Your Magical Kidneys

You might think I'm going overboard calling your kidneys magical, but when you know just what these small, yet essential, organs do for you every day, I think you will agree.

We have all heard of kidney transplants and that you can live with only one kidney. Even though kidneys are meant to work in pairs, when one is lost, the other will take over its workload, making the kidneys one of the most powerful of all internal organs.

We take our kidneys pretty much for granted, until there is trouble, and then trouble is painful indeed. Anyone who has passed a stone or had one removed can attest to that. Your precious kidneys only weigh about five ounces each and are shaped like the proverbial beans. Each one is around the size of the palm of your hand, not counting fingers. Each and every hour, the kidneys filter all the blood in your body. That's every last drop! Dialysis cannot ever compare to the function of just one kidney (although we are grateful for it in any case).

Add to that the fact that your kidneys regulate your blood pressure by balancing your body's fluid levels. The kidneys can stop water retention as well as dehydration. Hypertension is the absolute number one reason Americans die from strokes and heart attacks. Healthy kidneys are in the vanguard of prevention.

The kidneys also control the production of your red blood cells, which are the carriers of oxygen to every part of the body. Without this rich oxygenated blood, your organs and brain would wither and die. Finally, they are responsible for the absorption of vitamins into the bloodstream.

Keeping your kidneys in tip top condition is so easy, I'm always amazed at the amount of abuse we inflict on them. Excessive alcohol, huge amounts of salty, disgusting, fat laden foods, smoking, and lack of fluids all play a part in wrecking your kidneys. Unless you have a medical reason not to, keep yourself full of fluids. By fluids. I don't mean sugar laden juices or sodas, I mean water, herbal teas- and plenty of them. Sugar is a great destroyer of the body's functions, and in particular of the kidneys. It slows the flow of blood as does excessive fat, preventing these workhorses from carrying out wastes efficiently.

I always recommend a week long kidney flush, a program using herbs, vitamins and water to clean out and strengthen the kidneys. I do this at the change of the seasons and after a urinary tract infection. Juniper berries and uva ursi are great for the kidneys, as are parsley and fennel seed made into teas and decoctions.  Always ask a healthcare professional for guidance in their use.  Taking care of your kidneys is a real no brainer and can keep your health flowing for life.

Dr. Kleine is always available for new appointments and speaking engagements.  Call 631.472.8139