HEAL.thing101

During one of our recent HEAL.th and WELL.ness classes, we did an intro to the urinary system. It was a part of our "Whats the message" series.

Yes that's a HVAC filter that was used as a prop. There was a message here.

Your urinary system is one of the most underrated detox systems in the body. Every single day, it filters your blood, balances your fluids, regulates minerals, stabilizes blood pressure, and eliminates metabolic waste — quietly, efficiently, and continuously.

When it’s flowing well, you feel clear, energized, and balanced. When it’s struggling, the body whispers… and eventually shouts.

I'm taking a moment to explore a little deeper about this sacred system in the body, what urinary imbalances look like, and how to support it naturally.

Let's get this out of the way FIRST.

Disclaimer:

We are not medical doctors and this information is for educational purposes only.

The urinary system is made up of four primary parts: Kidney, Ureters, Bladder and the Urethra

1. Kidneys – The Master Filters

Your two bean-shaped kidneys that sit just below your ribcage on either side of your spine. Their main job is to:

•Filter waste and toxins from the blood

•Regulate fluid balance

•Balance electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium)

•Maintain acid–alkaline balance

•Help regulate blood pressure

•Stimulate red blood cell production

Inside each kidney are over a million tiny filtration units called nephrons. These microscopic structures filter your entire blood supply multiple times per day.

2. Ureters – The Transport Tubes

Once urine is formed, it travels down narrow tubes called ureters into the bladder.

3. Bladder – The Storage Vessel

The bladder stores urine until it’s convenient to release. A healthy bladder can hold about 1.5–2 cups of urine.

4. Urethra – The Exit Pathway

The urethra carries urine out of the body when you urinate.

Do you know what the actual process is? No worries. I'll share the basic flow of things.

Blood enters the kidneys through the renal arteries. 👉🏾Nephrons filter out waste, excess minerals, and extra water.👉🏾Essential nutrients are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.👉🏾

The remaining waste becomes urine.👉🏾

Urine travels through ureters to the bladder.👉🏾

The bladder signals fullness 👉🏾You urinate.

This process keeps your internal environment clean and stable — a state known as homeostasis.

In the face diagnostic class, I shared the areas that the body may tell you something is happening in the urinary system. Urinary issues are common but not normal. Here are some signs your system may need support:

●Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)...

Common symptoms:

Burning when urinating

Frequent urge to urinate

Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Pelvic discomfort

Blood in urine

If left untreated, infections can travel upward to the kidneys.

●Kidney Stress or Dysfunction...

Symptoms may include:

Lower back pain (mid-back, near ribs)

Swelling in feet or face

Fatigue

Foamy urine

Dark or very concentrated urine

●Bladder Irritation...

Urgency with little output

Painful bladder pressure

Leakage or incontinence

Nighttime urination

Elevated blood pressure

●Dehydration (remember the H²0 formulation)...

Dark yellow urine

Strong odor

Dry skin

Headaches

Constipation

Fatigue

●Kidney Stones...

Symptoms:

Severe back or side pain

Nausea

Painful urination

Blood in urine

Often linked to mineral imbalance and inadequate hydration.

Start looking at your Urine!

Why would some of these "messages" occur?

Happy you asked!

~Chronic dehydration

~High sodium intake

~Excess processed foods

~Blood sugar imbalance

~Recurrent antibiotic use

~Poor hygiene (we didn't talk about this but how you wipe is VERY important! )

~Hormonal shifts

~High stress (affects adrenal–kidney axis)

Now... here's a few natural remedies that may offer some support.

💦Hydration — Foundational Medicine

Water dilutes urine, flushes bacteria, and reduces stone formation.

Tip: Add a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt or a splash of lemon to improve absorption.

🌿 Uva Ursi (Bearberry)

Traditionally used for urinary tract infections. Contains arbutin, which supports antimicrobial activity in the urinary tract.

Best used short-term.

🌱Dandelion Leaf

A gentle diuretic that increases urine output without depleting potassium. Supports kidney filtration and fluid balance.

🌿 Corn Silk

Soothes irritated urinary tissues and reduces inflammation.

Excellent for burning urination

🌿 Marshmallow Root

Demulcent herb that coats and calms inflamed urinary tissue.

Ideal for bladder irritation.

🌿 Nettle Leaf

Supports kidney detoxification and mineral replenishment.

🫐Cranberry contains compounds that help prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. (I know that's not the color of cranberries. )

Important: Choose unsweetened juice or capsules. Sugar feeds bacteria.

Supporting Electrolyte Balance is important when it comes to regulating kidney health.

These minerals are key players:

Sodium

Potassium

Magnesium

Focus on:

Coconut water

Leafy greens

Avocado

Sea vegetables

Avoid excessive processed salt and soda.

Did you know that high blood sugar can also stress the kidneys? Support them with cinnamon, berberine-containing herbs like Oregon Grape or Goldenseal and eat balanced meals with protein (not ton of animal protein) and fiber.

I didn't share this one in class but it's a favorite!

Castor Oil Packs

Placed over the kidney area, castor oil packs may support circulation and lymphatic movement.

There may be some times when white-coat therapy is REQUIRED. Natural remedies support health — but immediate medical care is needed if you experience:

Fever with urinary symptoms

Severe back pain

Blood in urine

Inability to urinate

Persistent symptoms beyond a few days

Kidney infections can become serious quickly.

Let me repeat something. Look at your urine! At least the first release of the day. It should not be water clear. Remember the filter? If you remove your filter after 30 days, and it's not dirty, something could be going on with that system.