BENEFITS OF DETOXIFYING YOUR KIDNEYS
• Fewer urinary tract infections
• Less bloating
• Less undereye puffiness
• Less back pain
Your kidneys serve as a first line of defense among detoxification organs. If the kidneys are functioning properly, they reduce the toxic burden on all other organs in your body. The kidneys regulate the body, particularly the water and mineral balance that keeps your cells hydrated. But that’s not all. They also excrete toxins in urine and filter and reabsorb substances like minerals in the urine that your body needs. We often link kidney function to waste excretion, but did you know the kidneys also regulate blood pressure through the secretion of hormones?
WHY SHOULD I DETOXIFY MY KIDNEYS?
The consumption of high animal-protein diets like the Standard American Diet (SAD) makes the role of the kidneys even more important than usual. Unfortunately, these diets make the kidneys work harder as our body tries to metabolize and eliminate these high-protein foods. The kidneys process protein to separate out amino acids for use by the body and to eliminate waste that accumulates from the metabolism of the protein. This includes urea and ammonia, both of which can reach toxic levels if the kidneys can’t handle the protein load. This is a problem with many high-protein diets: you will lose weight at first but begin to suffer symptoms of kidney distress. Over time the weight loss will seem unimportant in contrast to the damage that may have occurred to these important detoxification organs.
Gordon, a middle-aged consultant, came to see me complaining of longstanding back pain. He assumed his back pain was linked to his six-foot-three frame and that few chairs, vehicles, and other elements of life were suited to someone so tall. However, after examining him, I thought there might be other factors at play as well, particularly because he experienced midback pain. In my experience, even if back pain is linked to other factors, kidneys often play a role.
I asked him whether he also experienced frequent urination, a sudden and urgent need to urinate, cloudy urine, or puffiness below his eyes. He indicated that he experienced the former two symptoms on an ongoing basis and the latter two periodically. I shared that I thought his kidneys and urinary tract might need a boost from detoxification. He agreed that he would do the Kidney Flush Weekend and report back after the weekend was over. I outlined the diet, supplements, herbs, exercise, and treatments that I wanted him to follow, and he agreed. I emphasized the importance of drinking more water, which surprised him, considering how much he was already urinating.
Several days later he called me to tell me that he had a significant reduction in the throbbing discomfort, no urgency to urinate but regular urination, and the ability to sit, stand, or drive longer than before and with greater ease and less pain. He also observed that his flexibility was better and that his sleep had improved—both things he never anticipated because he didn’t imagine that they were linked to his kidneys. When I asked him how much less pain he felt he indicated that it had improved by about 50 percent. He admitted that such an improvement shocked him and that he planned to maintain many of the changes he had made with the hope that he could eliminate the pain altogether.
I informed him that he could continue any or all of the food and nutritional supplement changes but that he should alternate some of the herbs he was taking to give his body a break from them periodically. He agreed to use bearberry and buchu tea one week and then cleavers and dandelion leaf tea the following week, alternating them each week afterward. I explained that these herbs have diuretic properties, meaning that they eliminate excess water and bloating from the cells and tissues of the body. Although that is beneficial, it was important that he keep taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure his body obtained sufficient potassium that could otherwise be lost along with the excess water.
He came back to see me six weeks later to share that his back pain was 90 percent improved, with occasional aggravation if he had certain foods like beer or excess sugar. I was impressed that he observed the effects that specific foods had on him, particularly because they usually show up the day after eating them. He explained that having less back pain was motivation enough to keep up many of his newly found healthy habits.
SIGNS OF STRESSED-OUT KIDNEYS
It is a low-risk gamble to say most people have stressed-out kidneys. Lifestyle stress, exercise, cardiovascular disease, genetic weaknesses, infections, kidney stones, and nutrition levels affect the health of these organs. As I mentioned above, most of us eat too much protein (specifically meat) and drink too little water. Kidneys require water like flowers require water. Dehydration is the most common stress our kidneys face. Without sufficient water, the kidneys won’t perform their metabolizing, cleansing, and eliminating functions properly. This is no different from the rest of your body’s organs and cells. Without enough clean water, they will become dehydrated and less capable of keeping you healthy.
Salt can be another kidney stressor. Although some sodium is necessary for proper kidney function, too much can be detrimental. Reducing salt intake and increasing the number of potassium-rich foods you eat will help your kidneys do their job. Although not all salt is bad, most salt that people eat is unbalanced in minerals and is essentially a “dead” food. Natural salt should contain sodium along with other minerals like potassium, but during the processing of salt other minerals are removed. And shockingly, sometimes even sugar is added (but that’s a story for another day). Choose natural salt like unrefined sea salt, which has a gray color. The color reflects the many minerals present other than just sodium. There are other forms of “natural” salt, but I no longer recommend them. Many forms of crystal salt, for example, can contain lead.
Once you’ve switched to a more natural form of salt you should still eat salt in moderation. And, if you have high blood pressure, you definitely need to cut back, contrary to what many nutritionists and doctors are advising people these days. The kidneys are intimately involved in controlling blood pressure, and high blood pressure means excessive amounts of sodium and/or insufficient potassium. If you have high blood pressure, you’ll also want to eat more potassium-rich foods like green vegetables. Almost all vegetables and fruits are sources of potassium, so eating a plant-based diet like the Kidney Flush Weekend should help. However, high blood pressure may be a sign you’ll need to maintain the dietary suggestions for a longer period of time. High blood pressure is not the only sign that you would benefit from a kidney detox.
Signs You Would Benefit from a Kidney Detox
Considering their function, it is not surprising that stressed-out kidneys produce symptoms related to the urinary tract and urination. Bloody, cloudy, or dark-colored urination can all be linked to poor kidney function, as are difficult, frequent or painful urination. Kidney problems are frequently identified with back pain, bloating (including swollen fingers, ankles, and legs), puffiness around the eyes, and chills, fevers, or nausea. Kidney stones are clearly a sign of kidney distress, as is high blood pressure, and serious kidney problems have been linked to both kidney and bladder cancer. Here are some of the symptoms and conditions that are linked to reduced kidney function or a stressed-out urinary tract.
• back pain
• blood in your urine
• cloudy urine
• congestive heart failure
• dark-colored urine
• difficult, frequent, or painful urination
• edema or bloating
• frequent chills, fevers, or nausea
• high blood pressure
• kidney or bladder cancer
• kidney stones
• puffiness around the eyes
• swollen fingers, ankles, legs, and so forth
• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Although there are many symptoms linked to overburdened kidneys and urinary tract, the flip side of this is that when you strengthen these organs and organ system you will likely see improvements in many conditions.
If you’ve had serious health issues, you may need longer than the weekend, particularly if you are experiencing an active or ongoing urinary tract infection. Additionally, you may also benefit from following the Colon Cleanse Weekend, as you’ll want to ensure rapid elimination of any toxins the Kidney Flush Weekend stirs up.
Although I have touched on general nutrition tips that help or hinder kidney health, there are key foods that your kidneys will love as well as foods that will sabotage these important detoxification organs. In this part of the Kidney Flush Weekend we’ll explore the foods to avoid and the best kidney-boosting foods to include in your diet.
Love Your Kidneys Essentials
In addition to the recommendations outlined in Chapter 2, follow these essential guidelines on the Kidney Flush Weekend. Some of the recommendations may overlap, but they are repeated when necessary here in the context of kidney cleansing.
1. Start every morning with a large glass of water with the fresh juice of one lemon. Sorry, Realemon or other bottled lemon juice won’t do; it must be the real deal. If you can’t bear the taste of the lemon water, add a few drops of pure stevia to sweeten it—it will taste like lemonade.
2. Drink three glasses of cranberry juice or cranberry water daily. Cranberries and cranberry juice in sufficient quantities can eliminate harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. Their phytonutrients cause bacteria to lose the ability to cling to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract, forcing them out of the body through urine. Research shows that drinking fifteen ounces of pure cranberry juice daily kills about 80 percent of bacterial growth in the urinary tract.1 If you’re just boosting the kidneys and urinary tract health with this cleanse, you won’t need to keep up the cranberry juice after the three days; however, if you currently have a urinary tract infection or are prone to recurring infections, then you’ll need to keep drinking cranberry juice for at least a month. Use only unsweetened cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail, which is full of sugar. Alternatively, blend a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with two cups of water.
3. Avoid processed, packaged, and prepared foods. Food additives, colors, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, harmful fats, and artificial ingredients require processing by your kidneys, increasing its workload. Eating them during this weekend will simply negate your best efforts. Eliminating these from your diet gives your kidneys and urinary tract a well-deserved break.
4. Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement. The kidneys and urinary tract require many nutrients to detoxify properly. Even a single nutrient deficiency can be harmful and cause a malfunction in detoxification.
5. Avoid eating large meals. Instead, eat small meals made up of plenty of easy-to-digest foods. Your kidneys work tremendously hard to aid digestion. Eating smaller meals frees up energy from digestion for the kidneys to detoxify your body.
6. Eat lots of vegetables. We all know we’re supposed to eat lots of vegetables, but now is the time to actually do it. Considering it is only for three days, this shouldn’t be a problem for anyone. Most of my clients report back that they discover new vegetables and ways of preparing them during the weekend detox that they carry forward throughout their life. Throughout the weekend you can eat vegetables steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, roasted, baked, or raw. Stay clear of fried vegetables.
7. Eat fish or seaweed daily. Fish and seaweed are good sources of an important nutrient called docosahexanoic acid (DHA) that helps quell inflammation in the kidneys and urinary tract as well as elsewhere in the body. You’ll learn more about this essential fat momentarily, but for now keep in mind that you should eat fish or seaweed daily while doing the Kidney Flush Weekend. For fish, opt for a piece about the size of a deck of cards. For seaweed, aim for a tablespoon if you’re using ground or sliced seaweed. If you’re choosing nori sheets, one or two sheets daily is perfect. You can also use hijiki, which typically comes in thin, spaghetti-like strands or kelp, both of which can be rehydrated by soaking in water. Either hijiki or kelp is a great addition to soup. There are many types of seaweed available in health food stores. There are even kelp noodles, which are naturally gluten-free and a delicious, mineral-rich low-carb alternative to high-carb pastas. Kelp noodles are found in the refrigerator section of most health food stores, whereas other types of seaweed are dried and packaged.
8. Eliminate sugar. Sugars of any kind, including fruit sugars and so-called natural sweeteners, feed any bacteria or other microbes lingering in your urinary tract and are best avoided this weekend. Eating them during this weekend will simply negate your best cleansing efforts. It’s best to avoid fruit other than cranberries this weekend too, especially if you have or are prone to urinary tract infections.
9. Eat whole, raw, unsalted nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of protein. Without sufficient protein, various processes that comprise liver detoxification can break down or become impaired. Some of your best options include walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds. The key is choosing raw and unsalted nuts and seeds. Ideally, they are found in the refrigerator section of your health food store.
10. Avoid eating heavy, fatty foods. Heavy, fatty foods bog down all of the digestive and detoxification processes, so they are best avoided this weekend. Avoid margarine, shortening, or commercial oils as well as any foods made with them.
11. Avoid eating for at least three hours before bedtime. Your body needs adequate time during the night to perform its many functions, unimpeded by other bodily processes like digestion. This frees up energy to ensure adequate nutrient absorption for the kidneys and to aid the kidneys in performing their detoxification processes.
12. Drink at least one-half quart or one-half liter (almost the same amount) for every fifty pounds of weight you’re carrying, up to about three quarts or liters. I know this seems like a lot (because it is!), and you may feel like you’re spending your weekend in the bathroom, but water is needed to flush toxins from the body. Without sufficient water, toxins can become absorbed back into the bloodstream, creating a vicious cycle of the kidneys sloughing off toxins, only to have them be reabsorbed into the blood. And try not to drink immediately before or after meals. I know this may be a challenge with all the water you need to drink, but just do your best. Freshly made vegetable and fruit juices count toward your total amount of water. Vegetable juices are preferable to water, as they contain water along with plentiful amounts of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and enzymes. Freshly made fruit juices also contain these beneficial substances but tend to be high in sugars, so they are best consumed in minimal amounts. Canned or bottled vegetable juices are best avoided due to the processing and high amounts of sodium they typically contain. And, of course, cranberry juice or cranberry water count toward your total water intake.
13. Avoid all carbonated water or soda during the Kidney Flush Weekend. The high amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, or phosphoric acid can be hard on the kidneys. Even so-called health beverages like carbonated water are high in the latter substance. This shouldn’t be difficult because the cleanse is only three days, and you’ll be drinking a lot of water, cranberry juice, and possibly some vegetable juices.
Dr. Michelle’s Top Five Kidney-Boosting Foods
You learned about some of the best kidney-boosting foods earlier in this chapter, but here is more information to help you understand the importance of eating these kidney superfoods.
Cranberries and cranberry juice—Cranberries are excellent for your kidneys. I’m not referring to the processed, sugar-sweetened, artificially flavored version you find in most grocery stores; I’m talking about real cranberries—fresh or frozen—as well as real juice without additives. Although you can use dried cranberry and cranberry supplements, the real deal will give you the substances you need to cleanse your kidneys and urinary tract. These little berries are actually an evergreen shrub, although they are frequently grown in water. In addition to high levels of proanthocyanidins that help prevent damaging bacteria from attaching themselves to the lining of the urinary tract, cranberries contain arbutin, which helps draw excess fluid from tissues. This fluid is eliminated through the kidneys.2 As an added bonus, cranberries and cranberry juice help break down fatty deposits that can accumulate in the lymphatic system and form cellulite. Learn more about this topic in Chapter 4, “The Lymphomania Weekend.”
Fish and seaweed—Fatty fish like wild salmon, anchovies, and sardines contain a kidney-protective fat called docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Tuna, mackerel, and swordfish also contain DHA, but I don’t recommend them because they are frequently found to be high in toxins like the heavy metal mercury. Research shows that DHA helps protects the kidneys against toxins and cancer.3 The same study also found that DHA helps to heal stress and injury to the kidneys, particularly when caused by certain toxins. Eat wild salmon daily on the Kidney Flush Weekend. If you don’t like fish, supplement with a DHA (in conjunction with EPA) capsule of 1000mg daily. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can obtain DHA from seaweed or algae, which should be eaten daily or supplemented daily during the Kidney Flush Weekend. Many vegetarians incorrectly think that flax seeds or walnuts will provide DHA; however, these foods contain essential fatty acids but not DHA.
Green tea—If you haven’t started drinking green tea yet, now is the time. It contains potent antioxidants known as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG for short. You don’t need to be able to pronounce it to reap the benefits of this powerful nutrient, poised to be one of the greatest nutritional discoveries of the decade. EGCG has been shown in multiple studies to protect the kidneys and urinary tract from harmful toxins.4 It also protects against inflammation some toxins cause.5 Ideally, drink three cups of green tea daily during your Kidney Flush Weekend. If you don’t like the taste of green tea, try my Green Tea Lemonade recipe at the back of the book—I developed the recipe because I really didn’t like the taste of green tea. Other green tea haters have told me they love this drink. To enhance green tea’s effectiveness, supplement with alpha lipoic acid (see below). The combination has been shown in research to be even more potent.6
Turmeric—Not only do taste buds love curries, but kidneys do too. Exciting research in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry found that the active ingredient in turmeric—a common curry ingredient—curcumin, is effective at reducing inflammation and damage toxins cause to the kidneys. The scientists involved in the study noted that curcumin had a significant effect on kidney function.7 Enjoy turmeric in curries, soups, stews, or on its own in some water. For the latter, add one teaspoon of powdered turmeric to a cup of water. Drink—through a straw if possible, as turmeric can stain your teeth. Its kidney-boosting properties are worth it, though, as it helps prevent toxins from damaging the kidneys. For more ideas check out the recipes in Chapter 10 to discover many delicious foods containing turmeric.
THE SUPPLEMENTS
In this section you’ll discover the best nutrients and herbs that assist the kidneys with detoxification and healing. You don’t need to take all of them—just two or three is great. Reading the following section may give you some insight into which ones might be best for you. Follow the dosage recommendations mentioned later in this section to maximize the kidney-cleansing benefits of your chosen nutrients.
Critical Nutrients for Kidney Cleansing
There are many essential nutrients needed to ensure healthy kidneys. Even a single deficiency can impair proper cleansing or make the urinary tract vulnerable to infection and may result in seemingly unrelated but uncomfortable symptoms.
Most people simply need a high-quality multiple vitamin and mineral with some added vitamin C and probiotics. If you have many of the conditions in the list above, you may need a bit more kidney support. Keep reading to learn whether you might benefit from supplementing with additional nutrients. But don’t worry: the last thing I want is for you to be popping handfuls of supplements; choose the ones that make the most sense for you.
Boost Your Kidneys with Probiotics
Contrary to what most people believe, probiotics, or healthy bacteria, are not just for improving bowel function and digestion; they are also beneficial to restoring healthy function to the kidneys and urinary tract. New research in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that two probiotics are almost as effective as antibiotics at eliminating urinary tract infections from the body.8 But not just any probiotics will do; the specific strains of probiotics known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, taken twice daily on an empty stomach for a year, caused a 51.4 percent drop in harmful E. coli bacteria linked to urinary tract infections. And unlike the antibiotics, there are no harmful side effects of taking the probiotics. And because antibiotic drugs are quite simplistic in chemical structure when compared with probiotics, it’s no surprise that harmful bacteria are able to “figure them out” and become resistant in a surprisingly short time. Harmful bacteria do not become resistant to probiotics.
Choose a probiotic supplement, either in powder or capsule form, that contains Lactobacilli rhamnosus and reuteri. Take two capsules or one-half teaspoon on an empty stomach, about twenty minutes before eating. First thing in the morning is ideal. I take them and then go have my shower and get ready for the day. Many people ask me whether they can just eat yogurt. Although yogurt is beneficial, it rarely provides the strains of bacteria needed for kidney rejuvenation.
Beat Infection with Vitamin C
When it comes to the kidneys and urinary tract, not only does vitamin C give them a boost, but it also inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and others to prevent infections. Take 1000mg five times a day, in divided doses, to boost your kidneys and to help kill any infections in your urinary tract. Because ascorbic acid can be irritating to the bladder, choose calcium ascorbate instead. If you are suffering from a urinary tract infection or are prone to recurring ones, you may need higher doses of vitamin C to sufficiently kill any lingering bacteria—sometimes as much as 10,000 or 15,000mg daily are needed. Don’t worry: there are no ill effects of taking such high doses of vitamin C, particularly when it is taken in doses of 1000 to 2000mg at a time. That’s because vitamin C is water soluble, meaning that any excess is eliminated in your urine. The higher concentration of vitamin C in your urine goes to work killing harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. If you experience loose bowel movements, that means you’ve just surpassed the dose that’s ideal for you and should back down by about 1000mg.
Boost Your Kidneys with Magnesium
Responsible for hundreds of biochemical processes in your body, including various ones involved in healthy kidney and urinary tract function, magnesium is essential during the Kidney Flush Weekend (and even after it is over). A deficiency of magnesium has been linked to kidney stones. According to Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, and author of The Miracle of Magnesium, approximately 80 percent of the North American population are deficient in magnesium.9 I recommend magnesium glycinate. About 800mg daily is ideal during the Kidney Flush Weekend.
Heal Your Kidneys with Alpha Lipoic Acid
One of the most potent healing nutrients is also one of the most underrated. Alpha lipoic acid (or ALA, or sometimes just called lipoic acid) not only functions as a superpowerful antioxidant that is much stronger than most antioxidants; it also recycles other antioxidants to keep them protecting your body against free radical damage much longer than they otherwise could. In other words, it keeps antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E working long after they would have retired. And exciting new research shows that it is especially good at preventing and healing inflammation and damage to the kidneys, particularly when taken along with green tea or its active ingredient, EGCG.10 A typical dose for alpha lipoic acid is 100mg, and green tea extract is 300mg.
More Kidney-Boosting Nutritional Supplements
I recommend a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains vitamins A, C, and E as well as potassium and zinc. Vitamin A helps to heal the urinary tract lining, and vitamin C acidifies urine to prevent stones from forming. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects all your cells, including your kidney cells, from free radical damage. Potassium acts as a kidney stimulant, and zinc slows down crystallization to decrease the likelihood of kidney stone formation.
Herbal Kidney Boosters
As always, Mother Nature provides great herbal remedies for kidney health and welfare. These herbs can be found in the wild, in your backyard garden, and even in your lawn. However, if you’re not an experienced wild-crafter who can recognize the plants, it is best to purchase the herbs you’ll be using from a reputable health food store or herbal supplier. Some of the best herbal kidney and urinary tract cleansers include bearberry, buchu, cleavers, and dandelion.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
An effective kidney and urinary tract cleanser, this herb can also reduce inflammation if it is present in these areas. In addition to helping with infections and kidney stones or gravel, bearberry can also combat vaginal infections and vaginitis. Use only the amount directed below, as larger doses should be avoided because they can cause nausea and vomiting; however, a teaspoon of dried bearberry leaves steeped in a cup of boiling water for twenty minutes will do the trick. You should try to drink a cup of bearberry tea three times a day.
Buchu (Agathosma betulina)
Buchu also makes a great kidney tea. By following the same recipe and dosage for bearberry above, your buchu tea will help increase urinary flow, which in turn will help eliminate toxins from the body. Unlike many other herbs that have healing properties on different parts of the body, buchu has its best results on the kidneys and urinary tract. It is effective against cystitis, prostatitis, burning or painful urination, and urethritis.
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Cleavers, which also goes by the name “goosegrass” or “grip grass,” helps the kidney flush out toxins and waste fluids and reduces the toxic load within the tissues. Although individuals with diabetes or diabetic tendencies should avoid cleavers, others can enjoy it in tea or tincture forms. Two or three teaspoons of the dried herb in boiling water make one cup of tea. Three cups a day will get your kidneys feeling great. If you find cleavers in a tincture form at your health store, follow the instructions up to one teaspoon three times a day.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
These “weeds” are not only one of the best detoxification and healing herbs; they are also nutrient-packed powerhouses containing protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and minerals. The entire plant is edible and medicinal, although you should not eat dandelions if the areas in which they grow have been sprayed with weed killers and other pesticides. If you live in an area where you know the soil is clean and chemicals are not used, you may have a treasure trove of kidney-cleansing dandelions at your disposal.
Dandelion leaves are the best part of the plant for kidney health. The young leaves of the plant are tender and make excellent additions to salads. The root is also effective, but it is more beneficial for liver detoxification and is discussed for that purpose in the Love Your Liver Weekend chapter. One teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of hot water makes an excellent infusion. Like the teas above, drink one cup three times a day. Dandelion is a natural diuretic; however, it contains potassium and calcium to prevent mineral depletion that is so common with pharmaceutical diuretics.
If you have gallstones or obstructed bile ducts, consult with a holistic physician before adding dandelion to your diet.
THE EXERCISE
Leg Sweep and Swing
The Leg Sweep and Swing exercise helps get energy in the kidneys, bladder, and urinary system flowing to flush out toxins, eliminate infection, and to boost their health. This is a simple exercise that is based on a system of yoga called Dahn Yoga, as outlined in the excellent book Meridian Exercise for Self-Healing by Ilchi Lee.11 Perform this exercise once or twice daily during the Kidney Flush Weekend.
To perform the exercise, stand with your feet wide apart. They should be wider apart than your shoulder width. Place your hands behind your back at waist level as shown in Figure 5.1. Take a deep breath in. Bend your body at the hips while dragging your hands down the backs of your legs until you can grasp your ankles. Then gently pull your upper body toward your ankles until your head is between your feet. Don’t worry if you can’t quite reach that far. Don’t strain, but do go a bit farther than is comfortable. Practice makes perfect. Hold this posture for about ten seconds (or longer if you can). Then exhale and return to the starting position. Repeat until you’ve completed this part of the exercise three times.
Now, stand normally with your hands on your waist. Lift your right leg, and flex your foot while keeping your knees straight but soft. Swing your leg forward and backward behind your back twenty times on each leg. See Figures 5.3 and 5.4.
Figure 5.1
Figure 5.2
Figure 5.3
Figure 5.4
Healthy Kidney Meditation
The kidneys not only play a significant role in balancing minerals (sodium and potassium), blood pressure, and even our body’s pH level; they are also connected to the adrenal glands, which are two triangular-shaped glands that sit atop the kidneys and are often called the stress glands because they regulate our reaction to stress but can also become worn down with excessive stress.
Some natural health experts believe that kidney issues can be the result of feeling disempowered and not feeling in control of your life or from not having a say in your life as you were growing up. It can also be linked with setting boundaries, saying “no” to people or obligations in life. Sometimes it is essential to say “no” to do what is best for your health and wellness.
You can heal the kidneys through meditation, making them impermeable to negative influences. Here’s a simple color meditation to boost your kidneys.
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, making sure your back is straight. Take a few moments to get settled, and begin by observing your breath. Is it shallow or deep? Is it strong or weak? Don’t try to force your breathing, but visualize your breath moving into your solar plexus in your stomach, just under your ribs. What do you feel in this area? Is it tight or relaxed? Do you feel nervousness, anxiety, or other emotions held in your body?
Gradually breathe deeper, but don’t force it. Let your breathing deepen slowly and naturally. Visualize life-giving oxygen entering your diaphragm just below your ribs. See toxins leaving this area and your body, floating out into the Universe where they can be recycled. In their place see brilliant yellow light entering your body through your solar plexus region just below your ribs. When it feels right, begin to visualize the yellow light swirling clockwise. Imagine this yellow swirling energy is cleansing your body of all anger, jealousy, stress, and any other emotion that may be holding you back. Now they are replaced by healing and positive feelings of strength, tranquility, peace, and harmony.
Continue doing this meditation for as long as you would like. When it feels right, slowly open your eyes and sit or stand up, remembering to continue breathing deeply as you go about your day. You can perform this meditation repeatedly during the Kidney Flush Weekend or any time you feel like you need a boost of energy or a cleansing of negative emotions. Perform the Healthy Kidney Meditation at least once daily during the Kidney Flush Weekend. You can do this meditation as much as you’d like even after the detox.
Acupressure for Kidney Detox and Healing
As you learned in Chapter 2, there are points along energy pathways that supply the organs in the body with the energy they need to function properly. The points at which these pathways surface are called acupressure points, or acupoints. To supercharge your kidney and urinary tract cleansing efforts, use the acupressure points indicated below.
Apply firm pressure to the points. Hold each one for a minute or two. You can work on both sides simultaneously or do one side at a time, whichever suits you best. For example, Kidney 1 (K1) is located in a slight depression beneath the balls of both feet (as seen in Figure 5.5 below). You can apply pressure to this point on both feet at the same time or hold one at a time if that is easier for you.
I’ve listed four sets of two points. Don’t worry if you’re not sure whether you’re finding the right points—just do your best. If you find points that feel a bit tender, you’ve probably found the points that are needed. If you are pregnant, avoid using the point Stomach 36 (St36) and consult with an acupuncturist before proceeding with acupressure.
You’ll see that the points are grouped in sets of two. Feel free to hold both points at once. For example, you can hold both Liver 1 and Kidney 1 at the same time.
Use the following points:
Liver 1 (Liv1) is located on the edge of the big toe near the bottom corner of the toenail, on the edge near the second toe.
Kidney 1 (K1) is located on the base of the ball of the foot. This point is found in a slight depression.
Then:
Spleen 3 (Sp3) is located on the inside of the foot, at the base of the protrusion behind the big toe.
Kidney 5 (K5) is located just behind the ankle bone, on the inside of the foot.
Then:
Gallbladder 41 (GB41) is located on the top of the foot toward the outside edge, about an inch and a half above the fourth toe (the toe nearest the little toe).
Urinary Bladder 65 (UB65) is located on the outside edge of the foot, about an inch below the base of the little toe.
Figure 5.5
Stomach 36 (St36) is located in the space where the two lower leg bones meet just below and to the outer edge of the kneecap.
Urinary Bladder 54 (UB54) is located toward the outside edge of the base of the knee.
You may be wondering, Why would I use liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach points when I’m trying to boost my urinary tract and kidneys? There are multiple reasons for this.
1. The points often have multiple functions beyond what is evident by the name of the points.
2. The points often intersect a related channel of energy flow and can thereby supply energy to the kidneys and urinary tract.
3. Boosting the strength of another organ or organ system can add support to the kidneys. For example, the liver supports detoxification and must pick up the slack when the kidneys are overwhelmed. Boosting this important organ gives the kidneys added support in dealing with toxins.
THE WEEKEND
You are now quite familiar with the kidneys and urinary tract, the foods that strengthen it, and the nutrients, herbs, exercises, and spa treatments that give it a boost. Here’s where we’ll put the whole program together to make it easier for you.
I’ve outlined a step-by-step approach to the Kidney Flush Weekend detox below. Of course, you can substitute other foods. The schedule and meal plan are just guidelines, so feel free to adjust them to suit your preferences. Just be sure you’ve included the foods, herbs, and essential dietary guidelines into your weekend. If it is easier for you to drink an herbal tea, then feel free to use the Kidney Herbal Tea recipe in the Recipes section. If you drink this tea three times daily, you’ll have met the herbal requirements and won’t need to take additional herbs.
Here’s what your three-day Kidney Flush Weekend will look like:
Days one to three:
Upon rising—Cranberry Pear Juice (page 242), Cranberry Green Tea Lemonade (page 243), or one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries blended with one cup of water. Add a few drops of liquid stevia if you prefer a sweeter-tasting beverage. Wait twenty minutes before eating.
Exercise—leg sweep and swing
Breakfast—Be sure to include some of the kidney-boosting foods mentioned above. Some good options include Kidney Herbal Tea (page 246), Veggie Scramble (page 262), a soft-boiled egg with Lemon-Garlic Greens (page 252), or cooked brown rice with almond milk.
Multivitamin
Optional nutrients
Herb (first dose of selected herbs)
Midmorning—Large glass of water (with lemon if desired), a cup of Kidney Herbal Tea (page 246), or Super-Detoxifying Green Tea Lemonade (page 243)
Snack, such as an apple with almond butter, raw unsalted walnuts, or celery sticks with almond butter or Herbes de Provence Cashew Cheese (page 250)
Acupressure for kidney detox and healing
Lunch—Weekend Wonder Detox Signature Salad (page 258) or other large detoxifying salad topped with seaweed (page 254)
Cranberry Pear Juice (page 242) or Honey-Turmeric Tea (page 247)
Vitamin C
Optional nutrients
Herb (second dose of selected herbs)
Midafternoon—Large glass of water (with lemon if desired), a cup of Kidney Herbal Tea (page 246), or Honey-Turmeric Tea (page 247)
Snack, such as a grapefruit, apple, raw unsalted walnuts, or celery sticks with almond butter
Dinner—Lentil Bowl with a teaspoon of turmeric added (page 263) with Lemon-Garlic Greens (page 252) or Curried Garbanzo Bean and Squash Stew (page 265)
Fresh cup of Kidney Herbal Tea (page 246) or Carrot Celery Juice (page 240)
Herb (third dose of selected herb)
After dinner—Cantaloupe Ice (page 241) or two Pumpkin Spice Drop Cookies (page 267)
Healthy kidney meditation
Before bed—Take some quiet time to turn off the television. Find a quiet place to sit, close your eyes, and take some deep breaths.
Write in the Kidney Flush Weekend Detox Journal (at the end of this chapter)
CONCLUDING THE KIDNEY FLUSH WEEKEND
You just gave your kidneys and urinary tract a wonderful boost, which in turn can help the health of your whole body. Completing the Kidney Flush Weekend is something you should feel proud of.
I encourage you to keep incorporating foods, nutrients, herbs, exercises, or spa treatments into your day-to-day life after the detox is over. Your kidneys help detoxify your whole body, so it is important to continue nurturing them throughout life.
You may wish to do the Kidney Flush Weekend every weekend for a month or one weekend out of every month. The choice is yours. You know your lifestyle and schedule best. Choose the option that works best for you.
If you continue to follow the Kidney Flush Weekend for longer periods, every three weeks just take one week off from any herbs you’re using.
And be sure to try some of the other health-building weekend detoxes I’ve included throughout Weekend Wonder Detox. If you’re still feeling tired and worn out, try the Colon Cleanse Weekend next.
The Grocery List
For easy Kidney Flush weekend prep, print this list and take it with you when you go to your local health food and grocery stores. Remember that not all of the items are essential. Purchase only the foods, nutrients, herbs, and items for the spa treatments you’ve selected.
Foods
Here are the kidney-boosting foods you’ll need. Also, make sure your pantry is stocked with the essential items you learned about in Chapter 2 for any recipes you select.
— cranberries (fresh or frozen)
— cranberry juice (unsweetened)
— fish (wild salmon, anchovies, or sardines)
— seaweed/sea vegetables
— green tea (if you prefer my green tea lemonade, then you’ll also need liquid stevia and lemons)
— turmeric
Nutritional Supplements
— multivitamin and mineral (essential)
— probiotics (be sure it contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri) (essential)
— vitamin C (essential)
— magnesium (optional)
— alpha lipoic acid (ALA—optional)
Herbs Selected
Choose one to three of the following herbs:
— bearberry
— buchu
— cleavers
— dandelion leaves
The Kidney Flush Weekend Detox Journal
You may wish to print off a copy of the journal page to make it easier to complete.
Energy: Rate your energy (from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning complete exhaustion, and 10 meaning abundant energy). Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Pain: Rate your pain levels (from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning none, and 10 meaning unbearable, constant pain). Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Mood: Rate your mood (from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning extremely moody, depressed, angry, or irritable, and 10 meaning extremely happy). Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Weight: Before the detox _____ After the detox _____
Checklist of Kidney-Boosting Foods Consumed
Try to eat at least five a day. Check the ones you ate each day.
Be sure to take the multivitamin, probiotics, and vitamin C each day. Write down any additional nutrients you’ve opted to take throughout the detox. Remember that you don’t need to take all of them. Check off each day you take them.
Selected Herbs
Indicate the one to three herbs you’ve selected to take throughout the detox. Check off each day you take them. Most herbs need to be taken three times daily.
Check off each time you complete the leg sweep and swing. Make sure to do it every day.
Selected Spa Treatment(s)
Check off each time you complete the kidney-boosting spa treatments. It’s not necessary to do both of them, but whichever one(s) you choose, make sure you do it every day.
Observations and Thoughts
