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body systems
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Common foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and, to a
lesser extent, peanuts, rhubarb, tomatoes, and spinach, contain oxalic acid,
which creates more work for the kidneys. Some foods are strongly active
on the kidneys and bladder, and eating them in season can help maintain,
cleanse, and thus balance the kidneys and bladder, preventing stagnation,
stone formation, and infection. Asparagus, for instance, is useful in late
spring, but don’t eat it if your kidneys are known to be, or suspected to be,
inflamed. Also avoid asparagus if you already feel exhausted or tired, as
the diuretic effect could increase these feelings. Parsley and nori seaweed
in salads, soups, and stews provide a nice year-round addition, while
blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, celery, watermelon, and watercress
are good summer choices. Whole barley and sweet corn in soups and
stews could be used in the autumn and winter months. If you have
inflamed, weakened kidneys, make a soup of 70 percent zucchini and 30
percent potatoes. Carrots, lettuce, and cabbage are also very helpful.
Oxalic acid–rich foods must be avoided by those who are prone to kidney
problems, as they are known to help create kidney stones. Finally, drink
barley water— refer to chapter 4 for the recipe.
herbs
It is important to note that, because of the forceful nature of their action,
some herbs are just as capable of exhausting the kidneys as are synthetic
diuretics available by prescription. Therefore they should be used only for
specific purposes and only for a short period of time. A prime example
would be horsetail leaf. It is true that they don’t leach potassium from the
body because, like all plants except licorice root, they are rich in
potassium and low in sodium (usually present in a ratio of three to one); if
used for long periods, however, their potent diuretic action on the kidneys
will cause weakening and draining.
The safest herb, which cannot harm the kidneys yet helps shed excess
water in the body, is dandelion. As Dr. Christopher puts it, “it’s the safest
diuretic in the botanical kingdom.” It also has the ability to aid the work
of the liver. Others in combination include parsley root, marshmallow
root, corn silk, and bearberry leaf.
natural healing
Cold, damp, too little or too much water, wintry weather, and fear can
negate the effectiveness and balance of the kidneys. Your environment and
lifestyle and the climate in which you live can all make a difference,
depending on your body structure. The kidneys and the urinary system
work hardest or stagnate in extremes of weather, either hot or cold. So in
winter, wrap up well and never let your kidneys become chilled. If your
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