Urinary System
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs (about 11 cm x 7 cm x 3 cm) that are located against the back muscles in the upper abdominal area.
The organs of the urinary system include the two kidneys, two ureters, a urinary bladder and the urethra.
Function of the urinary system:
- Homeostatic regulation of blood plasma
- Regulating blood volume and pressure
- Regulating plasma ion concentration
- Stabilizing blood pH
- Conserving nutrients
- Filter many liters of fluid from blood
- Excretion- The removal of organic waste products from body fluids.
- Urea
- Uric acid
- Creatinine
- Elimination – The discharge of waste products via urine.
As the body breaks down protein, nitrogen compounds such as ammonia are produced. These compounds are highly toxic and need to be eliminated therefore the body combines ammonia with carbon dioxide in the liver to form urea (less toxic). Urea enters then the blood stream and travels throughout the body. The kidneys eliminate most of the urea; some urea gets eliminated through the skin by perspiration.
Blood is filter in the kidneys by the functional unit called nephron. The filtering system works highly sufficient filtering only water, waste products and excess ions and reabsorbing all of the nutrients along with most of the water and ions that the body needs to function.
After urine has been produced by the kidneys, it is transported through the ureters to the urinary bladder. The bladder fills with urine and stores it until the body is ready for its excretion.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Infection of the urinary tract (most commonly urethra) by bacteria (usually E.coli from digestive tract)
- More common in women due to shorter urethra and proximity of urethra to anus.
- Infections could spread to bladder (cystitis) or kidney (pyelonephritis) if not treated.
- Risk increases if urine flow is obstructed or if catheters are used frequently.
Common symptoms associated with Urinary System:
(Find further description in the Truly Heal Functional Medicine App; Urinary System)
- Pain during urination (stinging and / or burning)
- Edema
- Incontinence
- Strong urine odor
- Cloudy, red urine
- Pelvic area pain
- Flank pain / back pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Urinary urgency
- Fatigue
Possible causes of Urinary System Diseases:
(Find further description in the Truly Heal Functional Medicine App; Urinary System)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Toxins
- Genetic
- Adrenal function
- Pregnancy
- Antibiotic overuse
- Low oestrogen levels
- Female gender
- Sexual intercourse
- Allergies
- Urinary flow abnormalities
- Hypothyroidism
- Uric acid
- Trauma
- Diabetes insipidus
- Metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Dysbiosis
- Diet
- Drugs
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Deficiencies
- Suppressed immune system
- Alcohol
- Autoimmune disorders
- Radio-contrast medium
Natural treatments for urinary diseases:
Finding and removing the cause!!!
The list below can help in the prevention and treatment of urinary diseases.
- Increasing fluid intake. Increased fluid intake will increase amount of urine produced, which will help flush out bacteria.
- Behavioral interventions that may reduce the risk of of developing UTI include wearing cotton underwear, avoiding tight fitting clothing, and wiping from front to back to prevent transportation from bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
- Infrequent urination, delaying urination, and delaying defecation can also be associated with UTIs.
- Cranberry juice and powder
- D-mannose
- Blueberries contain a compound that can inhibit the adhesion of the bacteria E.coli to the cells that line the urinary tract.
- Probiotics
- Berberine has natural antibacterial properties and is effective at inhibiting the growth of many opportunistic pathogens, including E. coli.
- Hibiscus plants contain many compounds that have antibacterial, anti fungal, and antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin c
- Pumpkin Seeds, support bladder function.
Further reading recommended:
Article: Kidney Stones: Functional methods to preventing pain.
https://www.trulyheal.com/kidney-stones-functional-tips-for-preventing-pain/
Article: Are you struggling to control your bladder?
https://www.trulyheal.com/are-you-struggling-to-control-your-bladder/