1 in 750 people are born with one kidney. It is more prevalent in men and it is called renal agenesis.
We don’t talk much about kidneys and we may even take them for granted, but they work 24/7 like a powerful water filtration system for the body. The kidneys retain protein and nutrients, but filter toxins and useless water out of the bloodstream by way of urine. Kidneys regulate water volume in the blood, maintain salt levels, regulate acid/alkaline balances, and excrete waste. Research finds that kidneys process up to 150 quarts of blood daily and make 1-2 quarts of urine that gets excreted every day. Those fist sized organs are situated at the lower back about the height of the belly button. Perhaps, when the lower backs aches, it actually means the kidneys are asking for more water. Kidneys can’t work well when they are dry and constricted from too much salt, stress and over strenuous activity. Kidneys must stay hydrated.
Kidneys and the bladder are considered to be the core of the being, carrying the capacity for action, instinct, and willpower. The Adrenal glands, along with the kidneys, govern the instinct of how we perceive threats, fears, trauma and shock.
In Chinese medicine, fear is held in the kidneys. If kidneys are compromised, facial skin may look washed out and pale. Dark circles and blue patches form under the eyes.
Kidneys are resilient, but they are not indestructible. When the kidneys are not working properly, a kidney transplant and or dialysis to artificially assist in filtering the bloodstream may be prescribed. Perhaps a cancerous tumor develops and the kidney must be removed. Kidneys can suddenly fail in the response to certain toxins, blockages or infections or even with time. One kidney learns to compensate for its missing counterpart so the body can work well with one kidney.
We already know that a typical American diet, from animal protein and processed sugars, (meat-sweet diet) is damaging to the blood vessels inside the heart and brain. Kidneys are red because they too are packed with blood vessels. Studies shown from autopsies of kidneys find they are often full of fat and cholesterol. If eating a plant-based diet reduces cholesterol in the heart and brain, it should help the kidneys too. There is a Harvard University study that lasted over 10 years researching this very topic. Yes, there are drugs that help, but learning to eat a plant-based diet to slow down the degeneration of the kidney is a better solution. Animal protein is acid-forming and causes inflammation. Kidney disease patients should reduce their meat consumption and eat more fruits and plants. An acid forming meat-sweet diet can damage the tiny tubes that the urine flows through in the kidneys. Kidneys come to their own rescue and produce ammonia to help neutralize the acids of an animal based diet, but eventually this neutralizing process can have a toxic effect. This is why a plant-based, non-acidic, anti-inflammatory diet is highly recommended sooner than later.
Go Plant-Based to Keep the Kidneys Healthy.
Leafy green veggies like collard greens, kale, and arugula are among the highest plant-based nitrate containing vegetables. (Nitrates from animal-based foods are not healing for the body.) Swiss chard, beets and beet greens, basil, mesclun greens, butter leaf lettuce, and cilantro all have the power to protect the kidneys and organs as well.
As mentioned before, proper hydration is so important. Refrain from alcohol, coffee, soda pops, caffeinated teas, refined sugars, tropical fruit juices, drinks flavored with natural flavors, and even living in polluted and frenetic cities. These all weaken the kidneys, bladder, and adrenals, which are located above the kidneys. (See photo of kidneys.)
Refrain from the typical meat-sweet diet that also contains dairy products, artificial sweeteners and table salt. Non GMO and organic foods should be eaten. Kidneys love water, potassium, fruits, veggies, herbs and magnesium. The more veggies you eat, the less water consumption is needed.
People with kidney imbalance are often cold, physically and socially. Cooking and eating hearty, healing soups, vegetables, beans and whole-grain stews will keep the kidneys warm and densely nourished. If the kidneys are nourished the body will stay warm in the winter months and comfortable in the warmer months.
“Following a plant-based diet, incorporating essential oils in your lifestyle, regularly exercising, including mindful movement, hydrating properly, engaging in creative outlets and having your blood pressure monitored regularly is absolutely essential for overall kidney health.”
Practice Mindful Movement to Keep Kidneys Healthy.
People with kidney imbalance should practice and may be drawn to the arts and creative movement, Tai Chi, yin yoga, and dance to stay healthy. They should be encouraged to join theater groups, dance classes, yoga studios, and art museums, art classes, knitting, and needlepoint classes for creative enrichment.
Meridians, which in Chinese medicine, are pathways that run through the body in which energy or chi flows. There are at least 12 pathways associated with specific organs that all end in the foot. In yin yoga classes, poses are practiced that open these meridians to help find release, good energy and wellness in the body. Yin yoga poses such as caterpillar, sphinx, and seal all open the kidney meridian.
You can trace the kidney meridian through your body as you read this. Begin on the right side of your body. It begins at the inner aspect of the small toe and runs across the sole of the foot and arch. It circles the inner ankle and heel to ascend the inner leg and then penetrates the body to the kidneys, bladder, liver, spinal bones and coccyx, sacral and lumbar vertebrae, diaphragm and lung in a series of tributaries which continue from the lung to the throat and end at the root of the tongue.
Kidneys should be kept warm, nourished with plant-based foods, and hydrated to keep working efficiently. Mindful movement and creative outlets, as well as living in a clean breathing environment assist in kidney health. Kidneys never take a day off. They really are hard-working and now you have learned how to take care of those amazing kidneys!
RECIPES
Please enjoy the recipes below.
First, start with the Shiitake Tea recipe and drink this tea 2-3 times weekly for about a month. It is designed to regulate kidney moisture, by softening kidneys so they can work their magic. Think of the kidneys as a sponge. The sponge must be wet to work.
Shiitake Tea
1 Dried Shiitake Mushroom
1 Cup Spring Water
Splash Soy Sauce
– Soak the shiitake mushroom in water until tender, about 20 minutes.
– Finely mince and place back into the soaking water.
– Bring to a boil, uncovered.
– Reduce the heat to low and let the mushroom simmer 10-15 minutes.
– Add the soy sauce and simmer 2-3 minutes more.
– Pour in cup and garnish with grated ginger for extra warmth.
– Drink the entire liquid and eat the mushroom while hot.
– Drink this tea 2-3 times weekly for 1 month.
You will feel stronger, yet relaxed, as you will also be able to sleep more efficiently.
Kidney Cleanser and Detoxing Smoothie
1 Handful Spinach and/or Kale
1/2 Avocado
1/2 Lime or Lemon, peeled
1 Kiwi, peeled
1/2 Cup Walnuts
1 Banana
1 Sprig Fresh Cilantro
1 Cup Filtered Water
– Blend ingredients in a powerful blender, such as a Magic Bullet or Vitamix and enjoy within 10-15 minutes.
The Kate Effect Tip* Peel overly ripe bananas and place in freezer to use in smoothies.
Beet Treat Detoxifying Blast
50% of the container should be spinach.
1 Beet, cubed
1 Apple, seeded
1 Lemon, peeled
1 Cup or more Filtered Water
– Blend ingredients in a powerful blender such as a Magic Bullet or Vitamix and enjoy within 10-15 minutes!
