KIDNEYS

Function and structure

Approximately 1.2 litres of blood flow through the kidneys per minute of which about 10% is filtered out. In an average person, this equates to 180 litres of primary urine that is filtered leaving about 1 litre of urine produced each day. The degree of urinary concentration is regulated by the hormone adiuretin. This is formed in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. When there is a lack of liquid, the production of adiuretin is increased. This causes lower amounts of highly concentrated urine in the kidneys, as through the action of adiuretin, water is reabsorbed into the tube system.

Role of the kidneys

• The regulation of the water and electrolyte balance and the acid base balance. The kidneys adapt the production of urine according to the liquid intake and in so doing, compensate for differences in the water balance in the body. Through the maintaining of a balance between salts and liquids, the kidneys can also increase or decrease blood pressure. The most important of the salts here are: sodium; potassium; magnesium; chloride; calcium and phosphate. Hormones are also responsible for the regulation of salt levels, the most important being aldosterone. They control mechanisms ensure that fluctuations in the quantities of liquids and salts in the body are kept to a minimum.
• The kidneys play an important role in maintaining the acid-base-balance. The urine is more or less acidic depending on the levels of acid in the diet and also on the individual metabolism. With purely vegetarian nutrition, only very few acid substances are produced, the urine is then slightly basic (around ph. 8). In the case of very protein-rich nutrition, the urine is strongly acid (around ph. 4.5).
• The excretion of toxic substances such as metabolic waste from the body, for example the degradation products of the protein metabolism. The detoxification performance of the kidneys is based on the fact that the tube system is largely impermeable for the most important end products of metabolism and for exogenous substances such as medicines. Once released into the urine, they are excreted with the urine. Other substances that are important for the body are reabsorbed from the urine back into the blood using a pumping mechanism that requires energy.
• Hormone production. The kidneys are a source of vital signalling substances, for instance they are responsible for production of erythropoietin which stimulates the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. People with kidney disorders often suffer from anaemia, feeling tired and lacking energy. In addition, certain kidney cells produce a hormone important for regulating blood pressure, renin. Another is the “active form” of vitamin D3, calcitriol. This enables more calcium and phosphate to be absorbed in the intestines; it also acts as an important support for the immune defence system.

Urine is a clear, yellowish-coloured liquid that foams when shaken by its minimal protein content. The colour depends strongly on the water content running from pale to dark yellow and this is determined by the degradation products of red blood cells, which are processed into bile pigments in the liver. Some of these dyes are also excreted in the urine.

The kidneys are susceptible to many illnesses, three of which are discussed here:

Renal inflammation is one of the most common. Symptoms include chills, fever, headaches, back pain and shortness of breath. Usually the prospects for recovery are good, but in individual cases there can be a complete kidney failure which will then lead to blood poisoning.

If the concentration of calcium or urine in the blood is too high, kidney stones can form; then, the largest must be broken up by ultrasound or be surgically removed.

Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly become weakened or stop working completely in which event they can no longer clean the blood properly. When this happens, there is an increased accumulation of pollutants and degradation products of the metabolism in the body. Where, as a result of acute kidney failure, there are too many degradation products in the body, this is known as uremia. The accumulation of these so-called substances usually excreted in the urine has a diverse effect on the organism and can lead to oedema or hypertension.

Acute renal failure is not a disease in itself; rather, it is the result of serious basic diseases such as:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Blood poisoning (sepsis)
• Circulatory problems
• Kidney damage caused by toxins, for example medicines
• Complications after major surgery
• Serious infectious diseases
• Urinary drainage disorders.

If acute renal failure is treated in a timely fashion and the causes are eliminated, the long-term prognosis is good. In most cases, the kidneys function normally again and sufferers are free from complaints. In severe cases, when the kidneys do not work at all, blood purification (dialysis) is necessary. This will need to be continued until the kidneys have recovered. Where the kidneys do not resume working properly and this becomes a permanent condition, this is termed chronic kidney failure. In such cases a kidney transplant may be necessary.

Perluetin – phytotherapeutic drainage droplets

Perluetin contains 5 phytotherapeutic mother tinctures, which encourage increased water excretion through the kidneys without burdening the organism through a loss of electrolytes. It can be used to good effect in metabolic disorders where there is an accumulation of fluids and connective tissue weakness with oedema.

Perluetin has the following composition:

1 ml contains

The individual components have the following effects:

Equisetum arvense

Because of the high silica content of the horsetail, equisetum arvense is primarily recommended for its strengthening effect on connective tissue. It promotes a healthy metabolism with good blood circulation and has a haemostatic effect. It also has diuretic, decongestant and immune stimulating properties due to the presence of flavonoids; it thus strengthens the immune system.

Urtica dioica

This is used as a flushing agent in inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract and for the prevention and treatment of kidney semolina.

Herniaria glabra

Known as green carpet, herniaria glabra is used to treat and prevent kidney and lower urinary tract disorders (promoting a good filtration rate) and has an antimicrobial effect against: uropathogenic E. coli bacteria; diseases and conditions of the respiratory tract; neuritis; gout and rheumatism. It is also used for “blood-cleansing”.

Solidago virgaurea

The diuretic effect of the golden rod is attributed to the presence of saponins. In addition, the solidago extract reduces the permeability of the vessel walls and at the same time causes an increase in vascular resistance. Anti-inflammatory, mild spasmolytic and analgesic properties based on the quantities of leiocarposides and virgaureosides are also demonstrated.

Petroselini e seminibus

Parsley fruits are used in diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal, kidney and urinary tracts; they also promote healthy digestion.

Indications

Increased excretion of water, especially in connection with metabolic disorders and connective tissue weaknesses with oedema.

Side effects

No side effects are known when the correct dosage is followed.