One by-product created by our body is urine, a bacteria-free liquid. Through urination, the urine is taken from the kidneys, and is removed from the body through the urethra. Our cellular metabolism creates many nitrogen-rich, by-products that need to be removed from our bloodstream. They are removed through a process know as micturition. The water-soluble chemicals within us are taken out of our bodies by micturition. The chemicals excreted from our bodies can be found and tested with a procedure called urinalysis. Similarly, amniotic fluid (the liquid within the amniotic sack of an expecting woman), which is related to urine, is tested through amniocentesis.
Urine is a waste by-product created through the process of tubular secretion, filtration, and re-absorption. Ingesting it can be harmful to the body, but not toxic. Urine has the ability to create irritation in the eyes and skin, but will not kill you.
In order to excrete toxic, water soluble by-products from the body, many animals have excretory systems. Specifically in humans, water soluble by-products are released from the body through the urinary system, which is made up of the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and the ureters. In order for the soluble by-products to leave our body, they must go through a process which involves all of these organs. Firstly, the soluble by-products are removed from the bloodstream, along with excess sugar, water, and other compounds. Then, the urine goes from the kidneys, to bladder, through your ureters (tubes connecting your bladder and kidney, 8 - 10 inches long). From the bladder, the urine flows through the urethra, and out of the body.
There are a variety of substances in urine such as: hormones, proteins, and different metabolites. The substances found within urine will differentiate based on what is put into the body.
The color of urine is more often than not pale yellow, but can go from deep yellow to colorless. The cause of the color of urine in a healthy person is mainly caused by urobilin. Urobilin is created by the disintegration of heme from hemoglobin while aging blood cells are destroyed.
The color of urine can inform you about many different things, like the state of your body. Deep yellow urine most often means dehydration, while colorless urine is symbol of over-hydration. Over-hydration during a drug test can be troublesome as it could show that the patient has tried to flush out illegal drugs. Orange urine can be caused by some medicines like phenazopyridine and rifampin. Rhabdomyolysis, Gilbert's syndrome, and jaundice, can all cause dark-coloured urine. Light orange urine can be a sign of the removal of excess B vitamins, red or brown urine can be caused by both porphyria and the ingestion of beets, and greenish urine can be caused by the consumption of asparagus. Supplemental vitamins can also cause green urine. In any case, the color can tell you a lot about your current state of health.
The foods you eat can also alter the smell of your urine. Asparagus usually causes over powering odours. The cause of the strong odour of asparagus is the disintegration of asparagusic acid. Turkey meat, onion, alcohol, curry, saffron, and coffee can all also create strong odours.
The pH level of urine is also an important thing to keep track of. People with hyperuricosuria especially need to know and control the pH level of their urine as acidic urine can help form uric acid stones in the bladder, kidneys, and ureters. When it comes to pH levels in urine, 7 is neutral, but anywhere from 4.4 - 8 is normal. The higher your pH level, the more alkaline it is. On the other hand, the lower it is, the more acidic your urine is. You can find out your urine's pH level at home or at a physician.
Your diet can affect your urine's pH level. For example, diets rich in dairy, citrus, and vegetables, can make your urine's pH more alkaline. Medicaments such as potassium citrate, acetazolamide, and sodium bicarbonate, can also increase urine pH levels.
On the other hand, diets rich in cranberries or meat can make you urine's pH more acidic. Medicaments such as chlorothiazide diuretics, methenamine mandelate, and ammonium chloride can also decrease your urine's pH levels.
But just like any other part of the body, your urinary system is also susceptible to infections. An infection in the urethra is relatively easy to cure, even at home. It can be treated with any antibacterial herbs, or simply some blueberry or cranberry juice. On the other hand, one of the most serious problems when it comes to the urinary tract is kidney dysfunction. Natural remedies can be used to treat infections caused by urine diseases, which are linked to problems with immunity.
We need our urinary system so that waste can be removed from our body. The herbs mentioned above, can be found as a kidney cleanse at an herbal/health store. It helps to keep good health and stops recurring UTIs.
Extract of:
These all have antibacterial properties that can be useful.
Using demulcent herbs such as:
helps in alleviating inflammation and other painful symptoms caused by UTIs.
Taking diuretic herbs like:
can help cleanse both the urinary tract and kidneys.
Infections of the urinary tract, kidney diseases, water retention, and benevolent prostatic hyperplasia problems vary from mild to severe. Herbs have been used over a long period of time in many forms, like teas and tinctures, in order to treat different urinary ailments. Herbs have the potential to help soothe different symptoms that accompany urinary problems. They also defend the urinary system and its organs from harm and toxins. Before trying to treat yourself through herbs, make sure to consult a physician to pinpoint the reason behind the disorder. Diseases linked to the urinary system have the potential to be life-threatening.
