Urinary System

The urinary system works as a filter, removing toxins and wastes from the body through urine. It uses a series of tubes and ducts to pass this waste. These tubes are connected to the blood vessels and digestive system. the urinary system helps the rest of the body work properly.

Urinary System

Parts of the Urinary System

The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra make up the urinary system. They all work together to filter, store and remove liquid waste from the body. Here’s what each organ does:

  • Kidneys: These organs work constantly. They filter the blood and make urine, which the body eliminates. You have two kidneys, one on either side of the back of the abdomen, just below the rib cage. Each kidney is about as big as the fist.
  • Ureters: These two thin tubes inside the pelvis carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
  • Bladder: the bladder holds urine until you’re ready to empty it (pee). It’s hollow, made of muscle, and shaped like a balloon. the bladder expands as it fills up. Most bladders can hold up to 2 cups of urine.
  • Urethra: This tube carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It ends in an opening to the outside of the body in the penis (in men) or in front of the vagina (in women).

Functions

The urinary system filters the blood to get rid of what the body doesn’t need. It eliminates extra water and salt, toxins, and other waste products. Different parts of the urinary system perform tasks including:

  • Filtering blood.
  • Separating the toxins you don’t need from the nutrients you do need.
  • Storing and carrying urine out of the body.

Diseases

Many conditions can affect the ureters, kidneys, bladder and urethra. Infections, diseases, or problems can appear at birth or develop as you get older. Some common urinary disorders are:

  • Infections: Urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause issues in the kidneys, urethra, or bladder. These infections occur when bacteria or viruses enter the urinary tract through the urethra. the doctor can prescribe medication to treat an infection.
  • Structural problems: Sometimes babies are born with birth defects that affect the way their urinary tract is formed. These abnormalities can cause urine to back up in the kidneys and cause infection. Later in life, a bladder prolapse can occur after pregnancy or as women age. A prolapsed bladder drops into the vagina or hangs out of the vaginal opening. Sometimes structural issues need surgery to repair the issue.
  • Kidney stones: These masses form when waste products in urine clump together. Kidney stones or ureteral stones (kidney stones that move to the ureter) can cause severe pain and block the flow of urine. the doctor may use ultrasound (sound waves) to break the stones into tiny pieces so they’re easier to pass.
  • Urination problems: Loss of bladder control, or urinary incontinence (leakage), causes urine to leak a little or a lot. Urinary incontinence most often occurs in women, usually after pregnancy or later in life. It can be worse when you cough, laugh, sneeze or jump. Overactive bladder happens when you feel the sudden urge to urinate often. Medications can help treat these conditions.
  • Urinary tract obstruction: Growths or cancerous tumours in the abdomen can affect the flow of urine. In men, an enlarged prostate (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) can block the ureter so it’s harder to urinate. BPH can be treated with medications or surgery. Other causes of ureteral obstruction include pregnancy and gastrointestinal (GI) issues like Crohn’s disease.
  • Kidney disease: The most common causes of chronic kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. Managing blood pressure and blood sugar is crucial to lowering the risk of kidney disease. A genetic condition called polycystic kidney disease causes fluid-filled cysts to form inside the kidneys. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®), may damage the kidneys. Overdoses of almost all medicines — prescription and over-the-counter — can cause the kidneys to work too hard when filtering waste, which can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
  • Interstitial cystitis: Also called painful bladder syndrome, this condition causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) in the bladder. Medications and physical therapy can improve the symptoms of painful bladder syndrome

Detoxing The Urinary System

  • Regularly hydrating can help flush out the toxins from the kidneys.
  • Eating grapes, cranberries,, seaweed and calcium rich foods can improve kidney health.
  • Drinking kidney cleansing teas like Hydrangea and Sambong.