The kidneys are among the body’s most important organs. If it were not for their constant filtration of the blood, we would be poisoned by our own waste products. The kidneys are part of the urinary system which produces and excretes urine from the body. It consists of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary ducts.

Henry Bieler, M.D., wrote an excellent chapter in his book, Food is Your Best Medicine, about the importance of making sure that our kidneys stay healthy. He attributes the following degenerative conditions to the malfunctioning of the kidneys: congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, edema, phlebitis and the formation of blood clots (pp.129-142).

The worst toxins according to Henry Bieler that can cause kidney degeneration are; salt, toxic protein acids (resulting from protein indigestion), metals (such as mercury) and medical drugs (p.137).

The following nutritional tips can help you maintain healthy kidneys and urinary system. Some of these health tips are also helpful with urinary tract infections:

• Drink plenty of water to flush your urinary tract and reduce the burning (in case of kidney or bladder infection). For a quick fix to reduce the pain and discomfort add one teaspoonful of sodium bicarbonate per 8 ounce glass of water, every hour, to make the burning stop. Or drink 100% cranberry juice (organically grown would be preferable) throughout the day.

• Make sure you take friendly bacteria; acidophilus, bifidus, bulgaricus, ...etc., every day to help you digest your foods, especially proteins. Remember that one of the worst toxins, which puts tremendous stress on the kidneys, are toxic protein acids resulting from the incomplete digestion of protein (p. 137).

• A folk remedy calls for drinking one-half cup of pomegranate juice mixed with one-half cup of water twice a day.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables to keep the urinary tract acidic. Cut down on animal protein, cereals, animal fat, coffee, tea, sodas and junk foods in general.

• Drink a glass of juiced parsley and celery. Both are strong diuretics and will increase urine flow and help flush the kidneys.

• Nature has provided us an abundant number of cleansing foods that are gentle, yet will detoxify and restore health to the kidneys and urinary system. One of the best foods for overall health, yet one that is not generally considered for its medicinal properties is the common everyday apple. Yes, the fruit of the apple tree is considered one of the best all-around healing foods nature has provided mankind. Dr. Edward E. Shook, one of America's foremost authorities on herbs, states in his classic herbal textbook, Advanced Treatise in Herbology, "We say, after an exhaustive study of its chemistry, that in our opinion there is no other remedial agent...in the whole range of known therapeutic agents that can compare with the apple tree” (Fife, p. 161).

The apple is rich in vitamins, minerals, especially organic sodium that the body uses in its buffering system against acids. Fresh organic apples are best eaten raw. Much of the nutritive value is contained in the skin. Make sure you buy only organically grown apples, whenever possible, to avoid pesticide residue and the paraffin wax coating that is found on standard agribusiness apples.

• Another folk remedy used for kidneys and urinary health problems is the hydrangea plant. The part of the plant that is used medicinally is the root. Hydrangea root is one of the, if not the most, powerful herbs known for dissolving calculous deposits in the kidneys as well as other parts of the body (e.g., gallbladder, joints, etc.). The following formula is one recommended by Dr. Shook and has been proven effective: One Quart pure apple juice (organic) and 2 ounces hydrangea root (chopped). Soak hydrangea root in the juice for 12 hours. Put the juice and root on the stove and bring to a boil. Slowly simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool, strain out hydrangea root, and bottle. Keep juice in the refrigerator. Drink a cupful three to four times a day. There are no side effects or danger of overdose as this formula is food based and completely harmless (p. 161).

Hydrangea root can be purchased whole at good health food stores. It can also be obtained as a tincture. In tincture form it is most convenient. To prepare a dose, simply fill a cup with apple juice and add 20-30 drops of hydrangea tincture. Drink it warm or cold. This way you avoid the effort of heating the juice/hydrangea mixture and straining out the root afterwards (p. 162).

• Another helpful supplement to support kidneys and bladder health are enzymes. Besides being a great digestive aid, plant based enzymes taken on an empty stomach may aid in clearing the lymphatic system of undigested food particles.

Three different enzymes when used in combination, have the best synergistic effect to assist with digestion and cleaning the lymphatic system: papain, bromelain and plant based enzymes. The new formula in the blue green super foods line of products have all three types of enzymes and is ideal for use in an enzyme cleansing program. In addition, this particular enzyme formulation is micro-blended with foods high in minerals such as wild blue green algae.

Take two enzymes before each meal for proper digestion. In addition, start using enzymes on an empty stomach before meals. Start by taking one capsule between meals and one capsule before bed time. i.e., Between breakfast and lunch take one capsule, repeat between lunch and dinner and at bed time. Increase after a few days and take two each of the enzymes, then three and then four. You can continue to increase beyond these amounts depending on the health goals you are trying to accomplish. It is common to take up to 30 enzyme capsules a day. There are absolutely no negative side effects from this high usage of enzymes, only good results. Results are felt, but usually take place very slowly.

Always remember you are not working with drugs. You are working with vegetable and fruit based enzymes to help your body. So, please be patient and allow time for these enzymes to work.

• Wild blue green algae is important because of its mineral content. The main determining factor of alkaline (blood/urine) is organic minerals. One can equate organic minerals with an alkaline state for better understanding. In order to regain an acidic urinary system environment not hospitable to harmful bacteria, organic minerals must be supplied to the body in large quantities.

What is remarkable about wild blue green algae is it’s minerals content. Ounce for ounce, wild blue green algae is higher in the amount of different minerals than any other class of foods. Sodium, boron, chromium, zinc, copper, ......you name it, it’s in wild blue green algae. All the minerals in wild blue green algae are held tightly and deeply within the very core of hundreds of transformative enzyme systems. Minerals in wild blue green algae are naturally-chelated and are directly assimilated and more easily put to work within our own similar, but vastly more complex system of enzymes. As a result, each of our cells function more smoothly. Take up to 3 grams of blue green algae a day.

If you decide to begin a cleansing program for your kidneys and urinary system, then take the above supplements in large quantities for at least three weeks. During this time refrain from meat, dairy, coffee, black tea, soft drinks, chocolate and other processed foods. As the kidneys and urinary system becomes stronger and healthier, continue to take moderate amounts of the supplements and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Maintaining the health of your kidneys and urinary system is one of the most beneficial steps you can take for your overall health. It is simple and inexpensive, and it’s very effective in taking care of some of the most important homeostatic organs in your body.

References:
Bieler, Henry, M.D. (1965). Food Is Your Best Medicine. New York: Ballantine Books.
Bruce fife, N.D. (2001). The Detox Book. Colorado Springs, CO: Health Wise Publications.

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