KIDNEYS AND BLADDER PROBLEMS/STONES

People who do not drink enough water can easily develop bladder and kidney disorders due to the heavy concentration of urine that is passed.

Bladder

The bladder aids in the passing of fluid from our body.  So, to remain healthy, it needs water.  The urinary bladder is an organ made up of elastic muscle fibres, which allow it to expand without damage. Normally, the bladder has the capacity to hold up to 750ml of fluid. According to the amount of fluid collected, pressure is brought on the walls of the bladder and, as it increases, this triggers the feeling of needing to pass water, or urinate. A bladder infection (or urinary tract infections, UTI), caused by bacteria getting into the urine, creates the same urge, but often the patient is able to produce only a few drops of water while suffering pain and discomfort.

Drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day will keep the bladder active and bacteria-free.

Kidneys / Kidney Stones

Kidneys are very important to our health.  The kidneys, along with the liver and our urinary tract clear our body of waste materials.  If the kidneys were to stop operating for only two days, it would cause a withholding of metabolic toxins, and then uraemia would set in. The build up of waste products in the urine, would cause metabolic poisoning. 

Build-up of bacteria and proteins can cause crystals to form, which are known as kidney stones.  These are very painful to pass.  Some studies show that dehydration increases the chances of having kidney stones, and drinking plenty of water may prevent the formation of them.

The earlier a person can alter factors that damage the kidneys, the better.  Among the ways to help prevent chronic kidney disease are:

      Maintaining blood pressure at less than 130/85 mm Hg

     Maintain strict blood glucose control in people with

     Maintain healthy levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol and triglycerides

     Stop smoking or using other tobacco products