The kidneys tire in silence: early signs that tests don't show

THE FIRST SIGNS
The earliest is slight puffiness under the eyes, especially in the morning. Sometimes it is so faint that it causes no concern at all. Then come fatigue, heaviness in the body, mild swelling towards evening — usually blamed on age or on "a desk job." And yet it is the kidneys that show first that the blood is being cleansed less efficiently.

What overloads the kidneys

Animal protein in excess is the main source of acid waste that the kidneys have to remove. Sugar and salt hold water back and interfere with proper cleansing. A shortage of clean water forces the kidneys to work with "thick" material. The simpler the diet, the easier it is for the kidneys to carry the excess out of the body.

Three steps to unburden them

• Water. Warm in the morning, by thirst during the day, before meals rather than with them. The kidneys cleanse the blood with water — without it they have nothing to work with.
• Less animal protein and salt. At least for the period of unburdening, replace some of your meat meals with vegetable ones; cut back on ordinary salt, using lemon juice or Celtic salt instead.
• Warmth. The kidneys love warmth: don't sit on cold surfaces, keep your lower back covered, and take a warm bath in the evening.

Zalmanov advised cleansing the kidneys two or three times a year — important both for the sick and for the relatively healthy. I describe the full method in my books; it is done calmly, step by step, and under a doctor's supervision.

The kidneys and blood pressure

The kidneys and arterial pressure are directly connected: when the kidney vessels thicken and the blood flow through them drops, the body raises the overall pressure to "force" filtration through. That is why stubborn hypertension is a reason to think not only about the heart but about the kidneys too. Unburden the kidneys, and it becomes easier for blood pressure to stay in the normal range.

The eyes as an indicator

Naturopathy looks at the iris of the eye: an experienced iridologist sees the first kidney changes long before any test does. But even without iridology you have a mirror: morning puffiness under the eyes, bags, dark circles despite normal sleep — this is your kidneys talking to you. Don't silence them with diuretic teas taken at random: they squeeze the water out without removing the cause.

Warm baths for the kidneys

Zalmanov restored blood flow to the kidneys with warmth: a warm bath at 36–37 degrees for 10–15 minutes in the evening relaxes the vessels and makes filtration easier. After the bath, go straight into the warmth, no draughts. Keep your lower back covered in any weather: short jackets in autumn are a gift not to fashion but to the nephrologist.

A word of caution

If you already have sand, stones or a diagnosed kidney disease, check any change of diet and any procedure with your doctor.