Let´s look at the connection between the liver & the kidneys for detoxification and more:
Functionally, the liver and kidney are most notably connected via a series of reactions called the urea cycle, also known as the ornithine cycle, where:
- The liver converts nitrogenous waste into a less toxic substance called urea
- Urea is released from liver cells into the bloodstream and transported to the kidneys
- The kidneys filter urea and other toxic waste from the blood to be excreted from the body as urine
How do the liver & kidneys work together?
The liver and kidney work together in many ways, including waste removal, sodium regulation, calcium absorption and more. For detoxification and waste removal, the liver breaks down toxins into two substances: bile and urea. While bile is sent through the digestive tract, urea is transported through the bloodstream directly to the kidneys where it is then excreted from the body as urine; along with other toxic waste.
The liver and kidney also work together with the adrenal glands in water and sodium regulation. High levels of salt in the blood can greatly hinder circulation. So, as the chain of commands go, when there is a reduction in blood flow the kidneys send an enzyme called renin to the liver, which assists the liver in producing a substance that is sent to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are then cued to produce a hormone called aldosterone, which commands the kidneys to store salt and water.
In terms of calcium absorption, it all starts with the sun. When the sun hits your skin, it’s actually the liver that turns it into vitamin D. The vitamin D then travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where the kidneys turn it into calcitriol, a hormone that aids the intestines in absorbing calcium from food.
Did you know that a diet containing several processed food items can impact kidney health? More so as we age and our bodies are less effective in breaking compounds down.
As well as a poor diet lacking several portions of vegetables daily and a little fruit, as well as chronic stress can impair your kidney health which we call renal function. Toxic exposure can also cause injury to the kidneys.
You may find that you have an increased urge to urinate on the first week of your cleanse which signals that your body is expelling toxic waste.
To support kidney health add in the following herbs where possible
- Ginger, believed to limit kidney toxicity. Anti-inflammatory and may reduce inflammation in the urinary tract.
- Turmeric, thought to reduce urea, prevent inflammation in the kidneys, and help expel waste.
If you feel you retain too much fluid, always consider your lymphatic health. Use daily movement, tapping, massage, soft brushing and monitor/reduce salt intake.
FLUID RETENTION TEA – drink 2 -3 cups per day
- 1 teaspoon Dandelion root
- 1 teaspoon Dandelion leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon Nettle leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon Spearmint leaves
Steep mixture in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes.
