ, from the brain to the liver, requires water to function.
As the filtration system of the body, the kidneys require water to secrete urine. Urine is the primary waste product that allows the body to get rid of unwanted or unnecessary substances.
However, if you are acidic and dehydrated on a cellular level (meaning your cells are surrounded with backed up fluid from the lymphatic system, unable to remove cellular waste or to receive nutrients from the blood) simply drinking water is not going to result in an adequate level of hydration in the system. Eating fruits, greens, and vegetables that contain bio-available, electric water will help to hydrate on a level that water cannot. For example, Due to its 96 per cent water content and mineral balance, a cucumber can produce similar hydration levels to twice the volume of water.
In addition, drinking herbal teas, lemon water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and coconut water, along with fresh live spring water when available will help the body to regain hydration.
Alkalize - Whatever is taken into the body in the form of toxins and acids will eventually be removed from the body by one or more of the channels of elimination. As one of the body's main channels of elimination the kidneys are held responsible for the majority of toxic food, emotions, and environment influences you subject yourself to. The main thing to avoid while healing the kidneys is an acidic diet laden in complex amino acids (protein) and complex fatty acids (oil and animal fat). Protein and fat eaten in this form, especially as found in foods like meats, dairy, and eggs, require a complex acidic digestive process resulting in an unnecessary heavy load of acids and metabolic waste in the blood which the kidneys in turn need to filter. Consider eating proteins and fats in their simple form - amino acids and fatty acids as found in fruit, leafy greens, and vegetables. (More on Alkalizing Here)
As the filtration system of the body, the kidneys require water to secrete urine. Urine is the primary waste product that allows the body to get rid of unwanted or unnecessary substances.
However, if you are acidic and dehydrated on a cellular level (meaning your cells are surrounded with backed up fluid from the lymphatic system, unable to remove cellular waste or to receive nutrients from the blood) simply drinking water is not going to result in an adequate level of hydration in the system. Eating fruits, greens, and vegetables that contain bio-available, electric water will help to hydrate on a level that water cannot. For example, Due to its 96 per cent water content and mineral balance, a cucumber can produce similar hydration levels to twice the volume of water.
In addition, drinking herbal teas, lemon water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and coconut water, along with fresh live spring water when available will help the body to regain hydration.
Alkalize - Whatever is taken into the body in the form of toxins and acids will eventually be removed from the body by one or more of the channels of elimination. As one of the body's main channels of elimination the kidneys are held responsible for the majority of toxic food, emotions, and environment influences you subject yourself to. The main thing to avoid while healing the kidneys is an acidic diet laden in complex amino acids (protein) and complex fatty acids (oil and animal fat). Protein and fat eaten in this form, especially as found in foods like meats, dairy, and eggs, require a complex acidic digestive process resulting in an unnecessary heavy load of acids and metabolic waste in the blood which the kidneys in turn need to filter. Consider eating proteins and fats in their simple form - amino acids and fatty acids as found in fruit, leafy greens, and vegetables. (More on Alkalizing Here)
Healing Foods
While all fresh fruits and greens contribute to creating alkalinity and vitality within the body thus lightening the load of the kidneys, the following foods are especially recommended:
Cucumbers: strengthen the adrenals and kidneys and flushes neurotoxins out of the bloodstream.
Licorice root: Strengthens the adrenals and kidneys.
Asparagus: Contains a compound called asparagine which is a natural diuretic that breaks up oxalic and uric acid crystals stored in muscles and in the kidneys and eliminates them through the urine. Asparagus is known to help strengthen the liver, kidneys, skin, ligaments, and bones and its chlorophyll content makes it a great blood builder. It has been shown to help those suffering from hepatitis, chronic nephritis, jaundice, and renal disease.
Chamomile: Chamomile tea benefits the liver and kidneys by stimulating them to purge out any toxins and cleanse them from the system.
Coconut Water: Low in calories and an excellent weight loss drink, it also has the ability to hydrate the body on a deep, cellular level making it an essential beverage for athletes and those that live a busy, active life. It also has been shown to help balance pH levels, boost the immune system, and support kidneys in filtering toxins and reducing the risk of kidney stones. (Medical Medium)
Parsnips: are known to be good for kidney stones, bladder issues, and have a specific affinity for the stomach, kidneys, and spleen.
Radishes: Radishes have the ability to dissolve mucus and acids within the body and expel gallstones from the bladder as well as cleanse the kidneys. Radish is also very helpful in preventing and fighting urinary tract and bladder infections.
Sprouts: The lecithin found in sprouts not only helps to significantly improve brain function, it also helps keep the liver and kidneys healthy, aids in vitamin absorption, and can bind fats and cholesterol to water so they can be removed from the body more easily. (Medical Medium)
Stinging Nettle: Nettle is a powerful kidney ally. I have had positive results with increasing kidney filtration through the use of nettle in my diet.
Dandelion: Dandelion has diuretic effects -- it promotes increased urine production -- and also replaces potassium that may be lost in the urine. Native Americans used dandelions to treat a variety of conditions, including kidney disease, skin disorders and digestive problems. (University of Maryland Medical Center)
Grapes & Berries: Grapes and berries contain a beneficial plant compound called reversatrol. In one study researchers found that treatment with reversatrol was able to lower kidney inflammation in polycystic kidney disease.
Cucumbers: strengthen the adrenals and kidneys and flushes neurotoxins out of the bloodstream.
Licorice root: Strengthens the adrenals and kidneys.
Asparagus: Contains a compound called asparagine which is a natural diuretic that breaks up oxalic and uric acid crystals stored in muscles and in the kidneys and eliminates them through the urine. Asparagus is known to help strengthen the liver, kidneys, skin, ligaments, and bones and its chlorophyll content makes it a great blood builder. It has been shown to help those suffering from hepatitis, chronic nephritis, jaundice, and renal disease.
Chamomile: Chamomile tea benefits the liver and kidneys by stimulating them to purge out any toxins and cleanse them from the system.
Coconut Water: Low in calories and an excellent weight loss drink, it also has the ability to hydrate the body on a deep, cellular level making it an essential beverage for athletes and those that live a busy, active life. It also has been shown to help balance pH levels, boost the immune system, and support kidneys in filtering toxins and reducing the risk of kidney stones. (Medical Medium)
Parsnips: are known to be good for kidney stones, bladder issues, and have a specific affinity for the stomach, kidneys, and spleen.
Radishes: Radishes have the ability to dissolve mucus and acids within the body and expel gallstones from the bladder as well as cleanse the kidneys. Radish is also very helpful in preventing and fighting urinary tract and bladder infections.
Sprouts: The lecithin found in sprouts not only helps to significantly improve brain function, it also helps keep the liver and kidneys healthy, aids in vitamin absorption, and can bind fats and cholesterol to water so they can be removed from the body more easily. (Medical Medium)
Stinging Nettle: Nettle is a powerful kidney ally. I have had positive results with increasing kidney filtration through the use of nettle in my diet.
Dandelion: Dandelion has diuretic effects -- it promotes increased urine production -- and also replaces potassium that may be lost in the urine. Native Americans used dandelions to treat a variety of conditions, including kidney disease, skin disorders and digestive problems. (University of Maryland Medical Center)
Grapes & Berries: Grapes and berries contain a beneficial plant compound called reversatrol. In one study researchers found that treatment with reversatrol was able to lower kidney inflammation in polycystic kidney disease.
Kidney Filtration
The work of Robert Morse, N.D. is centered around the importance of the lymphatic system in removing cellular waste and the role of the kidneys in filtering that waste out of the body.
Kidney Spirit
The kidneys embody Balance and Purification through Filtration. Born of the second chakra, Swadisthana, named One’s Own Abode, the element of the Sacral Chakra is water. The element of water and all its forms manifest here – Change, Flow, Allowance, Fear, and Trust. The second chakra takes form from the first, Muladhara, the base. Here in Svadisthana is where duality is born; where one becomes two, resulting in the dance of duality we know as life. Emotions flow and creation is birthed through the womb. Healthy kidney energy flows through life allowing feelings to come and go.
The role of kidney energy is to process and balance negative emotions and related toxic intake. Often those with kidney exhaustion have been consistently processing not only their own emotions and environmental toxins, but also of those around them. To constantly be filtering and cleaning – to give and give…and give…and often, without the necessary balance, respect, replenishment and self-care, collapse is inevitable. And when the kidney energy is in a state of depletion, so follows the entire body.
The role of kidney energy is to process and balance negative emotions and related toxic intake. Often those with kidney exhaustion have been consistently processing not only their own emotions and environmental toxins, but also of those around them. To constantly be filtering and cleaning – to give and give…and give…and often, without the necessary balance, respect, replenishment and self-care, collapse is inevitable. And when the kidney energy is in a state of depletion, so follows the entire body.
Resources & Recommended
