Urinary System: Disorders and Overview
The Urinary System is another important body system. It works in conjunction with the lungs, skin, and intestines to remove waste from the body. The urinary system also works to reabsorb water, salts, protein, glucose, and minerals that are essential for cellular health. For optimal health, it is so important that all our body systems work together as a team.
The Urinary System is made up of the following:
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Bladder
- Sphincter Muscles
- Urethra
Kidneys
The kidneys are the main organ of the Urinary System. The kidneys are bean-shaped and are approximately the size of a fist. They are located in the middle of the back on each side of the spine. Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons, which are responsible for the kidneys’ primary functions.
The kidneys are crucial to our health, and without at least one fully functioning kidney, we can not live. They are responsible for filtering and processing the blood, removing waste from the body, and producing the hormones erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates bone marrow to make red blood cells; renin, which helps regulate our blood pressure; and calcitriol, a form of Vitamin D that helps maintain the calcium for our bones and a normal chemical balance throughout the body.
The kidneys also regulate the balance of water, salts, proteins, glucose, minerals, urea, and other substances in the body, while helping maintain the body’s pH. It is during the filtering and processing stage that urine is produced. The kidneys filter about half a cup of blood every minute, continuously balancing water, salts, and minerals and removing wastes and excess water. The ureters carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Each ureter is approximately 8 to 10 inches long, and the muscles within the ureter walls that tighten and relax move urine from the kidney to the bladder. These muscles tighten and relax every 10 to 15 seconds.
Bladder & Urethra
The bladder is a balloon-shaped, hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen. The bladder is held in place by ligaments. When the bladder fills with urine, it fills the same way a balloon fills. The bladder can hold 1 1/2 to 2 cups of urine, and the bladder’s nerves communicate, letting us know when it needs to be emptied. The sphincters are circular muscles located where the bladder connects to the urethra.
The urethra is the tube that transports the urine out of the body. The sphincters tighten to keep the urine from leaking out of the bladder, and when it is time to empty the bladder, the brain tells the bladder to tighten up to squeeze the urine out of the bladder, allowing the bladder to become smaller as it empties. Adults excrete approximately 1.5 quarts or more of urine each day.
Health Issues and Urinary System Disorders
Many problems can occur throughout the urinary system; a few are mentioned below.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Urinary Incontinence
- Kidney Stones
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Kidney Failure
UTIs and Incontinence
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect millions of people each year and seem to be more common in women. Urinary tract infections can occur due to an obstruction in the flow of urine, changes in the immune system, insufficient fluid intake, and the presence of bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Symptoms include pain or burning during urination, a strong odor, feelings of urgency or frequency, cloudy appearance, pus or blood, and passing a small amount even when you are feeling pressure.
UTIs can be serious and can cause damage to the function of the kidneys. You can even have an infection in the body with no signs apparent. UTIs should not be ignored. An untreated bladder infection can spread to one or both kidneys and become more serious. If you have symptoms of a UTI, talk with your healthcare provider. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Urinary incontinence is considered a bladder control problem and basically refers to leakage. It is more common in women as they age, but it can also affect young people. There are different types of incontinence. Stress incontinence is the most common type, meaning that leakage usually occurs when a person laughs, sneezes, coughs, or when pressure is applied to the lower abdominal muscles. The other is urge incontinence, which is when you feel you have to go, and this feeling comes on quickly and urgently. Incontinence stems from a wide range of causes, including weakened muscles, infections, hormone imbalance, and nerve damage. Lifestyle choices can also contribute to problems. Alcohol, caffeine, and caffeinated or high-sugar sodas can contribute to dehydration, particularly when they replace adequate water intake.
Kidney Health
Kidney stones are one of the most common and painful disorders. The occurrence of kidney stones is increasing, and they are more common in men than women. I have spoken to several women who have told me they would rather give birth than have another kidney stone. A kidney stone is typically composed of crystals that form in the kidneys. Crystals form for various reasons and are typically composed of chemical elements. The most common types contain calcium combined with oxalate or phosphate.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter the blood as well as they should. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 10 U.S. adults, about 37 million people, are estimated to have CKD. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two major risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, occurs when the kidneys lose most of their ability to remove waste products and excess fluid and to maintain the body’s chemical balance. People with kidney failure may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Lifestyle Solutions for a Healthier Urinary System
- Get fresh air and sunshine
- Drink plenty of pure water throughout the day
- Eat nutritious foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Supplement with nutrients and herbs when you need to or as appropriate
- Exercise regularly and include strength training, stretching, flexibility, and aerobic activity
- Make time for activities that promote healthy sweating
- Get plenty of sleep
- Reduce exposure to environmental toxins by choosing natural personal care and cleaning products when possible
- Create healthy relationships. Emotions and stress can influence our overall well-being.
- Take time for yourself
- Practice prayer or meditation
Foods that are most nourishing for the urinary system are watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, kidney beans, lemons, parsley, celery, cranberries, and asparagus. Calcium and Vitamin D are important for bone and kidney health. Hydrangea has a long history of traditional use by Native Americans for urinary and kidney support. B-complex vitamins, along with Vitamin C, need to be replenished daily because they are water-soluble vitamins.
Stress can increase the body’s nutritional demands. B vitamins and Vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that need to be consumed regularly through the diet. Magnesium is also an important mineral involved in hundreds of processes throughout the body, including muscle and nerve function.
My mother-in-law was on kidney dialysis for over three years. Before beginning dialysis, she had been managing her kidney health for more than five years and made significant dietary changes, including restricting protein and eliminating sugar. She also used KB-C and CoQ10 from Nature’s Sunshine, as well as Kidney Stuff from Golden Standard. This was her personal experience, and dietary and supplement needs can vary considerably for people with kidney disease.
You can take our Brilliant Body Health Assessment to help you determine which body system is in most need of support.
Originally written by Karen Stene Finch. Updated by Mara Gerke, CNHP.