How to help your kidneys work well
KIDNEYS
The kidneys represent vital energy (Jing), willpower, and deep reserves of strength. Kidneys are the storage house of ancestral energy and regulate growth, reproduction, and longevity, and are deeply connected to courage, willpower, and resilience. When balanced, the kidneys provide a strong sense of purpose and endurance. Lets keep in mind though that fear is the primary emotion linked to the kidneys. Chronic stress, trauma, or depletion can lead to deep exhaustion, insecurity, and loss of motivation.
The kidneys are incredible organs that play an essential role in maintaining the body’s balance and overall health. They are the body's natural filters: they process blood, remove waste, balance bodily fluids, and regulate various essential minerals. Proper kidney function is key to ensuring that our bodies eliminate toxins efficiently.
ROLE OF THE KIDNEYS IN ELIMINATION
The kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering blood and removing waste products through urine. Every day, they process around 200 quarts of blood, filtering out about 2 quarts of waste products and water. This natural filtration system helps control the body's electrolyte levels, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate, ensuring chemical balance for optimal bodily function.
SIGNS OF KIDNEY DRAINAGE ISSUES
Some common symptoms indicating that your kidneys might be struggling include:
Water Retention: Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face, or hands.
Puffy Eyes: More often visible after waking up, suggesting fluid buildup overnight.
Fatigue: Kidneys not functioning properly can lead to a buildup of toxins in the blood, causing exhaustion.
Changes in Urination: Too frequent, too less, painful, or any significant change in color and appearance of urine can indicate problems in the kidneys.
TIPS FOR KIDNEY HEALTH
Food Choices: Incorporate foods that support the kidneys such as cranberries, blueberries, bananas, sweet potatoes, black foods, and whole grains to enhance kidney function.
Reduce Salt Intake: Excess sodium can increase blood pressure and cause the kidneys to overwork. Use herbs and spices to flavor your food instead of salt.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy blood pressure and fluid levels, which in turn helps the kidneys function well.
How to Support the kidneys:
Supporting kidney health involves a combination of hydration, diet, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly the use of herbs. Here are ways to promote healthy kidney function:
-Stay Hydrated: Water helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea, and toxins from the body. Drinking enough water is one of the simplest ways to support the kidneys. Try for 8-10 glasses a day, depending on your activity levels and overall health.
-Balance Mineral Intake: Making sure to have a balanced intake of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium is essential. Foods that are rich in these nutrients: bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
-Herbal Support: Herbs like dandelion root, nettle leaf, and parsley have diuretic properties which support kidney cleansing. Drink 1-2 cups of nettle leaf tea per day.
